stephen cooper.name

Where Do Trainers Get Their Ideas

Many of my clients ask me where do I come up with all of the creative exercises that I use.  Well...here's one of my secrets.

My friend Zach's site Underground Strength Coach.com (aff.). 

Zach has also complied a great look at what I believe will be the way to train for 2006 and on.  Take a look at this link for a wide variety of "old school" training techniques.  You'll notice my son and I on pages 10-12.

You'll notice that the "equipment" is pretty basic, but I can tell you from personal experience, that I'm in my best shape ever using these techniques.

Zach charges a very small fee to become a member of Underground Strength Coach.com but you will definitely get your money's worth and more.  The site is filled with exercise routines, how to make your own equipment, plus you can eavesdrop in the discussion forum with some of the top trainers in the country.

Check it out, and let me know how your results.  I guarantee that you're going to have a blast.

What Direction are You Going In?

In beginning any fitness program it's critical to know what you want from exercise.  Is your goal to lose fat?  Is it to run a marathon? Do you want to gain muscle?

Different goals require different and specific plans, and one size doesn't fit all.

This even applies to choosing a place to workout.  Each fitness facility has a certain personality.  Some are geared more to body-builders, and some may be stronger in the group classes that they offer.

Don't rush into signing up for a club, until you know that you will be able to accomplish your goals there.

Washington Post Says "Kids are Fat"

Washington Post Says "Kids are Fat" link to article

Well it's no surprise to me.  Having one child in grammar school and one in junior high school, I see it every day.  Fat kids.  (Please know if you may be new to my writings, I don't use politically correct terms, nor do I beat around the bush.)

I would say that about 30% of the kids I see in the schools are over fat, with many being obese. 

As a trainer and someone who has benefited from a healthy lifestyle it really saddens me to see those kids.

I think that the only answer is that parents have to take it into their own hands to help their kids.  If you want to help your kids...you cut down your T.V. viewing and play with your kids. 

One site that helps motivate kids is the Presidents Challenge.  There you and your kids can track your exercise and work towards gaining medals.  There are plenty of activities to choose from such as dancing, walking, and specific sports.  My kids will actually go outside and run around just to accumulate more points.  I also award them more points for the fruits and vegetables that they eat.

Another resource that I just saw yesterday is the CrossFit Journal for Kids.  You'll find ways to help your kids. 

And of course I'm asking you to join in and lead by example.  Kids are too smart, and they know when you aren't walking the talk.  If you haven't exercised in a while, let them know that you'll both be learning.  Just get moving.

Inspire your kids.  Make the effort and invest the time in the health of you and your kids.

I'm in Love with CrossFit

Over the past 6 months I've been doing the "prescribed" workouts from the crossfit site .  I've been working out since I was 15 and now being 40, I've found what I believe to be the best plan for me.  The workouts use minimal equipment, and can easily be done at home.

I tend to be  A.D.D. when it comes to working out.  I've tried every workout there is out there,(except the "Bollywood Workout") and I find that the CrossFit style keeps me energized and looking forward to each days new workout.

You'll need some basic equipment for your home, but there are many suggestions for substitutions and ways to make your own workout tools. 

One note of advice.  The CrossFit workouts are very advanced. Even if you think that you are in shape from "going to the gym", I suggest that you ease into the workouts, and that you read as much as you can on their site.  Look in the discussion section, and F.A.Q.'s.

Let me know if you've tried these workouts and what your thoughts are.

Are Personal Trainers the Problem?

I just finished sending out an email to my client list.  After finishing this note, I really had to think that maybe we as personal trainers, or the "fitness industry" is to blame for so many people not being in shape.  Some trainers and marketers of fitness trick people into thinking that to get in shape you have to go to a fancy gym, and use their equipment.  What crap!  People think, "oh, if only I could afford a trainer, like J.Lo, I'd be in shape too."  That may be partly true, but what it really takes to get fit, one can easily do at home, with minimal equipment.

I encourage you to check out the Underground Strength site to get some fun, and may I say, inexpensive options to superior fitness.

My Predictions...Fitness in 2006

My main prediction for 2006 is that "old school" training will become more mainstream. More and more people will see that most health clubs with their mirrors and fixed machines aren't producing the results they desire. If it's your goal to have bigger, isolated muscles, then yes maybe you should stay at the gym. But if you are looking for exercises that translate to real life activities, you're going to have look for other options.

Keep your eyes open for a lot more people training with kettlebells, sand bags, tires, and even sledgehammers. Laugh now, but that's what I see coming.

It's my own personal hope for 2006, that families will begin to exercise together. Using some of the tools that I mentioned above you all can workout together, at home. Don't think that you have to make a separate trip to the gym when you and your family can get in a great workout in your backyard. You and your kids will see that exercise doesn't have to be boring. You can get a lot of training ideas from Underground Strength Coach. 

All My Fitness Secrets on 1 "Post It" Note

I've often told my clients that I could put all of my "secrets" to being fit on one "Post It" note.  That's absolutely the truth.  So here are my "secrets". 

"Get out your "Post It" note so you can take notes."

1.  Have a plan.  Find a trainer,or get the info you need from the Internet or books.  In order to reach your specific goal, you'll need a workable plan.

2.  When you workout, do so with enthusiasm!  While you're at the gym, be at the gym.  Get the job done.  Don't wander around.  This really bugs me as a trainer.  I see people wandering around talking with others, looking at themselves in the mirror, etc..

3.  Eat a balanced diet.  This really can't more simple....but it takes discipline.

Eat 5-6 times a day with one serving of protein, one serving of fibrous carbohydrates, and starchy carbs and fruits depending on how your body tolerates them.  Do I need to say, cut out the crap!

4.  Sleep enough.  The rest and recovery is just as important to your physical transformation.

Read about the importance of sleep here...

Next time...we'll look into each of these areas in more depth.

10 Things To Know about Evaluating Medical Resources on the Web

Here's a great topic I just found from the Genetics and Health.com blog .  These are some questions that I as a personal trainer need to answer for you my reader.  My fellow personal trainers should also take note to answer these questions as well.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, lists the following 10 Things To Know about Evaluating Medical Resources on the Web.

1. Who runs this site?
2. Who pays for the site?
3. What is the purpose of the site?
4. Where does the information come from?
5. What is the basis of the information?
6. How is the information selected?
7. How current is the information?
8. How does the site choose links to other sites?
9. What information about you does the site collect, and why?
10. How does the site manage interactions with visitors?

Here are my answers to these questions as they pertain to my blog.

1. Who runs this site?

The stephencooper.name Blog is run entirely by me.   I am a Certified Personal Trainer, currently with certified with N.A.S.M with a specialty in Senior Fitness, and have been certified for over a decade. Before becoming a trainer I was an E.M.T. with Medevac in the Los Angeles area.  I'm also a Master Member of IDEA .  I run fitness bootcamps and train clients one-on-one in their homes. I’ve had a passion for health and fitness for over 25 years.

2. Who pays for the site?

Thus far, just me.  I do hope that revenue generated by Google ads and other affiliate programs will also come in.  None of the information here at my blog is bought or sold.

3. What is the purpose of the site?

Now that I'm 40 and I've been in this industry for so many years, I'm tired of people not getting results, and worse being mislead about what it takes to get fit.  my goal is to show you what works, and also to show you what is just plain crap.  I will pass along sites, people and products which I have either used or know.  I will not endorse anything on this site from which I don't have first hand experience.

4. Where does the information come from?

I scan numerous sources from journals, newspapers, the internet and more, every day to see what health and fitness news is making the biggest buzz. I also routinely attend conferences and workshops in my field.  In the future I hope to have other respected authors contributing to my blog.

5. What is the basis of the information?

As a personal trainer, and probably as you know, different studies are being released all the time.  I will do my best to weed out fact from fiction and present them to you.

6. How is the information selected?

Unlike a scientific journal, magazine, or newspaper, there is no editor for stephencooper.name blog. Hence, like most other blogs, there is no fact checker other than myself. I rely on you, my readers, to correct me when I’m mistaken and to share your experiences. I welcome all comments whether you agree with me or not.

7. How current is the information?

I read the news and write posts for my blog almost every week day, so the blog is updated as quickly as I can read and write. Some topics, however, are not as time-sensitive so I may pull information from sources that are farther back in time. Whenever possible and necessary, I review and update old posts with new information.

8. How does the site choose links to other sites?

My blog may link to sites that give me a commission.  However I will never list a link or mention a site, nor person "just to make money". The links I provide are only to other sites that I respect or contain relevant information.  My goal is that you get fit, and will recommend sites and people who I think may help you.

9. What information about you does the site collect, and why?

If you decide to sign up for my newsletter, that's all the information I will ask from you.  I promise not to sell or pass along your name or email without your permission.  I hate necessary email just as much as you do.

10. How does the site manage interactions with visitors?

I love to receive comments so please don’t be shy in expressing your opinions or asking any questions you might have in the comments section available after each post. I am open to different points of view and will always treat you with respect. If you would like to contact me privately, please e-mail me at stephencooper888@gmail.com the subject stephencooper.name blog (so your e-mail won’t get treated as spam).

I hope that these answers will increase your trust and confidence in my blog.  It would be a great public service if other websites and blogs would answer these questions in a straightforward and honest manner.

Simplifying Fitness for 2006

The longer I spend in the health and fitness industry, the more I want to simplify exercise.  With the inventions of treadmills, and the various weight machines found in your typical gyms, I don't see it translating into real fitness.

In 2006 I will be bringing you what I feel are simple yet very effective training methods.  Little equipment will be needed, and no expensive gym memberships are necessary.

Be prepared to be in your best shape ever!