Why You May Need A Personal Trainer

Posted in Fitness Training on December 1st, 2011 by bodytrack – Comments Off

If you are keen on starting an efficient and effective workout regime, you will need the help of a personal fitness trainer in Brisbane who provides personal training in Toowong. Fitness trainers in Brisbane are trainers who are qualified to get you started on a healthy lifestyle and all of the benefits it brings.

Engaging a personal fitness trainer in Brisbane tends to boost a person’s motivation and commitment to a fitness program. Your trainer will follow your progress closely and keep track of your development during your workout regimen. You will be less inclined to slack off and give up when there is someone putting you through your paces. This is especially useful for people with a tendency to work less when no one is watching them.

Committing to personal training in Toowong also helps to reduce your risk of injury while exercising. Your trainer will assess your fitness, which includes your body fat percentage and heart rate. He or she will instruct you to speed up or slow down so that you won’t overexert yourself or underperform during a workout. This helps to reduce the likelihood of getting a sprained shoulder, torn muscles, or other injuries when training, whether you work out in the weight room or on a circuit training ground.

The key towards successful fitness training also lies in the suitability of your workout regime. This is why it is especially advantageous for you to look into fitness trainers in Brisbane if you don’t know the first thing about a fitness routine: a personal trainer can design a customised training program for you. Your personal trainer will be able to tailor a regimen that suits your health condition, strength, stamina, and form. This helps to create a more efficient program that delivers optimal and longer-lasting results within a shorter period.

It is all the more important to hire a personal trainer who can teach you the right skills for any sort of workout if you’re just starting to get into exercise, whether it is pilates, weightlifting or yoga. If you do it wrong, your trainer will be there to guide and correct you on the spot. From using the appropriate strength to utilising the proper equipment, you will be able to master the right technique for an optimal workout with the help of a personal trainer.

If you are prepared to make the effort and sweat it out, a personal fitness trainer in Brisbane can help you achieve your aims of having a better and healthier body.

How To Lose That Post Pregnancy Bulge?

Posted in Fitness Studio, Fitness Training on November 18th, 2011 by admin – Comments Off

Welcoming a new addition into the family is a joyous occasion. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the aftermath of childbirth. Spurred by the idea that she has to “eat for two”; most women find that they’ve put on an appalling amount of weight effortlessly during a pregnancy. However, it’s not the end of the world.

The rule of thumb is patience; conventional wisdom holds that you didn’t put on that weight overnight, so it’d be impossible for you to lose it instantly either, short of liposuction. The first thing many women look into is going back to the fitness training routine they followed before becoming pregnant. However, this might not be feasible given the physical toll that childbirth can exact on the body.

It would be best to look for fitness programs in Toowong that are tailored to new mothers. Such workouts would involve light or lower-impact workouts that are carried out regularly. This helps the new mother tone up and gain strength before she can move on to activities that are more strenuous.

Exercise can be as simple as going for a walk around the block whenever time permits. Alternatively, a personal fitness trainer in Brisbane can design a series of yoga poses that improve flexibility, stamina, and strength so that new mothers can keep up with the demands of motherhood. A mother can eventually bring her baby out for a brisk walk too, as soon as the child is old enough.

Swimming is a great exercise if walking or slow jogging is too high impact. It’s important to keep at it consistently: 10 minutes a day may not seem like much, but it adds up if you do it often enough, such as 2-3 times daily, 4-5 days a week.

Aside from using fitness training to lose that post-pregnancy bulge, most women discover that they can slim down by doing virtually nothing, but only if they breastfeed. There aren’t many studies to verify the reasons for it, but it’s common knowledge that mothers who breastfeed lose the post-pregnancy weight more quickly than those who don’t.

None of the fitness programs in Toowong will help if you eat thoughtlessly, though. Exercising ensures that you use up the calories you consume, but a personal fitness trainer in Brisbane will also tell you that you shouldn’t go on crash diets or skip meals either. In order to provide your body with the energy it needs and lose excess weight, eat when you should and in modest portions. This means loading up on fruits and vegetables, moderate amounts of protein, and not avoiding carbohydrates. Throw out that junk food too, and you’ll see a difference virtually overnight!

Why Do Core Exercises?

Posted in Exercise Physiology on October 24th, 2011 by admin – Comments Off

One of the most common aspects you’ll hear trainers ranting on about is ‘core strength’ – no matter what sport you’re in or whether you’re just increasing your general fitness. Although you may have a general idea of the core, let’s break it down to the basics: What is the core? Why is it important?  How can you train it?

What is the core?

Simply, the core muscles are those in your abdominals and back, pelvic floor and hips. Many of these cannot be seen visually (and may be the reason for being ignored for so long).

Why is it important to train?

The number one use of the core muscles is for stability and support. This includes both static postures (standing, sitting or firing a weapon while laying in the prone position – where the core muscles align the spine, ribs and hips to resist external forces) and dynamic movements (pretty much everything else – reaching for the cereal box in a cupboard to throwing a punch in the ring). By increasing the strength of core muscles the risk of injury and general pain is greatly reduced (in both performance and general aspects of life). Another direct result of core training is an increase in functional strength (how well you’re able to use your muscles in unison to achieve desired movements – as opposed to ‘gym strength’ or bodybuilding which increase muscle mass as a result of hypertrophy). This final point is particularly important in sports such as the increasingly popular Martial Arts and Boxing.

How can you train the core?

There are many different ways to train the core – through bodyweight exercises and weight exercises, static (such as holding a bridge) or dynamic (deadlifting etc). For the most beneficial exercises you should consult a personal trainer in Brisbane or specialist in exercise physiology in Brisbane. Simple exercises include the bridge, planks, crunches, hanging leg raises and segmental rotations. The beauty of training the core is that these exercises can easily be implemented into current training regimes and don’t take an extraneous amount of effort to complete – quality over quantity!

If you’re in need of core strengthening, Bodytrack are specialists in exercise physiology in Brisbane and have the personal trainers in Brisbane with the know how to bring out the best in you. Visit Bodytrack website or call (07) 3870 4119 to get started.

Benefits of Weight Training

Posted in Weight Training on August 31st, 2011 by bodytrack – Comments Off

We’ve all seen an Arnie movie – and we’ve all seen his physique. From this fact alone many people associate lifting weights with huge, bulky men. In order to gain size, lifting weights must be combined with the correct diet, supplements and training regime. Lifting weights can benefit almost every person from all walks of life – the elite athlete, office worker, seniors, men, women and also children (to an extent). Through the correct understanding of exercise physiology and coordination with individual goals, lifting weights can fast-track your achievements.

How weight training can benefit:

  • The average person – weight training has been shown to aid in the recovery of depression. The release of endorphins and other antidepressant chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine allows us to feel relieved of pain and generally lighten our moods. As well as this, the quick results that result from weight training provide a sense of achievement found to be empowering (especially for women). Aside from this, weight training increases the body’s basal metabolic rate which promotes long term fat loss. But, the most notable effect of correct weight training is the general improvement of functional activities. Through enhancing strength and flexibility, people find they are more physically capable in everyday activities.

  • Seniors – weight training is quite possibly the most beneficial to seniors with problems such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia affecting thousands. Through lifting weights and increasing bone and muscle mass, seniors can combat these symptoms as well as reducing the risk of everyday injury by building stronger muscles, tendons and ligaments. A qualification in Exercise Physiology is the most appropriate for the variety of physical and health conditions which seniors regularly suffer from.

  • Athletes – athletes tend to focus on their specific sport, for example to become a better boxer, you spar and focus on ring and pad work. To become a better cyclist you ride – and so on. Weights actually compliment these activities to increase the maximum ability of the athlete. For example a track sprint cyclist will incorporate exercises such as squats, dead lifts and snatch/clean and jerk into an already filled program of long slow rides and on track sprints.

To improve your overall health and reap the benefits of weight training your local exercise physiologist in Brisbane will be able to get you on the right path. Give your local personal trainer Brisbane a call and get started today!

Hip Fracture

Posted in Exercise Physiology on August 9th, 2011 by bodytrack – Comments Off

A hip fracture is a significantly debilitating life event leading to a high risk of death within 5 years of the fall. So, what is happening? Why is the 5 year mortality rate so high and what can be done to prevent it?

Approximately 90% of all fractures are the result of a fall. A significant number of falls in the elderly population result in a fracture of the hip. It has become quite clear that it is the risk of falls, among other associated physical aspects, which requires attention in order to reduce the incidence of hip fracture and early mortality. So, why are death rates so drastically brought forward to within 5 years following the hip fracture?

Hip fractures typically occur in the frail elderly population. These are individuals who suffer from low bone mineral density/ osteoporosis, poor balance and poor strength and physical function. Since it is most likely that a fall has caused the hip fracture, we will look at the risk of falling. The aforementioned physical aspects may not be the direct cause of the fall; for example an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist may describe environmental factors such as unnecessary rises in the flooring in the home as the cause of a fall. However, from an Exercise Physiologists perspective, the physical aspects are ones which could have been improved earlier in life and would have reduced the likelihood of the fall and even the fracture occurring.

This population of people are those which have already seen a decline in physical function. Thus, when a significant life event transpires, such as a lengthy hospital stay in order to recover from a hip fracture, a number of associated problems arise. This individual must be rested while recovering, resulting in muscle wastage and biomechanical alterations which reduces their capacity to walk. No walking means a very sedentary life and we all know how a sedentary lifestyle affects one’s health (blood sugar control, gain weight, circulatory system suffers etc.). Associated chronic health conditions set in and quite quickly will deteriorate the health of the individual.

This doesn’t seem like a path that anyone wants to take. But what do you do to prevent it if a hip fracture does occur? Simple…. everything your health care team says. Listen to the Physiotherapists, OT’s and doctors. If the rehabilitation plan is not followed by a proactive individual, they will never recover and may never regain physical function. Regaining the strength and balance to walk and participate in daily activities is the goal of rehabilitation and without achieving this; the 5 year post-hip fracture mortality rate is likely to remain.

When physical function has begun improving and exercise is required (as in most cases), a supervised program is ideal. Many Exercise Physiologists have programs available which are set up in group classes, reducing each individual’s costs. Adding a supervised exercise program to one’s rehabilitation program will ensure the most appropriate exercises are performed correctly and in a safe environment.

Things to consider before choosing a fitness studio

Posted in Fitness Studio on June 27th, 2011 by bodytrack – Be the first to comment

Prior to choosing a fitness studio it is important to consider what is required from the studio and what the individual seeks to gain through membership to such a studio. People generally choose membership of a fitness studio for one of the following reasons: to increase physical fitness, to lose weight or to improve overall health. However, each goal has its own set of requirements which should be considered thoroughly prior to making any decisions. Similarly each fitness studio has its own unique set of features and facilities, making some more ideal to some purposes than others.

The first and foremost thing to consider prior to choosing a fitness studio is what facilities will be required. Some studios feature more extensive facilities than others. Some may contain the basics including muscular exercise facilities and cardio vascular exercise facilities. Some fitness studios may also contain additional facilities such as swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis and even sports fields and indoor courts. Individuals should decide which facilities they are likely to make use of prior to making a final decision as to which fitness studio to use.

Furthermore, some fitness studios offer specialist assistance and information to aid the individual in attaining higher levels of fitness. Some studios offer personal fitness trainers who will create a regime tailored to the customer to help reach their goals. Moreover, some fitness studios offer additional services that allow the individual to track their progress over the weeks that they attend and to set realistic goals. It is important that the decision is made as to what level of facilities and equipment is required prior to visiting a fitness studio. The individual can then choose a fitness studio that offers what they require for a reasonable price.

Goal of exercise physiology

Posted in Exercise Physiology on June 27th, 2011 by bodytrack – Be the first to comment

Exercise physiology is the skill of catering specific exercises to aid the recovery and rehabilitation of an individual who has been injured or suffers from a long-term illness. Exercise physiology encompasses exercise rehabilitation, exercise for health and complex medical conditions, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, work conditioning, injury management, postural control and improvements in sports performance.

Exercise physiology is performed by highly-trained specialists who have a degree in applied science or human movement studies. Combined with other health professionals, exercise physiologists have the expertise to target the cause of problems and injuries and provide exercises which aid the process of rehabilitation.

One way that exercise physiology may help someone to improve injuries or improve overall body strength is through the process of circuit training. Circuit training is a form of exercise combining both high intensity aerobics and resistance training. The combination of these two things helps to not only lose weight and tone the body but also to improve the endurance of many muscles in the body and aid someone in rehabilitation after an injury. There are many great advantages to circuit training in exercise physiology.

The whole body gets a workout when participating in circuit training, not only one or two sets of muscle groups. Also, circuit training does not require specialist equipment to be able to complete. For example, many people who build their own circuits may use items such as weights, stepping blocks, a hula hoop or a skipping rope. However, experts in the field of exercise physiology will not simply prescribe basic exercise to resolve the problem but will recommend a range of different exercises to enable injury rehabilitation. With copious specialist knowledge these specialists will be able to expertly assist those suffering from injuries in order to help them back to health.

Circuit Training For Body Fitness

Posted in Circuit Training on June 2nd, 2011 by bodytrack – Be the first to comment

In a world obsessed with body image, the pressure is on to achieve the perfect body. Everybody seems to want a toned and muscular body and there are many ways in which to achieve better health and a better body. However, many methods of exercise do not give the body a full and total workout meaning that for many sports, only one or two main muscle groups receive the benefit of a workout. It is because of this limitation to regular fitness exercises and sports that many people choose to take part in circuit training.

Whilst completing the circuits the aim is to keep moving from one exercise to another, thus keeping the heart rate up. This will have the same effect on the body as running miles on a treadmill may have. This is great news for people who are trying to lose weight, not only will circuit training keep challenging the body in different ways but it will also build strength and help people to lose weight too! Circuit training is also a lot more interesting than running for hours or exercising in a repetitive way. Circuit training keeps the mind active also with many different challenges to take on and many different muscles to focus on in the body.

Circuit training can be adapted to any workout space and can be completed in the minimum amount of time. This therefore means that maximum effects can be reached within the minimum amount of time. A circuit can be personalised for any person and can be adapted for beginners or for experts. Large numbers of people can participate in circuit training and the difficulty level of each circuit can be adjusted according to how people are coping with each circuit. What is more, circuit training can be done anywhere and at any time. Thus, circuit training is ideal for a wide and diverse range of people who don’t like the idea of spending a long amount of time at the gym.

Achieving fitness ability through strength and conditioning

Posted in Strength and Conditioning on June 2nd, 2011 by bodytrack – Be the first to comment

Achieving physical fitness is often associated with cardio vascular exercise, however it can also be as much to do with strength and conditioning exercise. Unfortunately strength and conditioning exercise if often neglected in favour of cardio vascular when it can actually provide many benefits to the health of an individual. In reality a balanced combination of cardio vascular and strength and conditioning produces the optimum benefits for someone aiming to achieve physical fitness. Strength and conditioning trainers in Brisbane provide individuals with the opportunity to develop their strength and endurance through such exercise.

The process of strength and conditioning functions by developing the strength in muscles throughout the body. Through repetition of muscular exercises the muscles become stronger and more effective. This process enhances the strength of an individual throughout the various muscles in their body but also enhances their endurance throughout prolonged exercise. This process can be of great assistance to those who participate in cardio vascular activities and can complement such exercise. Strength and conditioning is one of many physical fitness programmes available at a local fitness studio.

Moreover, the conditioning side of strength and conditioning aims to condition the muscles in the body to become more robust and durable and able to withstand greater stresses and strains from physical activity. The two processes of increasing strength and conditioning work hand in hand to improve the strength of an individual as well as the physical demands that the muscles can cope with. Conditioning creates stronger, more versatile muscles which are less prone to injury and fatigue. Contact the local fitness studio today to begin experiencing the many varied fitness and health benefits of strength and conditioning.

Fitness Training:Things To Know

Posted in Fitness Training on June 2nd, 2011 by bodytrack – Be the first to comment

Fitness training can benefit an individual in numerous different ways and can be used to achieve the specific goals of individuals. The most obvious of fitness training is the continued improvement in personal physical fitness. This means that the individual will have greater capacity to partake in cardio vascular activities. Progressive fitness training  results in individuals being able to partake in physical activity for extended periods of time with greater ease and being able to exercise with greater intensity. This is obviously most beneficial when the individual is training for a sporting event or enjoys a physically demanding past-time. Fitness training in Brisbane gives individuals the opportunity to increase their physical fitness whether to increase general capability or training for a specific activity.

Fitness trainers in Brisbane can also assist those who desire to lose weight through physical exercise. Exercise is by far the most effective way to lose weight and it is also the best for the body. Moreover, by losing weight through physical exercise the individual will also reap the benefits of becoming physically fitter. By losing weight the individual will be more physically capable, have greater self-esteem and will be generally healthier.

Making use of a fitness trainer in Toowong can also provide greater health benefits in addition to weight loss and increased physical fitness. Fitness training also increases a person’s general overall health, reducing the chances of heart problems and other medical problems later in life. Moreover, improved general health can also relieve health problems and joint problems by strengthening both the immune system and the body’s joints. Fitness training can alleviate current health problems as well as prevent potential future health problems. Find fitness trainers in Brisbane today for help and advice for increasing physical fitness, losing weight or even improving overall heath.