A Personal Trainer's Rant

Do You Know Who You're Dealing With?

2011-01-09T17:39:00Z

Most of us like to know the proprietors with whom we do business. Putting a name and a face with an company helps us feel more comfortable about giving them our time and money. When it comes to our personal wellness, it's even more important to know those we trust with our health are highly qualified. As co-owner of Mountain Home Athletic Club and a fitness professional who provides health care to those in the Twin Lakes Area, I feel it's important to share a little about myself and my wife Kim, co-owner, certified trainer and fitness professional of Mountain Home Athletic Club.

Kim McDonald, NSCA-CPT, ACE-CGFI

Kim grew up in Flippin, Arkansas and was an All-State basketball player for the Bobcats. She received a basketball scholarship to a top Junior College in the nation. After two years of playing at the junior college level, she received a scholarship offer to play for the Lady Razorbacks but chose instead to attend Harding University where the women's basketball program was in its infancy. There, she led the conference every year in multiple categories, became an All-American both in sports and in academics and eventually had her jersey retired. Subsequently she was inducted into the North Arkansas Community College Basketball Hall of Fame. She graduated from Harding Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Business Management.

Kim is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the nation's leading personal trainer certifying organization. She is also a certified group fitness instructor through the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the nation's leading group fitness certification body.

In 1989, Kim began competing in women's body building at the state level. After placing second in her weight category 3 straight years, she won the overall state title in 1992. During that same year Kim chose to retire from body building competition due in part to her staunch opposition to the prevalence of illegal performance enhancing drug use within the sport.

Kim received her ACE Group Fitness training certification in 1988 and her NSCA personal training certification in 2000. She began her personal training business in 1998. As the business grew, the garage at our house became overly crowded with training clients and we decided to open a small studio from which she could work. In late 1998, we opened the original Body Solution Personal Training Studio in Georgetown Square. For the next few years Kim worked early mornings and evenings as a personal trainer while working her day job. In 2001, deciding to dedicate herself to personal training, she went full time.

By 2001, Kim had recruited me into the personal training business and together our client base continued to grow. Still working a full time job, I would train during the early mornings and evenings as Kim managed the studio and trained during the day. The business expanded several times over the next couple of years and by 2004 it was obvious we needed to build a larger facility.

Jerry McDonald, NSCA-CPT, Cooper Institute-CFT, ACSM

I was born and raised in Mountain Home Arkansas. I graduated from Mountain Home High School where I played football, basketball, baseball and any other physically competitive sport I could. Upon graduating from high school, I attended DeVry Institute of Technology in Chicago where I earned a degree in Computer Science. After living in the Chicago area for 6 years, I returned to Mountain Home and went into business for myself filing insurance for the medical community and private sector. The company, called Insurance Filing Systems, eventually became InFoSys, a computer and network consulting company specializing in helping businesses implement information systems and technology.

After working for myself for several years, I sold the business and went to work for one of my largest clients as the Information Systems Director. In 2005, I resigned as Systems Director for the manufacturing company to pursue the family personal training business.

I earned my American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Personal Fitness Trainer Certification through Cooper Institute in Dallas, Texas in 2001. In 2009, I earned my National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Personal Training Certification.

By the end of 2005, Kim and I were the full-time owners, operators and personal trainers of the newly renamed Mountain Home Athletic Club. To this day we look back and smile at the way things have unfolded from our garage to a 10 acre, 25,000 square foot facility. For nearly 20 years, we have provided the highest level of fitness knowledge and personal training to the citizens of the Twin Lakes Area. We help people of all ages and in all stages of health. We have built a close relationship with the local medical and physical therapy community to provide supplemental health care to their patients and we are well known for our expertise in working with individuals who have special health and fitness needs.

In order to maintaining our NSCA certification, Kim and I are required to obtain the highest number of continuing education hours in the industry and year in and year out we exceed these requirements as standard practice. We are the most experienced and knowledgeable trainers in the Twin Lakes Area and although there are a number of other local trainers and clubs, none have the qualifications we offer. Of all the training certifications on the market today, NSCA, ACE and ACSM are second to none. Today, Kim and I continue to expand our knowledge of health and fitness through education not only because of our passion for health and wellness, but also as a way to set ourselves apart from the competition.

Kim and I currently go well beyond managing our club and training business by giving back to our community which has supported us so consistently over the years. We serve on several boards and wellness commitees, we offer public speaking services on health and fitness to local businesses and organizations, we provide consultation and support to our local school, and are available to help anyone interested in improving their health.

Certifications - How They Rank

There are more personal training certifications today than ever and obtaining one is as easy as taking a quiz on the internet. For the consumer of health and fitness services, its important you know who you are dealing with. As an example, an important part of a quality personal training certification includes education on health club managment, safety and liability issues which may have a dramatic effect on you and your health. If you frequent a health club or gym, do your research and make sure those who are running and managing it have your health as their priority and not just your membership dollar!

Of the 12 most popular personal training certifications, nine are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and of those nine, there are only five recognized as the leaders in the fitness industry. Of these five, NSCA ranks 1st, followed by ACSM and ACE respectively, all three of which are held by Mountain Home Athletic Club. To put this into perspective, read the following excerpt from the NCCA.

NSCA Personal Trainer Certification

Personal trainer certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is one of the toughest certifications to achieve. The exam covers a whole range of topics from anatomy to nutrition to club management and safety. The NSCA personal trainer certification was the only program to be recognized by the NCCA until the American College of Sports Medicine was also certified. Now many certifications have caught up with NSCA by becoming accredited but it still shows that the NSCA is leading the charge toward cleaning up the personal trainer certification industry.

NSCA established the NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) in 1993 and is very widely recognized as the most reputable personal training certification in the industry.

What's so Special about the NSCA-CPT?

One of the biggest differences between other certifications and the personal trainer certification from NSCA is it enables a trainer to work with clients who have special needs in addition to healthy clients. Special needs clients include the obese, seniors, people with eating disorders, pregnant women, orthopedic disorders, diabetics, post heart attack and stroke rehab, and many more.

This is a serious certification.

The NSCA-CPT is not something you will be able to earn after attending a 3 day workshop. In fact, if you look at the numbers, only 9,600 NSCA-CPTs exist in a program that's been around since 1993. It definitely attracts those who are serious about health and fitness.

I Think We've Lost Our Minds!

2010-02-05T17:59:00Z

Wow, February 2010 already!! Anything you want to accomplish in 2010 you better buckle down and get to it cause it’ll be gone…..woops there it goes.

Speaking of buckling down and getting it done, how about your health? I find humor in the massive amount of news and marketing these days about how exercise and nutrition benefit you in so many ways. I think it’s so comical because the vast majority of the I mean, we all know that being active and eating right makes us feel good. We also know that sitting around doing nothing physical and eating junk leads to feeling like crap. What’s so “new and exciting”? What’s even more laughable is the fact that these industries have to use such tactics to get most of us to do anything proactive about our health!

I understand why marketing guru’s around the world are hard at work trying to get your hard earned dollars with their latest fitness machine, fab diet, or super health pill. There’s big money in health and fitness! The pharmaceutical and medical machines, or "sickness industry" as I like to call them, also market to you for your health dollars because there’s even bigger money in "sickness care". And the food industry, it’s like feeding poison to rats. If you package it right, put enough fat and sugar in it, color it real pretty and make sure it has a half-life equal to Uranium, we would eat a piece of card board and enjoy it!

This is where logic seems to break down for me. Come on, let’s face it, we all want to feel well, look good and be strong and healthy, right? Yet 2 out of 3 of us won’t even do the simplest things needed to accomplish this? Nothing about being healthy and fit is “rocket surgery”. You know why the health and fitness industry has to resort to trickery, splashy headlines and unrealistic health claims to coax people into taking better care of their health? It's because they have to compete for your dollars with the “sickness industry’s” tricks of making you think you're well with "band aides" which never really fix you, but just keep you from feeling to bad for too long. So, how long does one have to feel bad, look bad, and be sick before you make a decision to take better care of your health?

It’s “sickening” how the media promotes most wellness products as quick, easy, fast, and the best ever. But to their credit, they do have one thing right. It doesn’t take that much to be healthier. Amazingly, very small adjustments in physical activity and nutritional intake can create huge health benefits. And the more changes you make, the more you want to make. It’s the snow ball effect. You will feel better if you are physically active even just a little bit every day! You will feel better if you eat just a few more fruits and vegetables and less processed foods every day! Then each day you will want that feeling more and more and soon you will be living healthy because your body will crave the feeling. Just start by “Moving More and Eating Less”.

Let's back up for a minute. Earlier I stated there is big money in health and fitness care but, even bigger money in sickness care? Look, I'm all for modern medicine and where we've come with this technology. There’s always going to be a need for medical care for all kinds of things and we are very lucky to have people who chose this profession. However, we don’t have to feed the monster purposefully through neglecting our own health.

Really think about the last time you visited your doctor or the hospital. Think about what it cost you in money and time. I assure you, you spent much more money during a 30 minute office visit than you would spend in a month of health club dues. And a hospital visit these days…..you might be able to buy a health club for what they charge. The point is many of the reasons we visit the doctor or the hospital are our own fault. I’m talking about lifestyle choices we make everyday which lead to chronic conditions that keep the “sickness industry” running smoothly and profitable.

If you could make a few simple changes in your daily habits which have been proven by “current research”, to help you live longer, feel stronger, look better, save money, blah, blah, blah, why would you choose not to? Do 2 out of 3 Americans really like being overweight or obese? That’s right, currently 67% of all Americans are overweight or obese! 67%.

This is where my brain really begins to melt. We are such a sophisticated society, yet at the same time we act as if we just began to walk upright! Of course I’m biased. I own a health club and have a desire to promote wellness so I can provide a living for my family through this means. But, come on man! Where is the logic in wanting to be healthy, knowing the risks of not being healthy, having a basic understanding of how to be healthy, then continuing to consciously do nothing, or worse, do something which leads you further from health, all the while wishing and wanting to be healthy? Such is the irony of our current state of health in this country. Or should I say, “the insanity” of our current state of health.

I know the standard definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome each time, but the above paragraph could surely be considered synonymous.

Ok, now for the sales pitch! A membership to a health club ranges from a couple hundred a year to maybe a thousand a year for a family of four. If used, and there's the key, a health club membership can provide you with the preventative health care options needed to significantly lower or even eliminate your sickness expenses per year and more than pay for the membership. But hey, you don’t have to join a club to start becoming more active, it’s just easier because there is a variety of equipment and knowledgeable personnel to help you. So, whether you join a club or start exercising on your own, do something.

If you are not currently someone who exercises regularly or eats somewhat healthy, I challenge you to the following test;

Get a notebook and write down every dollar you spent on "sickness care" in 2009. Everything from cold medicine to aspirin, doctors visits to health insurance, every dime you spent to help yourself feel better in 2009.

Next, start exercising and eating better today. If you are comfortable joining the Mountain Home Athletic Club, we would love to have your business. If you have questions about health and fitness but don’t want to join the club, call me, I will help you whether you join the Athletic Club or not!

Lastly, keep track of every dollar you spend this year on health and wellness including health club dues and any other exercise related expenses. Check the totals each month. If you are not spending less on “sickness care” specifically and health care in general this year over last, you're either not exercising regularly and eating better, or you’ve had a significant health related setback due to an accute health incedent or you're dealing with a serious chronic condition possibly caused from previous neglect.

I leave you with a paraphrase from the famous stand up comedian Dennis Miller, who said after every rant on any subject he spoke of; “but hey, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong”!

And now for some of my all time favorite quotes:

Buddha

“The thought manifests as the word;

The word manifests as the deed;

The deed develops into habit;

And habit hardens into character;

So watch the thought and its ways with care,

And let it spring from love

Born out of concern for all beings….

As the shadow follows the body,

As we think, so we become.”

Aristotle

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit"

Douglas Adams, author of Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy

"In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."

"I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by”

Unknown

“A person needs only two tools: WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD-40. If it moves and it shouldn't, use the tape.”

“Any and all compliments can be handled by simply saying "Thank you" though it helps if you say it with a

southern accent.”

The five most essential words for a healthy marriage: "I’m sorry, you are right."

“Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.”

“Never pass up an opportunity to pee.”

“If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance!”

"Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness."

“A person who has health has a thousand wishes, the person who doesn’t, has but one.”

Thought - The True Path To Health

2009-10-17T20:54:00Z

Thought - The True Path To Health

Have you ever wondered how your thoughts and attitudes affect your physical health? There is no scientific experiment, at least that I know of, to determine exactly what impact our thoughts have on our overall health, but we’ve all experienced a feeling of sickness from something we thought about. I’ve even known people who eat right, exercise, don’t smoke or drink, basically the epitome of health, but always seem stressed and unhappy. How are their thoughts really impacting their well being?

My theory is that our thoughts create everything, our wellness and our sickness. We will be sick in direct proportion to the amount of negative thinking we do, both consciously and sub-consciously. Negative thoughts cause more damage to our overall health and wellness than all the cheeseburgers, fries, sodas and cigarettes we can consume in a lifetime.

I believe our thoughts create everything; our existence as we know it. Everything we are and everything we experience begins as thought. Quantum physics is just now beginning to prove this theory. One of the main premises of quantum mechanics is that a thing is only a thing upon observation. Prior to observing, science cannot prove a thing truly exists, only that there is a probability it exists.

Now, I must clarify before I move on. I am not suggesting I am "Self Created". I have been created to be creative. Life is paint by numbers. We've been given infinite colors (thinking), numbers (universal law) and a blank canvas (consciousness). And although I didn’t create the canvas, paint or numbers, I can mix it up an infinite number of ways through thought. What I think of it is what it becomes. But this discussion is for a different time and place.

So, what happens when we think negatively? Science has yet to show a direct correlation between negative thought and cancer, heart disease, diabetes, accidents, etcetera, and etcetera. However, science has proven that certain frequencies of energy can cause damage to physical objects. What is the frequency of a negative thought? Science has also proven that when we think, the brain produces electrical energy. This energy also causes chemicals to be released throughout the body. What damage is being caused to us over time when our thoughts are mostly negative?

How about the impact negative thoughts have on others? Thoughts are electrical energy as far as we know. The skull is no sealed container which completely holds this energy within our own body. Some of this energy leaks out and impacts others, be it positive, neutral, or negative.

What about positive thoughts? We all know what it feels like to have a happy thought; the warm and fuzzy feeling of loving a child or simply thinking of someone close to you. Although science has yet to prove an overall impact on long-term health, there are many experiments which prove that both positive and negative thoughts have immediate physical manifestations.

I think what you think, you become! Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so truth is in the brain of the thinker. When millions of thoughts about a thing combine, whatever that thought is becomes true. The world was once completely flat until we thought it round! Thought is so powerful; a single one can even change millions of others.

I think you can think yourself healthy. Remember, what you think you become. You cannot trick yourself, however; you cannot fake it. Your thoughts are either true to you or they are false to you. Doubt cannot be part of the thought process if you expect to create results. There is no maybe or sort of. This becomes even clearer when you begin to think about others and objects outside of yourself. You cannot think of yourself as healthy while criticizing, condemning and complaining about your surroundings.

My belief is that wellness comes from our creative ability through thought well balanced. What we think we create! Pay attention to your thoughts as you go throughout your day. Pay attention to those around you and what they are thinking and saying. Not so much the words sometimes but the energy carried by the words. Be mindful; is it positive, neutral, or negative? Try thinking positive thoughts only for one day, giving those positive thoughts and energy to everyone you come in contact with. You will be amazed at how healthy and vibrant you feel. What you give you receive tenfold. Think of it as happening in your life and around you in other’s lives every day.

As a personal trainer, I experience this often. It is my soul purpose to create wellness and health. As I look upon those around me I picture the health in them and the potential strength and wellness they have within. The stronger you are the stronger you help to make others around you. Your positive thought about someone can spark a positive thought in them. The ripple effect will come back to you and create well being within you. Once you begin to think healthy, you are healthy!

Customer Service - A Lost Art

2009-10-12T17:21:00Z

I have a basic rule when it comes to doing business with someone. It's pretty simple and it's always been a rule that I've stuck to because it's something that I am adamant about in my own business. The rule is simply this:

"I want a business to be genuinely interested in me as a customer and be excited that I'm there. I want them to have a real desire in helping me spend my money with them!"

Of course price, location, reputation etc. come in to play even before I choose to do business with someone, but those things are not nearly as important as the company's desire to truly help me. I'll go miles out of the way, pay higher prices and forgo many other so called benefits for a company who says;

"Hey, we are really glad you are here and we want to help you in any way we can. Even if you don't buy anything from us today, we know that if we give you our time and genuine attention, you will be back and spend your hard earned money over and over again with us."

There is no way you will go wrong dealing with a business that has this philosophy.

I had an opportunity to have my rule tested the other day as I was buying something for my son. He and I had gone in to the establishment to purchase a significant item. It was near closing time and we were treated like we were a really big bother. I felt compelled to mention this attitude to the owner and to my disbelief, he didn't seem to care. He offered no help and seemed put out with us. I had a very difficult time giving him the money and if it hadn't been so important to my son I would not have stayed and made the purchase. However, my son had been saving for a long time and really wanted to get the item that day. There was no other place in town he could go and he didn't want to wait to order it online.

Needless to say, we will never go back to this business and we will make sure anyone who asks is made aware of the less than adequate service. I try to give the benefit of the doubt to everyone, as I did in this case. I've experienced poor attitudes before from businesses and upon bringing it to their attention, they have rectified the problem and have earned years of loyalty from me. My feeling is that we all make mistakes but if someone cares enough to try and fix them I'm willing to give them as many chances as they are willing to try. This particular business must be doing very well right now because they did not need my business based on their attitude.

On occasion, even I have aggravated a client or two sarcasm intentional. However, I take pride in having a desire to make things right if I've caused a wrong. I'm always interested in talking if someone needs to talk to me for any reason. I can be reached at the Athletic Club at 870.425.4342 or on my cell at 870.404.6364

That's my rant for now. What do you think?

Jerry McDonald, Certified Personal Trainer
Mountain Home Athletic Club