2011 Resolutions: Overcoming Trainer Intimidation

This is part two of a two-part series on healthy resolutions. In case you missed our first post on keeping your fitness resolutions in 2011, you can find it here.

Trainer John Nelson keeps client Pamela Schnell motivated during her workout at DAC Fitness Collierville.

While you might feel intimidated at the mere mention of meeting with a fitness professional, know that trainers are working to ensure you accomplish your goals. Trainers also provide the necessary education about fitness and nutrition, help track your fitness progress, offer guidance and give you a reason to show up at the gym.

Here are a few things to look for when identifying an ideal trainer:

Education/Certification: Check to make sure the trainer is properly accredited or certified through a well-known fitness organization, like the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). While it isn't required that a trainer have a college-level degree, the more education they have, the better equipped they are to train you.

Experience: Identify a trainer that can use his experience to help you accomplish your goals. For instance, if you want to focus on weight-loss, check to see if the trainer has experience in that area. Working with someone who has only designed exercise routines for bodybuilders might not have enough experience to properly assist you. Additionally, ask for references so you can contact previous or current clients and find out if they would recommend him or her.

DAC's Brooke Wilson-White leads a Team Training class at DAC Fitness Laurelwood.

Personality: Identify a trainer who will fit your personality the best. Do you need a cheerleader to consistently motivate you or a drill sergeant who pushes you to the limit? Also, make sure you get along with your trainer. If you don't, chances are you won't want to see him/her, let alone spend the limited amount of time you've set aside to exercise with him/her. Follow your instinct and find someone you can both trust and respect.

Don't forget that all great plans have measurable results. You can check in after a pre-determined time on the progress you've made. Evaluate your plan after two, four and six weeks to see how you're doing. If you've enlisted the help of a fitness coach, he or she can help you evaluate what's working and what isn't.

Regardless of where you are today, know that you can be a healthier person tomorrow. Try not to get frustrated or burnt out - you can turn your 2011 New Year's resolutions into a reality with hard work and dedication!

Maximizing Fall Fun

DAC Trainers, Gene and Samantha Perepichay help their sons, Eli and Ethan, select pumpkins.

It's finally starting to feel like fall and so begins the three-month long marathon of holiday festivities. While unhealthy foods are abundant this time of year, don't forget to take advantage of the other seasonal treats and activities available.

To celebrate the season to the fullest, here are some tips for enjoying October (without a sugar crash):

Ethan Perepichay carries his pumpkin through the pumpkin patch.

• Visit the local pumpkin patch with your family to pick out a few pumpkins to carve. Walking around is great exercise and carrying a pumpkin will help burn extra calories. Enjoy carving the pumpkins together and don't forget to save the seeds for a healthy snack - rinse them, add seasoning and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until they're toasted (about 20 minutes).

• Take a tour of a nearby orchard. Fall is the perfect time to visit an orchard, especially if you're interested in enjoying the fresh fruits of the season. Plan ahead and schedule time for the family to pick apples or pears together.

• Do yard work, assigning age-appropriate tasks. Everyone can help clean up leaves, pick up sticks and decorate for the season. Don't forget to jump in the leaf pile when you're done raking!

• Host a healthier tailgate. Attending football games is a definitive part of the season, so ensure you have healthy food available. Black bean chili, grilled kabobs and fresh vegetables with Greek yogurt for dipping are all great options. Enjoy your beverage of choice, but have water between every full-calorie drink to stay properly hydrated. Don't forget to bring a Frisbee or football along to toss around with friends and family.

• Take your workouts outdoors. Cooler temperatures will allow you to push through and complete a more intense exercise routine outside. Fall is also a great time to join a running group or sign up for a 5K race.

Employee Spotlight

Gene Perepichay at DAC Southaven

DAC has promoted Gene Perepichay to head trainer at its Southaven club.

In this new role, Gene oversees and maintains all aspects of the training department and will report to Kristen Cook, Southaven's Operations Director, and John Evans, Fitness Director for the Southaven and Collierville locations.

Gene has been with DAC for more than four years as a fitness coach, assisting members with equipment, conducting fitness consultations and assisting clients with workout routines based on their specific needs.

He is currently certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as a Certified Personal Trainer and Performance Enhancement Specialist, and holds a certification through the National Council of Certified Personal Trainers (NCCPT) and is Special Populations Certified. Gene is an avid racquetball player, leading DAC's Super Splat racquetball tournament for two consecutive years, and enjoys spending time with family, competing in sporting events, traveling and staying aware of health and fitness trends.

Employee Spotlight

Kristen Cook and John Evans

Congratulations to Kristen Cook and John Evans, who have both earned promotions at DAC!

Kristen will serve as Senior Operations Manager of the Southaven facility, while John is now Fitness Director for the Collierville and Southaven locations.

"Kristen and John have an ample amount of fitness industry experience and both have played an integral part in DAC's growth and success," said Robert Creech, President of DAC. "Their new roles within the organization will further ensure our clubs continue to provide the level of service all DAC members expect and deserve."

As DAC Southaven's Senior Operations Manager, Kristen oversees the daily facility operations, including staff training and promotion management. Previously, she was Fitness Director at the Southaven facility, where she managed a team of personal trainers and led fitness programming and events.

As Fitness Director of DAC Southaven and DAC Fitness Collierville, John is charged with supervising fitness personnel at both clubs, as well as overseeing all fitness programming and events. He previously served as Fitness Director and trainer at the DAC Fitness