Hi! My name is Kris. Thanks for visiting! I was born...maybe I'll start a little later- I don't think you would have time for a full bio. I have been active for as long as I can remember. (I'm sure, I was active before then also, but well,I don't remember.) It was probably around age 9 or 10 when I started to channel all that abundant random energy, to something constructive.(To my mother's great satisfaction, I might add ). Basketball, martial arts, track and field were my first interests and they stuck with me thru high school. I started lifting weights when I was 14. I recall I wanted to be as big as Arnold Schwarzenegger and as fast as Bruce Lee. And how'd that go, you ask. I am still workin’ on that... But seriously, after a while I started noticing a difference in my
explosiveness off the blocks, my speed in Tae Kwon Do and my ability to hold my ground in basketball. At that point I did not give it much thought, but today I am convinced, that working with weights is the best gateway to excellence in any discipline. Obviously the approach is going to be different according to the field and your goals but that's where a qualified trainer comes in. More on that later. In this field it is important to know what works, but it is even more important to know WHY it works. To find that out I have extensively studied human anatomy and kinesiology (the study of human movement). It would be difficult to fix a car if you didn't know how the parts fit together. It would be impossible to safely and efficiently train any muscle, if you don't know its proper articulation and its limitations. I promised to try to keep this short, but apparently I'm only having limited success with that. So, instead I'll just add a few pics that illustrate my idea of the "active lifestyle" and my love of the outdoors, be it hiking, climbing, mountain biking, water sports or skiing. I will also add a few dynamics that might be helpful in deciding whether a trainer is a good fit for you. I am not saying, that it's going to be me, but I am sure there is one out there. So stay active!
Personality
In my opinion, probably the single most important factor to consider when looking for a personal trainer would be his or her personality and whether it is compatible with what you expect and value in a fitness professional. If you feel uncomfortable with a workout plan, or its presentation, the qualifications of the trainer can rarely overcome that deficiency and still guide you successfully towards your goals.
Qualifications
I recommend that you always inquire about the trainer’s qualifications and accreditation of his or her certification. Some Personal Training “Certificates” are available online for a nominal fee and will be issued after completing and mailing in the home study “exam”. Some big gyms also offer their trainers "in house" certification, which on most occasions consists of following the "established" trainers around and taking notes.Needless to say, these “certificates” are not nationally accredited.
I received my certification through NETA (National Exercise Trainers Association). NETA provides extensive hands-on training and requires a successful completion of their on site certification exam which covers knowledge of Exercise Physiology, Anatomy , Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Nutrition, Fitness Assessment and Programming to name a few. NETA also requires all trainers to hold a current CPR certification, which I have received trough American Red Cross.
Ps. I promise to cut back on my quotation mark use in the future.
Leadership and Experience
Another aspect to consider is communication and leadership- It is not only important for a trainer to have the ability to deliver and gather information in a clear and concise manner, but also the ability to listen and adjust to your suggestions and preferences, making your sessions more enjoyable and satisfying. Also, it goes without saying, that mastering the theory of personal training alone does not necessarily amount to a successful program and replace years of hands-on experience at the gym, implementing and fine tuning that knowledge to an efficient and safe workout.
Fitness
I think that a personal trainer must be in top shape himself in order to maintain credibility in his training philosophy and methods as well as his own commitment to the healthy living ideas that he promotes. It is difficult to lead by example and provide motivation for your clients when your own fitness level is questionable. At this point I would like to commend you for making it through this "short" introduction and you can now consider your cardio done for today! :) Just kidding. There can never be too much cardio. Unless you work for the postal service. I'm sure you still have quite a few questions and I hope I can address them at your free consultation. I would like to reiterate, that the consultation is actually a venue to come up with answers to your questions, not a sales meeting. With absolutely no obligation. So I hope to hear from you soon!