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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is there an age limit for me to begin an exercise program?
A. Age is not a barrier. We've had trainees as young as 14 and as YOUNG as 76. While it is best to instill the habit at a truly young age, recent studies have shown that dramatic results can be seen in people exercising well into their 90's. In fact, numerous recent studies have identified countless benefits relating to exercise and physical activity.
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Q. I haven't worked out for years. How do I get started?
A. Slowly! If you haven't had much exercise it will take time for your body to get used to new activity. If you progress too quickly you not only increase your risk of injury, you also may become so sore and stiff that you're discouraged and stop before you begin to reach your goals.
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Q. What's the best way to get started if I'm new or returning to exercise?
A. The most important thing is to TAKE ACTION. Consult with your physician or health care practitioner to help identify any potential health concerns. Then set SPECIFIC goals and create an action plan. Begin slowly, however, to give your body a chance to adapt to the new exercise activities without overdoing it. Also, remember that it took a while for you to create your current habits, so give yourself time to make new ones. Write your plan down and/or share it with a supportive friend or family member. Finally, whether you choose to invest in a gym membership, a dance class, fitness equipment or even a trainer, you are investing in yourself as well as your quality of life. YOU are your greatest asset!
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Q. Do I have to workout for hours to get in shape?
A. No. The average person can get a great workout in under an hour. Your Wildfire Fitness trainer will show you how to maximize you efforts to minimize your time. You'll learn how to modify your lifestyle habits such as food choices, activity level and rest/relaxation patterns to encourage your success.
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Q. Is there a quick fix, ie. pill or gizmo, to help me get in shape and lose weight in a hurry?
A. Unfortunately not. We understand the intense desire to reach your fitness goals as of YESTERDAY, but the truth is that there are no healthy, long-term short cuts. Regardless of what the latest fitness infomercial, revolutionary program or quick fix magazine article says, for most people lasting success only comes from a combination of muscle conditioning, proper rest and excess body fat management on a consistent, habitual basis. The good news is that once you understand what habits will work for you, healthy lifestyle choices can be as natural as brushing your teeth.
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Q. What can I do to get rid of this (referring to any part of the body with unwanted fat)?
A. Much like the previous question, there are no short cuts and there is no way to spot reduce. The good news is that you can shape the muscle in the area in question while your eating habits and aerobic activities conquer the fat. Like a one-two punch this combination will send you well on your way to reaching your fitness goals.
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Q. Do I have to belong to a gym to workout?
A. Absolutely not. You can workout very effectively at home, outside or wherever you happen to be. You also don't have to invest in a lot of costly equipment and you don't have to have a huge amount of space. The main thing is knowing what to do and how to do it correctly. Your Wildfire Fitness trainer is certified and is continually updated on the latest health and fitness information. We do the research and learn the most effective techniques so you can spend your session time having fun and getting a great workout.
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Q. As a woman, won't I get big and bulky if I lift weights?
A. When you set your goals, you decide how much you want to increase your muscle mass and adjust your workout accordingly. Women who compete in bodybuilding competitions, for instance, have a very intense and strict regimine, and have to work very hard to gain the muscle you see. For the average woman, however, lifting weights will not only help to shape and strengthen the muscles, it will also increase muscle mass and thereby increasing metabolism and fat burning potential. Another benefit to weight trainingi is that it increases your bone density which can decrease your chance for osteoporosis.
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Q. How many calories do I have to burn to lose a pound of fat?
A. You'll need a deficit of 3500 calories to lose a pound of fat. For example, If you expend about 2500 calories per day and consume about 2000 calories per day, you'll have a deficit of 500 calories per day and 3500 per week. Thus you would lose about one pound of fat per week.
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Q. I know I'm supposed to eat breakfast, but I'm just not hungry in the morning.
A. You're not hungry for one (or both) of two reasons...
1. If you don't eat breakfast, you're not going to want breakfast. Your metabolism and your palate have adjusted to you not eating breakfast. You metabolism has slowed down because it "knows" (based on the past) that you're not going to fuel it in the morning. The signal from your brain to your mouth and stomach to eat has also weakened. Thus you have no appetite in the morning. You can gradually change that by beginning to eat a small breakfast, even a banana or glass of OJ, and then gradually increasing it. Breakfast should be a VERY substantial, healthy meal. Your appetite should return over a period of months.
2. You're eating too much for dinner and late in the evening. Your dinner meal should be your smallest meal of the day and your snacking in the evening should be limited.
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