Exercise and Conditioning
Last month we began to discuss the importance of exercise in being one of the 3 keys to life, in addition to chiropractic and nutrition. North America has been obsessed with sick care for far too long, it has forgotten that we are trying to achieve healthcare, not symptom removal care. When the body weakens and has decreased cellular function, it leads to much higher chances and susceptibility to disease. What are the major killers in our society? Heart disease, stroke, diabetes. Chronic problems such as depression, obesity, anxiety, fatigue, lack of sleep, decreased sex drive, etc. These are virtually preventable diseases and are usually a result of stress and lifestyle!
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We would like to introduce Maki Riddington of Dynamicconditioning.ca to help explain how exercises can affect the body: |
- How important is exercise?
The fact that North Americans don't exercise has forced an extreme makeover upon our health systems. In 2005 it was estimated that well over 60% of Americans are obese. In Canada, the obesity rate is much lower, sitting at 23%. The International Obesity Task Force estimates a whopping 300 million people worldwide are suffering from obesity and another 750 million are overweight.
How important is exercise? From a weight-loss perspective the answer to this question will focus on some sort of physical activity, from thirty minutes to an hour, 3-5 times a week. Think of an exercise, not as a chore, but rather, as a guaranteed investment that has a return which will extend and increase the quality of your life.
- Why do people need to exercise?
People need to exercise like they need to clothe and feed themselves. It's an essential part of life. Many people, nonetheless, don't recognize their body's current state of dysfunction. However, once they start to exercise on a regular basis, they soon realize just how important the routine is for the mind and the body, and how much it can improve their quality of life.
- How do chiropractic and exercise work together?
Unfortunately, exercise alone cannot heal all our bodily ailments. Postural deviations, soft tissue imbalances, flexibility and job/family stress factors can also contribute to the level of discomfort we face on a daily basis. To find relief from these kinds of dysfunction, we should seek out other qualified professionals to help keep our bodies working in an optimal state of balance--between being pain free and gaining strength levels in the body.
The neck and lower back areas tend to be problematic for the general population. This could be the result of poor posture or the build-up of day-to-day stress. Having the spine manipulated by a chiropractor can relieve the body, and reduce pain and tightness in these areas. Chiropractic treatment supplemented by the appropriate exercise routine can keep the body pain-free as it is being strengthened.
- What should a person look for when selecting a personal trainer?
If a potential client is going to be working with a trainer on a long or even a short-term basis, here, in no particular order, are five qualities they should consider when searching for a personal trainer:
a. Personality. Quite simply, if you do not click with the trainer during the initial consultation, then you most likely will not enjoy your training and get the results you desire. You can be the most qualified trainer to get the job done, however if you lack the personality chances are the way in which you communicate will not be as effective because the client is not receptive to you as a person.
b. Is the trainer working part-time or a full time? Many trainers who work part-time have a full time job that pays the bills and feeds their families. A trainer who makes a living solely from training/coaching is going to be dedicated to the field that occupies their working day. It shows commitment and testifies to their level of success as a trainer.
c. What is their academic or educational background? Do they have the appropriate degree or diploma, or certification? Do they have the relevant experience? While a degree indicates that the trainer has been exposed to a wealth of information about exercise and fitness, it doesn't automatically ensure the trainer's competence. Though some of the most successful trainers have never finished school, it is imperative that fitness professionals be involved in an effort to better themselves through the pursuit of continuing or higher education.
d. Does the trainer just talk the talk or do they, in fact, walk the walk? A trainer has to practice what they preach. Some trainers who enter the world of fitness management forget what it's like to make sacrifices in the pursuit of physical goals. Comfortable when giving out instructions, they are slow to step up and lead by example. You wouldn't hire someone overweight to help you lose body fat, nor would you hire a strength coach who never lifts weights!
e. What is the trainer's philosophy, style or approach to the training of their client? This will ultimately determine how you will be trained. You'll want someone who listens (this is VERY important). You don't need to hear about how many pro bodybuilders they've trained, or the names of their celebrity clients. Avoid trainers who employ the whole military shtick because if they are a retired Green Beret and you are a Working Mom, there will likely be a compatibility problem. On the other hand, you aren't going to achieve your training goals without EFFORT, so don't just settle for someone who is afraid to make you work. Look for a trainer who is motivated and conscientious. You will know, early in the interview, if they are going to make the workout all about them, or all about you.
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