Let’s do it one-on-one

Every year millions of Americans make fitness and diet resolutions going into whichever new year. And every January, gyms across the country see surges in memberships. The gym floors are most crowded through February, with the crowds dwindling by March, and often being fairly lightly used by the summer and fall. Of course, by winter’s extended holidays there really isn’t much point trying to play catch up, is there?

Fitness should be a lifestyle, not a habit. It is also a skill with its own body of knowledge. And, because of this, exercisers who do not have know how to work out safely and successfully; those who have busy lives; and those who have not made fitness a lasting priority, will often fall off their well-intended regimens, mired in ineffectiveness.

How then does the average person achieve improvements in body composition (body fat percentage versus lean tissue), endurance and self-esteem? Call a professional. When your pipes are clogged, you call a plumber. When your stomach hurts, you call a doctor. And, when you need help improving your fitness, you call a trainer.

There is a great deal to consider before hiring a trainer for the long haul. You need to know that your trainer will be able to give you the results you need for your personal improvement and empowerment. It is imperative to do the same amount of homework choosing a trainer as you would a mechanic, lawyer or real estate broker.

You can catch the rest of this Print Edition Exclusive from guest writer Kelvin Jacques, his exploration of personal fitness training and his profile of Fitness Together – Dilworth in South End Charlotte in our Jan. 9 – Jan. 22 print edition. Pick one up at any of our hundreds of distribution points across the Carolinas.