As of today (2/7/09), according to a local news website, the official number of H1N1 flu cases in Singapore stands close to 800.
This is indeed a tremendous jump from barely a few weeks ago, when our confirmed cases could easily be counted on one's hand.
However, on hindsight, this jump in cases is hardly surprising ; considering Singapore's compact land space and dense population - factors which promote viral transmission.
Understandably, quite a number of people in the country are getting increasingly worried about the rising number of infections, and many are sure to be wondering when they would even be the next victims.
Incidentally, I happened to overhear a conversation recently, where a well-dressed, middle-aged lady was telling her friend how she was now avoiding her "neighbourhood gym", for fear of contracting the flu virus from any member of the facility.
Frankly, I was pretty amused when I heard this, as the conversation was taking place - ironically - at a CROWDED taxi stand, located at a CROWDED shopping complex, on a typically-CROWDED weekend!
Obviously, to this lady, waiting for a cab at a crowded taxi-stand, after a shopping spree in a crowded building ( and she must have shopped quite a bit - as evidenced by the large number of shopping bags at her feet) on a crowded weekend constitutes LESS Of A Risk than going to a neighbourhood gym - which by all accounts, would NOT even come close to the human density and human proximity seen at that location on that particular day !!!)
I'm pretty sure she is NOT alone in having this "warped" perception, as there've been quite a number of related accounts of such human inconsistencies and ironies during this period- albeit in different contextual situations and occasions.
Despite repeated statements from the Singapore Health Ministry and other Health Experts around the world, that staying FIT is one of the BEST defences against the flu virus, many are still unconsciously ENACTING out their own ignorance and unfounded fears, at the expense of regular exercise and physical activity.
Of course, one would still need to adopt common-sense precautions in keeping the bug away, but in all reality, carrying-on with one's exercise routine, and staying physically active, are by far, the BEST recommendations for boosting one's own immune system.
Together, let's all do our part: to lead by example, and to encourage our loved ones, friends, colleagues, neighbours and acquaintances to GO ON WITH THEIR LIVES: to continue with their workouts, to keep going for their group exercise classes, and/or to continue meeting-up with their personal trainers - without giving in to irrational fears; BUT at all times maintaining and upholding their personal and social responsibilities.
With this approach, we would not only be able to maintain a semblance of continuity in our lives, but also arm ourselves with an excellent EDGE at keeping the virus at bay.
Working out, anyone?
Yours-In-Fitness
Rick Wong
Fitness Consultant, Singapore
http://www.singaporefitnessnetwork.com/
http://www.body-by-rick.com/
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Are We In The Midst Of A Fitness Crisis?
2009 - the year that is rocking the world with the worst Global Financial Crisis in decades, and a looming Nuclear Catastrophe ( a la North Korea) .
From a fitness perspective, we seem to be also approaching a crisis of sorts : the Fitness Battle between the Old School Philosophy Of Hard Training and Dietary Discipline versus the New School Philosophy Of Instantaneous Gratification ( via the pseudo-medical approach of chemical/medical/surgical interventions).
In recent times, the Media has played a large role in bringing to our attention the latest scientific and medical advances that seem to promise all of us - the "physique/figure of our dreams" with a mere pop of a pill, or from a single slice of a surgeon's knife, or even from a few seconds exposure to a focused beam of laser.
With all due respect to the scientists, doctors and inventors in our communities, I simply don't think we need another "tool" or "drug" to help our fellow beings get into shape without encouraging them to break even a drop of sweat.
It is one thing to want to look good and get into great shape ; but it is another to want to do it via questionable 'shortcuts' which have absolutely ZERO fitness benefits.
And as documented research has proven time and again that there is simply NO fitness value ( whether cardiovascular, muscular, neurological, metabolic or otherwise) when one opts to go under the knife or pay for any of those"instantaneous" ways to have a nice-looking figure. In fact, all one gets is pure SUPERFICIAL or COSMETIC change to one's body with ZERO fitness or health value!!
Yet try telling the above to the young housewife desperate to look like the next Angelina Jolie, or to the young teen who wants minimum body fat to show off his "Six-Pack" - and you know we're really facing a Gigantic battle bordering on issues that have serious moral and social implications.
Personally, my stand has always been clear - for overall health, fitness and yes, even aesthetic benefits , nothing beats the tried-and-tested formula of good, old scientific training and dietary discipline. Given time, space and the requisite effort , it is bound to reap rewards - period.
However, in the very rare event that results are NOT forthcoming AND serious self-esteem issues are encountered DESPITE all the efforts put into training, diet and even mental focus, then, and only then, should one consider other options - and that should be done after careful discussion with ones' primary health provider and after comprehensive psychological assessments.
Positive aesthetic changes are always welcome, but ONLY if they are accompanied by other more beneficial changes to one's heath and fitness.
If not, then I'm afraid it's all for naught.
Yours Sincerely,
Rick Wong
http://www.body-by-rick.com/
http://www.singaporefitnessnetwork.com/
From a fitness perspective, we seem to be also approaching a crisis of sorts : the Fitness Battle between the Old School Philosophy Of Hard Training and Dietary Discipline versus the New School Philosophy Of Instantaneous Gratification ( via the pseudo-medical approach of chemical/medical/surgical interventions).
In recent times, the Media has played a large role in bringing to our attention the latest scientific and medical advances that seem to promise all of us - the "physique/figure of our dreams" with a mere pop of a pill, or from a single slice of a surgeon's knife, or even from a few seconds exposure to a focused beam of laser.
With all due respect to the scientists, doctors and inventors in our communities, I simply don't think we need another "tool" or "drug" to help our fellow beings get into shape without encouraging them to break even a drop of sweat.
It is one thing to want to look good and get into great shape ; but it is another to want to do it via questionable 'shortcuts' which have absolutely ZERO fitness benefits.
And as documented research has proven time and again that there is simply NO fitness value ( whether cardiovascular, muscular, neurological, metabolic or otherwise) when one opts to go under the knife or pay for any of those"instantaneous" ways to have a nice-looking figure. In fact, all one gets is pure SUPERFICIAL or COSMETIC change to one's body with ZERO fitness or health value!!
Yet try telling the above to the young housewife desperate to look like the next Angelina Jolie, or to the young teen who wants minimum body fat to show off his "Six-Pack" - and you know we're really facing a Gigantic battle bordering on issues that have serious moral and social implications.
Personally, my stand has always been clear - for overall health, fitness and yes, even aesthetic benefits , nothing beats the tried-and-tested formula of good, old scientific training and dietary discipline. Given time, space and the requisite effort , it is bound to reap rewards - period.
However, in the very rare event that results are NOT forthcoming AND serious self-esteem issues are encountered DESPITE all the efforts put into training, diet and even mental focus, then, and only then, should one consider other options - and that should be done after careful discussion with ones' primary health provider and after comprehensive psychological assessments.
Positive aesthetic changes are always welcome, but ONLY if they are accompanied by other more beneficial changes to one's heath and fitness.
If not, then I'm afraid it's all for naught.
Yours Sincerely,
Rick Wong
http://www.body-by-rick.com/
http://www.singaporefitnessnetwork.com/
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Fitness Wishes For 2009
As we come to the end of 2008, I can't help but wonder how fitness would evolve in the coming year.
This year -2008 - has seen the emergence of various fitness themes like : Boot Camp Workouts, Specialty Classes ( yoga, pilates, martial arts-style workouts etc ) and Tech-Based Workouts ( eg. interactive fitness games etc), and many more, across the world.
I'm sure 2009 will be just - if not more - interesting, fitness-wise.
If I have a magic wand, I would certainly hope for the following:
1. More Outdoor-Style Workouts - too many people are still cooped in fitness centres and gyms - NOT knowing what they are missing out. I certainly hope people would GET OUT into the open, enjoy the fresh air, take in the breeze and sunshine while working out a good sweat. Give it a try : Outdoor Workouts can really be quite an EXHILARATING experience!
This year -2008 - has seen the emergence of various fitness themes like : Boot Camp Workouts, Specialty Classes ( yoga, pilates, martial arts-style workouts etc ) and Tech-Based Workouts ( eg. interactive fitness games etc), and many more, across the world.
I'm sure 2009 will be just - if not more - interesting, fitness-wise.
If I have a magic wand, I would certainly hope for the following:
1. More Outdoor-Style Workouts - too many people are still cooped in fitness centres and gyms - NOT knowing what they are missing out. I certainly hope people would GET OUT into the open, enjoy the fresh air, take in the breeze and sunshine while working out a good sweat. Give it a try : Outdoor Workouts can really be quite an EXHILARATING experience!
2. More Eclectic-Style Workouts - trainers and exercisers alike should take MORE initiative to vary, mix and change workouts on a consistent basis in order to keep the routines interesting, and to stimulate new physiological adaptations. Nothing is sadder - or more inefficient - than doing the same old routine over and over again.
3. More Holistic-Style Fitness Programs - fitness is MORE than just exercising. Too many people are caught in this "Exercise-Trap" - the mentality that exercise and exercise ALONE would suffice - while disregarding other related fitness issues. Do note : Stress control, proper nutrition and positive lifestyle habits ALL play CRUCIAL roles in one's fitness. Neglect one, and ALL suffer - since they all INTERPLAY off one another. Holistic fitness, where all factors - physical, emotional, nutritional and mental- are being catered for - is the way to go if one is truly seeking for ULTIMATE fitness.
4. More PASSION for all things fitness - pursuing fitness should be a PASSION and NOT a chore, a routine , or a necessity. Too many people view fitness as a MEANS to an end - to pre-empt sicknesses/diseases, to cut down on medical bills or to please one's spouse etc etc..... Though there's nothing wrong in using fitness to achieve these goals in mind, it is always MORE FULFILLING , MORE MOTIVATING and MORE ENJOYABLE - if one can really pursue fitness for its Own Sake! See your fitness pursuits as a PASSION - you'll truly ENJOY the journey more.
Well, there you are. My own fitness wishes for 2009. Do also let me know what are yours.
And before I go, may I take this opportunity to wish all my readers a BLESSED, MEANINGFUL and ENRICHING year ahead!
Best Regards,
Rick Wong, Body-By-Rick.com
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Thoughts On Family & Fitness
Been up to the neck recently with work -handling the countless details and aspects of a diversifying fitness business, and in dealing with the equally innumerable family commitments - from helping my wife to oversee our daughter's revision for her year-end school assessments to helping our kid rehearse her role as emcee for the coming K2 Graduation-cum-Concert.
I guess - like any concerned parent - sometimes we do get carried away when it comes to our children's education and well-being - don't we? With all the fussing over the kids, my wife and I were in fact musing how often our children's school activities seem to add more "stress" to us than to them!
Anyway, I guess that comes with being a parent - but in many ways, nevertheless, I am THANKFUL for having the opportunity to be one. With the global financial crisis still unwinding, and the detrimental effects it has on business and investments ( my own financial investments having nosedived terribly....), some good nevertheless has emerged from the on-going crisis.... it shows no matter what happens in the world, nothing beats having LOVED ONES around you at all times, and being in SOUND Health and Fitness.
I do thank GOD for my family - my wife who has always been a Pillar to me through life's ups and downs; and kids - what can you say- who have not only brought much perspective to my life, but also much Laughter, Joy, and of course, the accompanying heartaches....
I'm also grateful for my Fitness and Good Health - which I must admit - I do take for granted at times, till some ailment strikes ( like my current loss of voice) which forces me to evaluate my lifestyle and commitments again. (Personal Note : Got to slow down, Rick ..... take it easy, ....).
Most may not realize it - but many Fitness Professionals - like myself, are often standing on the thin divide between working out OPTIMALLY and OVERTRAINING. On top of our own workout regimes which we use to keep ourselves in shape, fitness trainers like myself often also have to LEAD our clients ( whether in a group context or in a one-to-one capacity ) in exercise sessions and workout routines. It is thus no exaggeration to say that a busy fitness trainer or exercise instructor with a relatively large pool of clients easily clocks in at least 2-3 hours of accumulated bouts of physical exercise throughout a 24-hour period! Talk about FATIGUE!!!
Family. Fitness. The two Fs' that mean MUCH more to me than any ramifications that the third F- the ongoing Financial Crisis - can bring.
Hopefully, like me, others can also find their own source of SOLACE, count their own BLESSINGS and be THANKFUL for all that they have, in spite of all that's going on in the world today.
Yours Sincerely,
Rick Wong
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Is Your Personal Trainer Biased?
Recently, I was reading an article by the late Dr Mel Siff - a renown sports scientist who has since passed on - on the topic of strength training.
What strikes me was a paragraph where Dr Siff observed and noted that the majority of personal trainers and fitness coaches around the world are designing programmes for their fitness clients based "..... more often on personal bias than a thorough, objective analysis of what is involved." ( from fitness article " What is Strength Really?" by Dr Mel Siff, Feb 2002 ).
This immediately reminded me of two encounters I had - one about a year ago, and the other about 2-3 years back - where I was approached - separately - by 2 persons - a gentleman in his late thirties, and a lady in her mid-twenties - who were both - in a way sourcing for new personal trainers - having recently parted ways with their respective personal coaches.
In the process of "sounding" me out as a potential trainer for them, I realized that both persons - coincidentally, and rather eerily - left their ex-trainer/s ( who were 2 totally different trainers altogether) because of the SAME reason - that of imposing their personal bias, style and preferences of training on them.
On further probing, I realized, for the gentleman's case - that he was put-off by his trainer's relentless emphasis and focus on a "Bodybuilding-Type" training approach- whereas he himself was simply not concerned with putting on muscle mass, but was rather seeking to improve his muscular endurance in order to take part in a marathon race at the end of the year!
Similarly, in the lady's case, I was told - in her own words - that her trainer was "totally obsessed" with Core Training - with little else done during her sessions except core work after core work with lots of postural and biomechanical assessments thrown in - time after time again .... What tops it all was that the lady was actually looking for someone to help her in a Weight-Loss Program!
Incidentally, as a note of interest, the first trainer in question was apparently an ex-competitive bodybuilder himself, with a solid, impressive physique; while the second trainer in question apparently used to work as a certified physiotherapist.
Now, bearing in mind - that what I heard was from the perspective of the clients themselves- and with the incidents very likely coloured by their very own perceptions , I still can't help wondering about the training approach adopted by the two trainers.
On the one hand, we - as professional fitness trainers and coaches - always claim to put the needs of our clients first, and talk about designing training programs that are customized to the needs of our fitness clients.
But, in reality, in this the case?
Sadly, the above quote and accompanying two case studies merely show that very often even Fitness Professionals fall prey to their very own preferences and bias.
Hopefully, the above will serve as a timely reminder to all personal trainers, fitness coaches and teachers-of-fitness - and that of course includes ME myself - to always carefully evaluate the NEEDS and CONCERNS of our clients, and to constantly CHECK and MONITOR that what we are prescribing to our clients are in fact geared towards helping them achieve their fitness goals - NOT an extension of our own bias and preferences.
As for individuals looking for a personal fitness coach, always make known your FITNESS OBJECTIVES to your trainer-to-be, and never be afraid to question the training approach used by your trainer.
May all of us do our part to make fitness training RELEVANT and APPROPRIATE to those concerned.
Yours-In-Fitness,
Rick Wong
Singapore Personal Trainer - Fitness Coach - Mentor
P.S. For those who simply must know, I did eventually get to work with the above lady for a period of about 6 months before she relocated to another country - a couple of pounds lighter......
P.S.S. As for the gentleman, due to a clash in our respective schedules, we were unable to schedule anything out together. I do hope - till today - that he finally manages to find a suitable trainer for himself ........
What strikes me was a paragraph where Dr Siff observed and noted that the majority of personal trainers and fitness coaches around the world are designing programmes for their fitness clients based "..... more often on personal bias than a thorough, objective analysis of what is involved." ( from fitness article " What is Strength Really?" by Dr Mel Siff, Feb 2002 ).
This immediately reminded me of two encounters I had - one about a year ago, and the other about 2-3 years back - where I was approached - separately - by 2 persons - a gentleman in his late thirties, and a lady in her mid-twenties - who were both - in a way sourcing for new personal trainers - having recently parted ways with their respective personal coaches.
In the process of "sounding" me out as a potential trainer for them, I realized that both persons - coincidentally, and rather eerily - left their ex-trainer/s ( who were 2 totally different trainers altogether) because of the SAME reason - that of imposing their personal bias, style and preferences of training on them.
On further probing, I realized, for the gentleman's case - that he was put-off by his trainer's relentless emphasis and focus on a "Bodybuilding-Type" training approach- whereas he himself was simply not concerned with putting on muscle mass, but was rather seeking to improve his muscular endurance in order to take part in a marathon race at the end of the year!
Similarly, in the lady's case, I was told - in her own words - that her trainer was "totally obsessed" with Core Training - with little else done during her sessions except core work after core work with lots of postural and biomechanical assessments thrown in - time after time again .... What tops it all was that the lady was actually looking for someone to help her in a Weight-Loss Program!
Incidentally, as a note of interest, the first trainer in question was apparently an ex-competitive bodybuilder himself, with a solid, impressive physique; while the second trainer in question apparently used to work as a certified physiotherapist.
Now, bearing in mind - that what I heard was from the perspective of the clients themselves- and with the incidents very likely coloured by their very own perceptions , I still can't help wondering about the training approach adopted by the two trainers.
On the one hand, we - as professional fitness trainers and coaches - always claim to put the needs of our clients first, and talk about designing training programs that are customized to the needs of our fitness clients.
But, in reality, in this the case?
Sadly, the above quote and accompanying two case studies merely show that very often even Fitness Professionals fall prey to their very own preferences and bias.
Hopefully, the above will serve as a timely reminder to all personal trainers, fitness coaches and teachers-of-fitness - and that of course includes ME myself - to always carefully evaluate the NEEDS and CONCERNS of our clients, and to constantly CHECK and MONITOR that what we are prescribing to our clients are in fact geared towards helping them achieve their fitness goals - NOT an extension of our own bias and preferences.
As for individuals looking for a personal fitness coach, always make known your FITNESS OBJECTIVES to your trainer-to-be, and never be afraid to question the training approach used by your trainer.
May all of us do our part to make fitness training RELEVANT and APPROPRIATE to those concerned.
Yours-In-Fitness,
Rick Wong
Singapore Personal Trainer - Fitness Coach - Mentor
P.S. For those who simply must know, I did eventually get to work with the above lady for a period of about 6 months before she relocated to another country - a couple of pounds lighter......
P.S.S. As for the gentleman, due to a clash in our respective schedules, we were unable to schedule anything out together. I do hope - till today - that he finally manages to find a suitable trainer for himself ........
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Fitness Lessons From The Beijing Olympics
With the Olympics drawing to a close, most of us still can't seem to stop talking, discussing and dissecting the various wondrous feats that were accomplished by the premier sportsmen and sportswomen of the world.
Phelps. Bolt. Nadal, Trickett.... The list goes on and on.
Much as we recognize and applaud the fantastic achievements of these superb athletes, I do wonder how many of us are really aware that behind each and every one of them is a committed and dedicated team of nutritionists, dietitians, physiotherapists, sports psychologists, sports hypnotherapists, sports masseurs/masseuses, strength & conditioning coaches ......et al.
Individual talent, hard work and perseverance are all necessary ingredients for SUCCESS - whether on the track, in the pool or in the boardroom. However, without reliance and aid from other sources - dietary, mental, physiological - WINNING, less so BREAKING RECORDS are NEVER going to happen.
I'm sure - many of our Olympians - will be the first to agree with the above statement, and give appropriate credit to their respective "backroom" staff for the many glories they have achieved in this Olympics.
To draw a parallel, fitness enthusiasts - like you and me - also have to realize that SUCCESS in attaining our fitness goals have to be tied-in to a Multi-Dimensional Approach - one that places as much emphasis on nutrition, recuperation, positive self-belief, environmental support as on TRAINING!
Too often many fitness programs end up being very ONE-DIMENSIONAL - focusing nothing more than training, Training and more TRAINING!!!!
It's time we realize that we are NEVER going to reach our optimal physical/fitness condition if all we do is to rely solely on training, solely on diet, or as a matter of fact, SOLELY ON ANYTHING to get in shape.
It has never failed to amaze me that through my years as a Fitness Coach / Personal Trainer, I still come across many "experienced" fitness buffs whose idea of fitness is working out hard and then eating any junk they can lay their hands on afterwards, and "fitness dieters" who trim and count calories on every morsel of food they consume, but don't give two hoots to their training programs.....
Be warned - any fitness program that is SKEWED , BIASED or LOP-SIDED in nature, will NEVER bring out the FULL POTENTIAL in you and me.
Remember the Olympic Champions in the various disciplines? Learn from them - harness the power of your own "backroom team" when reaching for your fitness goals....
All The BEST!
Yours-In-Fitness,
Rick Wong
Singapore Fitness Personal Trainer, Consultant, Mentor.
Phelps. Bolt. Nadal, Trickett.... The list goes on and on.
Much as we recognize and applaud the fantastic achievements of these superb athletes, I do wonder how many of us are really aware that behind each and every one of them is a committed and dedicated team of nutritionists, dietitians, physiotherapists, sports psychologists, sports hypnotherapists, sports masseurs/masseuses, strength & conditioning coaches ......et al.
Individual talent, hard work and perseverance are all necessary ingredients for SUCCESS - whether on the track, in the pool or in the boardroom. However, without reliance and aid from other sources - dietary, mental, physiological - WINNING, less so BREAKING RECORDS are NEVER going to happen.
I'm sure - many of our Olympians - will be the first to agree with the above statement, and give appropriate credit to their respective "backroom" staff for the many glories they have achieved in this Olympics.
To draw a parallel, fitness enthusiasts - like you and me - also have to realize that SUCCESS in attaining our fitness goals have to be tied-in to a Multi-Dimensional Approach - one that places as much emphasis on nutrition, recuperation, positive self-belief, environmental support as on TRAINING!
Too often many fitness programs end up being very ONE-DIMENSIONAL - focusing nothing more than training, Training and more TRAINING!!!!
It's time we realize that we are NEVER going to reach our optimal physical/fitness condition if all we do is to rely solely on training, solely on diet, or as a matter of fact, SOLELY ON ANYTHING to get in shape.
It has never failed to amaze me that through my years as a Fitness Coach / Personal Trainer, I still come across many "experienced" fitness buffs whose idea of fitness is working out hard and then eating any junk they can lay their hands on afterwards, and "fitness dieters" who trim and count calories on every morsel of food they consume, but don't give two hoots to their training programs.....
Be warned - any fitness program that is SKEWED , BIASED or LOP-SIDED in nature, will NEVER bring out the FULL POTENTIAL in you and me.
Remember the Olympic Champions in the various disciplines? Learn from them - harness the power of your own "backroom team" when reaching for your fitness goals....
All The BEST!
Yours-In-Fitness,
Rick Wong
Singapore Fitness Personal Trainer, Consultant, Mentor.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Do You Really Need A Personal Trainer?
It's been a while since I last posted on this blog ( note : guess I still have much work to do in disciplining myself in this area to pen down my thoughts more regularly!!)
Much has happened since my last post and I would certainly like to share some more insights on the health/fitness aspects of life here.
Personal Training - the buzzword that occupies the minds of many of the health-conscious today.
Much as we have read or heard of the benefits of personal training - from having a specially-designed fitness program to suit our needs, to getting qualified and professional guidance, motivation and accountability all in one package, the question still remains : Is Personal Training For Everyone?
Putting my bias as a Fitness Professional aside, I would have to say : YES and NO.
Yes - you NEED a Personal Trainer if you are the type who has very little or NO knowledge on fitness matters, does NOT and CANNOT put time, effort and discipline into reading and learning more about exercise, nutrition and how the human body works, or simply lack the self-discipline and self-motivation to adhere to a scientific fitness program by yourself.... among many other reasons.
And NO- you do NOT need personal training if you have background knowledge in exercise science and nutrition, or is one who continually enhances your own knowledge on sports science, exercise methodology, nutrition, human physiology etc etc, has the ability to design your own scientific training/fitness program, and is SELF-MOTIVATED enough to adhere to your fitness program on a long term basis. And YES - there are some of you out there who indeed belong to this category of people!
Well, there you have it - in a nutshell.
Engaging a Personal Trainer is a indeed a very personal decision.
Look through the above list once again and use it to make your own sound decision.
All the Best!
Rick Wong
Singapore Fitness Coach
http://www.body-by-rick.com
Much has happened since my last post and I would certainly like to share some more insights on the health/fitness aspects of life here.
Personal Training - the buzzword that occupies the minds of many of the health-conscious today.
Much as we have read or heard of the benefits of personal training - from having a specially-designed fitness program to suit our needs, to getting qualified and professional guidance, motivation and accountability all in one package, the question still remains : Is Personal Training For Everyone?
Putting my bias as a Fitness Professional aside, I would have to say : YES and NO.
Yes - you NEED a Personal Trainer if you are the type who has very little or NO knowledge on fitness matters, does NOT and CANNOT put time, effort and discipline into reading and learning more about exercise, nutrition and how the human body works, or simply lack the self-discipline and self-motivation to adhere to a scientific fitness program by yourself.... among many other reasons.
And NO- you do NOT need personal training if you have background knowledge in exercise science and nutrition, or is one who continually enhances your own knowledge on sports science, exercise methodology, nutrition, human physiology etc etc, has the ability to design your own scientific training/fitness program, and is SELF-MOTIVATED enough to adhere to your fitness program on a long term basis. And YES - there are some of you out there who indeed belong to this category of people!
Well, there you have it - in a nutshell.
Engaging a Personal Trainer is a indeed a very personal decision.
Look through the above list once again and use it to make your own sound decision.
All the Best!
Rick Wong
Singapore Fitness Coach
http://www.body-by-rick.com
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