Building a Better Editor: Fitness pitfalls
This is the third in a series of posts detailing Editor Trevor J. Adams’s get-fit project, currently underway with GoodLife Fitness. …
Building a better you
By Trevor J. Adams | Jan 31, 2012Local fitness buffs, trainers, gurus and insiders to share advice and trends.
Best fitness trend
- Zumba continues to be a super popular option, as does any dance-based type of class. Fun, upbeat, group exercises remain up there as top trends. – T.L. Bonnar, fitness coordinator, Canada Games Centre, Halifax
- TRX training (as GoodLife calls it) or a full body strength workout using straps and body weight. It’s great for those who are in shape and looking for an extra push or challenge. – Nikki Gillingham, athlete and fitness columnist
- Dance-based fitness like Zumba classes. So much fun you can almost forget you’re exercising. Plus, with a fun crowd of people it feels more like party-time than workout time! – Melissa Millar, owner of Motiva Wellbeing and Fitness
- I don’t know if it counts as being new but I’d have to say incorporating kettlebells into your workout. The kettlebell swing is one of the best exercises for both fat loss and improving your cardio-vascular capacity. – Steve Dinn, training to become an Agatsu Kettlebell instructor
- Core training and functional fitness. – Annie Pichette, owner of Nature to Nurture Fitness
- Companies of all sizes will be implementing health and wellness programs into the work place. Employees should check with their employer to find out about any opportunities. – Kyle Samson, personal trainer
Most over-rated fitness trend
- Any kind of fitness-fad equipment! There’s so many of them, like slide training boards. You don’t need them! Use weights, walk, run, swim, sign up for a cleanse, take group classes. They are far more efficient. – T.L. Bonnar, fitness coordinator, Canada Games Centre, Halifax
- Most overrated workout trend is Zumba. Most people aren’t doing more than jumping around and swinging their hips and arms because they can’t remember or follow the steps. If you want to dance, join a dance club. – Nikki Gillingham, athlete and fitness columnist
- My least favorite new fitness trend are the “fitness” shoes that are being marketed a lot right now. They are just a way to get people to spend more money on something they really don’t need. – Melissa Millar, owner of Motiva Wellbeing and Fitness
- The most over-rated fitness trend is definitely Zumba. It just doesn’t put me in the frame of mind I need for a good workout. It reminds me too much of aerobics classes from the ‘80s. People cheering and dancing in time doesn’t make me want to push harder; it makes me want a margarita. – Steve Dinn, training to become an Agatsu Kettlebell instructor
- Zumba! – Annie Pichette, owner of Nature to Nurture Fitness
- Certain programs, products and dietary supplements claim to give people the ability to achieve their goals in a short period of time with little to no effort. Anything worthwhile is usually difficult and takes time. There are no short cuts. – Kyle Samson, personal trainer
Helpful advice
- Join a fitness centre, enroll in group fitness classes, recruit a friend for motivation. There’s no better feeling and motivator than having the support of others. – T.L. Bonnar, fitness coordinator, Canada Games Centre, Halifax
- Find a fitness regimen you enjoy, to help motivate you. And second, eat clean and healthy. No amount of sweating or sit-ups will get you the results you’re looking for if you don’t choose a diet to complement. – Nikki Gillingham, athlete and fitness columnist
- You must change the way you think. Losing weight or getting healthy in some other capacity is not about a short-term change like starting a diet or quitting smoking. You must make a commitment. – Melissa Millar, owner of Motiva Wellbeing and Fitness
- I wish people would realize that “a diet” should not be something you go on until you reach your weight goal (or simply give up on it) and then relapse into the same crappy eating habits. If you can’t sustain a diet for the long term, then what’s the point? – Steve Dinn, training to become an Agatsu Kettlebell instructor
- Set realistic goals. Variety is the key! – Annie Pichette, owner of Nature to Nurture Fitness
- Develop a team who can assist you in achieving your goals. This team could include a personal trainer, physiotherapist, nutritionist etc. Using your new team, develop a plan that will take you step by step toward your goals. – Kyle Samson, personal trainer
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Building a better me
As we started writing about fitness for this issue, we decided it was time for the editor to walk the walk. At age 36, I’m in OK shape, but my physique is showing the effects of years of working behind a desk. I weigh about 215 pounds, which the doctor says is at least 35 pounds too many. With a history of diabetes and heart disease in my family, I’ve let this go on too long. I’ll be working with Ryan Saranchuk and his team at GoodLife Fitness in Park Lane. Follow along on my blog at Halifaxmag.com for regular updates on my progress. —Trevor J. Adams
CORRECTION: Due to an editing error, the version of this story that ran in the January/February 2012 print edition misstated Melissa Millar’s pick for “over-rated fitness trend.” She actually chose Zumba for “best fitness trend.” Halifax Magazine regrets the error.
I think everyone needs to start to incorporate yoga into their fitness regime. It’s way tougher than you think, and also makes you way tougher. I’ve done all types of fitness in my life, but have never found anything as awesome as yoga. What is it that you want? Yoga can probably help you get it. Plus, I’m a big believer in Group Fitness. With yoga, you get the same benefits of Group Fitness (without the cheering).