cise reduces the body’s stress hormones, it also stimulates endorphin production, thus offering a double benefit that should be sought early on in the day. Therefore, bathing the brain in positivity will comple- ment the body’s natural energy burning activities throughout the day and raise our spirits longer than when we leave physical conditioning until late in the day, when our energy stores are low and the body is more tired, or busier with other activities (such as digestion).


Visualize Ever seen someone go through the


motions on a universal machine or simply sleepwalk through a workout? Just as it is clear that the benefits of superficial execu- tion are limited, so is the fact that planning each set is crucial to avoiding wasting our time with ineffective activities. The busy mind is a mind preoccupied with the stresses of the day and cannot help the body fully reap the benefits of exercise. By helping clients visualize their goals, their execution and even the contraction of their muscles, you are helping them do the hard work be- fore they even move a muscle. Without the added stress of anticipating the impending effort, we can enjoy the exercise and indulge in more rhythmic activities from a simple stroll to a more vigorous run. Think of it as muscular meditation.


Compensate In the words of the late Gilda Radner, “it’s always something”. There is no short- age of excuses, challenges and problems. There’s always a constraint, and that is why you’re here as a fitness professional. You’re here to compensate for negativity, physical limitations, time constraints and inclement weather. You’re a key part of the equation and your job, quite literally, is to help clients see their way through to the completion of a workout. People know they will feel better afterwards, they just need the handhold- ing to address whatever muscle tightness, personal issue or unpredictable challenge has cropped up today. Do that, and your relationships will be stronger than a regular personal training engagement could ever be. If you’re the client, then remember to be clear and direct about what you see as the hurdle impeding your exercise goals. Give your personal trainer the opportunity to rise to the occasion and more often than not, they will. You two make a great team.


Replenish


Physical exercise means placing a stress on your body. Do it right, and it reduces the stress on your mind. Do it wrong and your health is at risk. To fuel the body’s ability to support that chain of positive effect, you simply need to keep it hydrated and well rested. This is simply put, easily followed but also often neglected. Drink sufficiently


by keeping a bottle handy, whether you’re at work or at the gym. Your body and mind will thank you.


Anticipate You don’t need to get “all Zen” to enjoy


a productive workout. Remember to seek comfort, avoid distractions and interrup- tions and have the right mental attitude to make the most out of the time you spend on yourself. Anticipate challenges, plan for success and enjoy your achievements, whether you’re a personal trainer or a cli- ent. It will train your brain to get into the zone, experience mindfulness, stay positive and crave the accomplishment of each and every session.


“You will never get any more out of life


than you expect.” - Bruce Lee


"So expect to get a lot


out of life." - Claudiu's corollary


Learning to challenge clients through


adversity means demonstrating goal setting and achievement, a skill that will immedi- ately be applied by your clients in every facet of their lives. Complementing a stressful life with an intense workout is a technique that drives the most productive people to stay motivated and become successful in every season. So coach your clients to stay ahead of the weather – be it their own internal weather pattern or the meteorological kind - and reap the benefits of being a trusted advisor.


References: 1. Benefits of exercise – reduces stress, anxiety, and helps fight depression. Har- vard Men’s Health Watch, February 2016. 2. Understanding the stress response. Har- vard Medical School. March 2016. 3. Exercise and stress: Get moving to man- age stress. Mayo Clinic. April 2015. 4. Physical Activity Reduces Stress. Anxiety and Depression Association of America.


Claudiu Popa, PTS, OAS, enjoys strength train- ing and fitness conditioning, specializes in older adult fitness, appreciates working with exceptional clients and collaborating with out- standing professionals. Claudiu is the founder of Workout Smart and can be reached in con- fidence at Claudiu@WorkoutSmart.ca. Be sure to follow him at Twitter.com/WorkoutSmart and on http://Facebook.com/WorkoutSmart.


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