Exercise and personal trainers

4/17/08

By Gwen Cook
Critic Staff


Getting in shape doesn’t have to be a hard and strenuous chore, especially at LSC.

Andrew Longley, an exercise science major and personal trainer at LSC, says, “Doing 30 minutes of physical activity a day is recommended by the surgeon general. I can’t really recommend exercises for a general population; personal training is individualized for every client’s goal, needs, and medical history.”

Having a personal trainer can be a huge advantage in getting into shape quicker and with better results. Longley says, “We help accomplish any goal that a client might have that deals with their physical well-being. The personal trainer uses guidelines and techniques learned from the NSCA (national strength and conditioning association) to help a client achieve those goals.”

If a person wants to work on developing lean muscle and toning down, they would have to have a different routine than a person who wants to gain muscle weight and “bulk up”.

Working out alone can still be effective if you remember to stay on top of your routine. Longley says, “If a person runs or walks multiple times per week and lifts weights two to three times properly per week, then going it alone works fine.”

If making time in the day to fit for 30 minutes of physical activity proves impossible, try changing up your routine. Park your car father away in the parking lot, be intentionally late for class so you can run or power walk, or forgo the elevator and use the stairs instead. These seemingly small things do add up.

Exercise is good for school crunch time or getting over arguments. “Exercise is thought to reduce stress, anxiety, and is even thought to improve your cognitive abilities, Longley says, “I’ve personally always used exercise when I’m extremely stressed out about something, and have found it puts me in a much better mood.”

People can sign up for personal training even if they don’t see themselves doing it all semester. Longley says, “The ultimate goal is for you to, in 4-6 weeks, to be set enough in a routine to be able to exercise by yourself.” Sign up is available at the front desk in the gym.