Frequently Asked Questions?

Q:  How long do I have to exercise before I see results?

A:   Many factors go into answering this questions and everyone will respond differently to exercise.  In general, if you are just starting to exercise you might be surprised how soon you get results.    If you are sedentary and begin an effective exercise routine with proper nutrition you can see the benefits in as little as 6 to 8 weeks.  Your clothes may fit better and you will feel better physically and mentally.  I am not making an unrealistic promises here, but, the more effort you put into your health and body the more rewards you will receive.  

Q:  Do I have to keep exercising forever to stay in shape?

A:   People often ask this question because they see fitness as a chore and don't want to commit themselves to a lifetime of exercise.  Why start, if when you stop you lose it all?  The truth is that to stay mobil and healthy as we age we must continue living an active life. Once you achieve that goal of lossing weight or running a 5k it is much easier to maintain your health with the basics of exercise and nutrition.  Numerous studies have shown that maintianing an active lifestyle into your senior years results in many benifits.  Doctors now advocate that, if they are able, senior paitents stay active or even begin a structured exercise routine.

Q:  Do I have to be hungry all the time to lose wieght? 

A:  If you have ever been on a low calorie diet and starved yourself only to lose a few pounds that quickly return, then you know that this is not the correct anwser.  You may have actually gained weight while dieting.  You can actually eat throughout the day and be full and satisfied and lose unwanted fat.  Eating small meals and healthy snacks during the day helps to raise your metabolism.  Combined with exercise this "grazing" diet will allow you to eat and not suffer the hunger pains that cause you to cheat and quit other diets. 

Q:  What if I just don't have time to exercise?

A:  Life can be crazy and time is a valuable asset, but so is your health.  Simply put, you make time.  A hour a day, 3 to 5 times a week, is all that is needed to make a major difference in your life.

Q:  Can I just exercise more so I can eat what I want?

A:  No, your body is like a machine and to run properly it has to be fueled properly.  Just because you may not be gaining weight an unhealthy diet can lead to other problems like diabetes and heart disease.

Q:  I am a woman, I don't want to workout and get big muscles.  What should I do?

A:  Women do not naturally develope large muscles from resistance training like men do.  Due to several differences, like hormone levels, it is much more difficult for a woman to gain muscle size from lifting weights.  However, women can get stronger and firm up their bodies with this type of exercise.  Also, it has been proven that resistance training can strenghthen bones, even stop or reverse some forms of bone deterioration common in women as they age.

A:  I workout 5 days a week.  My routine consist of about a hour of weightlifting followed by 30 to 40 minutes of cardio or aerobic exercise.  I have structured my routine to meet my needs and to fit my schedule.  It may not be the ideal program, but, it is based on convience and allows me to stick with it and to achieve my goals.

Q:  When is the best time to change my diet or to start an exercise program?

A:  How many times have you heard someone say, "I'm starting Monday!"  The first thing you have to realize is that you have to be ready to make a difference in your life, you have to committ.  The best time is NOW.