LA Fitness Pro Results® Master Trainer, Stone T., gives his expert advice on which machines best assist with toning the body. His answer may surprise you!
Do you have a fitness question? Ask one of our certified Pro Results® trainers here! Your question may be featured in an upcoming Ask Our Trainer video.**
**Selected submissions will be featured on the LA Fitness blog and possibly other LA Fitness digital media entities & websites. By making a submission, you hereby grant LA Fitness a non-exclusive, perpetual, worldwide, irrevocable license to use and make copies of the contents of such submission for any purpose and in any medium whatsoever, and you hereby waive and relinquish any copyright or other intellectual property right you may have in the contents of such submission and your right to pursue any claim for LA Fitness’s violation of those intellectual property rights.
On this episode of ‘Ask A Trainer’ we speak with LA Fitness Pro Results® trainer Stone T. and get his expert advice on increasing stamina, and improving leg and hip strength – it’s a double question, bringing double the amount of advice.
On this episode of ‘Ask A Trainer’ we speak with LA Fitness Pro Results® trainer Stone T. and get his expert advice on exercises that are best recommended for those with knee issues.
On this episode of ‘Ask A Trainer’ we speak with LA Fitness Pro Results® trainer Stone T. and get his expert advice on whether or not heart rate training zones on fitness equipment are an accurate way to monitor your workout.
LA Fitness Pro Results® Master Trainer, Stone T., gives his expert advice on what a good starting point is for working out. Are you hitting the magic number? Find out with us.
Do you have a fitness question? Ask one of our certified Pro Results® trainers here! Your question may be featured in an upcoming Ask Our Trainer video.**
**Selected submissions will be featured on the LA Fitness blog and possibly other LA Fitness digital media entities & websites. By making a submission, you hereby grant LA Fitness a non-exclusive, perpetual, worldwide, irrevocable license to use and make copies of the contents of such submission for any purpose and in any medium whatsoever, and you hereby waive and relinquish any copyright or other intellectual property right you may have in the contents of such submission and your right to pursue any claim for LA Fitness’s violation of those intellectual property rights.
On this episode of ‘Ask A Trainer’ we speak with LA Fitness Pro Results® trainer Stone T. and get his expert advice on increasing stamina, and improving leg and hip strength – it’s a double question, bringing double the amount of advice.
On this episode of ‘Ask A Trainer’ we speak with LA Fitness Pro Results® trainer Stone T. and get his expert advice on exercises that are best recommended for those with knee issues.
On this episode of ‘Ask A Trainer’ we speak with LA Fitness Pro Results® trainer Stone T. and get his expert advice on whether or not heart rate training zones on fitness equipment are an accurate way to monitor your workout.
August 2016
Barrie, Ontario, Canada – Meet Debbie E., a member who was quite unhealthy for the longest time. You may ask yourself, what makes a 49-year-old woman suddenly change her relationship with health and fitness? Was it someone else’s idea? Was it something that happened? Why the change? Why now? Well, much like the beginning of a grand novel in which our protagonist is unaware of life-changing self-discovery laying ahead, it started off as a day like any other… Our story starts in September 2016, when Debbie went to watch a group of friends participate in the Toronto Tough Mudder. Simply walking the spectator course nearly did her in! Eventually, the course was completed and the group of them were able to sit together and celebrate – and that is when it hit her. As if the world around her suddenly stopped, Debbie looked up and in a moment of craziness or clarity, Debbie announced that she wanted to complete the Tough Mudder the very next year.
Silence.
The teamed looked around in disbelief; shock across their faces, before shouting a resounding “Game on!” And so the story begins.
Debbie describes herself as having always been a strong-willed person, focused and determined with an all or nothing attitude. However, she never seemed to apply that attitude directly to herself. After a few false fitness starts later, a friend asked Debbie if she would like to join a gym with her. Me, in a gym…Ha!, she thought. But, with the goal of completing the Tough Mudder still gnawing at her, Debbie decided to make the move and join. She realized she really had nothing to lose except weight and bad habits. The physical and emotional efforts of years of unhealthy living were finally getting to her.
Walking through the doors of the gym was one of the most intimidating things Debbie admits she’s ever done. Yet she knew it was the beginning of challenging herself, and the start of a whole new way of life. Consistency became her new best friend. She set small goals along the way which helped her tremendously. At one point, Debbie began identifying one thing every day that was a marker of a positive change, whether that was climbing a flight of stairs without stopping, doing one more rep at the gym, walking someplace instead of driving, or choosing veggies over chips.
In an effort to continue along the path of success, Debbie started working with a trainer who walked her through workouts step by step, answered any questions she had, and provided tips and strategies that helped hold her accountable.
They say change doesn’t happen overnight. Learning new things and letting go of old habits can be scary, but it can also be exciting and empowering. Being patient can be frustrating, however patience is essential if the journey is to be enjoyed.
Like every heroine in their journey to success, there were times when Debbie felt like giving up. She recalls days of sitting in the parking lot thinking of all the reasons why she could or should leave. There were days she really wanted to give in, but with the steadfast support of those around her, she pushed through. Through those trying times, finding guidance from the right sources was essential. She notes that “There have been many who have come along with me and pushed me. It was and continues to be helpful to find like-minded people who have been there and are continuing to work at it.”
Debbie E. and Pro Results® trainer Ian W.
Debbie’s Typical Workout Routine Cardio – Treadmill or Stairs – 45 -60 minutes /day Weights Workout /Machines – 45 – 60 minutes /day- Push / Pull/HIIT-Core rotation.
My trainer has taught me that the basis of a successful training program relies mainly on resistance training with compound exercises, supplemented with core and accessory work as well as cardiovascular training. Form is priority number one, with intensity being a close second. We continually switch up the program and focus on constant progression, but allow patience when it comes to managing injury or illness and when life gets in the way.
My fundamental workout goal remains to get to the gym every day. I stay the course, enjoy the process, push past challenges and celebrate the successes.
My final words to those who are just beginning their journey are that you should never be afraid to try new things and don’t ever think it’s too late! I have achieved more than I ever would have dreamed possible, and I have a whole new lease on life because I dared to take that first step.
Be brave and make a change.
The Moment of Truth On August 20th, 2017, 8 months after joining LA Fitness, Debbie completed the Tough Mudder Toronto course with the support of an amazing team and trainer. She climbed, ran, pushed, pulled, fell, rolled, swung, carried and swam through 10 miles of mud and obstacles. Debbie describes the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment as being unparalleled to anything she had ever felt before. For Debbie, the overall experience has been transforming. She’s noticed that as she sheds the pounds, she feels stronger and more capable physically, mentally and emotionally. She’s also been better able to manage the juggling act of work and home. The changes have brought her a newfound sense of confidence and she knows she has added quality years to her life.
…But The Story’s Not Over
Debbie wants more of what a healthy life brings and to ensure this, her work continues! She continues to train a few times a week with her Pro Results® trainer, Ian W., and maintains the structure and routine that has led to her success. She’s also begun trying new things like Zumba® group fitness classes, and she waterskied for the first time in 30 years this past summer. In September 2017, Debbie made it to the top of a mountain that had previously done her in (she had only made it ¼ of the way before) 3 years ago, and she enjoys clothes shopping more than ever!
Future Goals
Left: December 2016 | Right:January 2018
Debbie’s Diet She follows a meal plan that emphasizes balanced and healthy eating, focusing on lower carbohydrate intake. This was a huge change for her and over the course of 14 months, her diet has helped her lose over 175 lbs. and 48.5 inches (from a size 26 to an 8). She now eats smaller portions 6-7 times a day and includes vitamin supplements. She’s learned that food is fuel and that she needs to properly fuel her body so that it can perform how she wants it to.
A Special Message to LA Fitness Staff from Debbie E. Of special note, all the staff at my LA Fitness deserve a huge thank you and recognition for what they do and how they do it. Whether they know it or not, reflecting on my experience thus far, they have played a large part in why and how I kept going and keep coming back. They have been the smiling faces when I enter the gym (when I’m not so sure I was in the mood to smile back), they have offered words of encouragement and listened, they are knowledgeable, approachable and professional. I owe them all a tremendous debt of gratitude.
Sign up for a complimentary Pro Results® fitness assessment today! Only you can take the first step to completely transforming your life into what you’ve always dreamed it could be.
Do you have a fitness goal you’d like to share with us? What are you working towards? How do you plan to live out your life story? Commit to being fit today!
This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.
Tyler is an LA Fitness member whose re-introduction to the gym completely changed the direction his life was headed. Click to read how he did it!
Paul and Karen share how they have maintained a lifelong commitment to living an active lifestyle and break down their weekly gym routine.
Today we speak with Triathlon Athlete, Dave Ruby, to learn the secrets behind his fitness-focused lifestyle.
I’m 67 years old and weigh 208 pounds. I would like to lose a lot of weight. I’m a diabetic and take insulin 4 times a day. I can’t afford the trainers at LA Fitness. Any advice would be appreciated.
– Candace B.
Ask your endocrinologist for a referral to a certified diabetes educator (CDE®) which may be covered under a health insurance plan. These specialists help you understand how medication, exercise and diet all play a role in weight and blood sugar control and can provide advice tailored to you.
In general, I will say that regular exercise helps lower blood sugar so that less insulin may be needed. It’s like training your cells and tissues to be more metabolically active and efficient. In combination with a mild to moderate reduction of intake and shift to lower glycemic load (blood sugar response) meals, an increase in exercise should induce weight loss. Raw, unprocessed fruit, legumes, popcorn, non-starchy vegetables and whole grain products tend to be lower glycemic carbohydrate foods. By switching to these in managed portions and incorporating nuts, lean meats and healthy fats, you can lower the glycemic load of a meal.
The American Diabetes Association is a host of information on meals, recipes and fitness tips. Check out their resources at www.diabetes.org. In addition, www.diabetes.ca and www.diabetesaustralia.com.au are credible sources offering nutrition and healthy living resources in English.
– Debbie J., MS, RD
This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.
Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!
Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!
Differentiating between the benefits and consequences of drinking caffeine compared to napping for general wellness and brain functionality.
Debbie James, RDN, helps answer a reader’s question by explaining how the digestive system can be affected by inflammatory foods.
There are several approaches to weight loss. One is to start with what you already eat and reduce portions, say by 25%. Another is to calorie count and track your intake.
LA Fitness Pro Results® Master Trainer, Stone T., gives his expert advice on whether or not cardio or strength training is best for weight loss.
Do you have a fitness question? Ask one of our certified Pro Results® trainers here! Your question may be featured in an upcoming Ask Our Trainer video.**
**Selected submissions will be featured on the LA Fitness blog and possibly other LA Fitness digital media entities & websites. By making a submission, you hereby grant LA Fitness a non-exclusive, perpetual, worldwide, irrevocable license to use and make copies of the contents of such submission for any purpose and in any medium whatsoever, and you hereby waive and relinquish any copyright or other intellectual property right you may have in the contents of such submission and your right to pursue any claim for LA Fitness’s violation of those intellectual property rights.
On this episode of ‘Ask A Trainer’ we speak with LA Fitness Pro Results® trainer Stone T. and get his expert advice on increasing stamina, and improving leg and hip strength – it’s a double question, bringing double the amount of advice.
On this episode of ‘Ask A Trainer’ we speak with LA Fitness Pro Results® trainer Stone T. and get his expert advice on exercises that are best recommended for those with knee issues.
On this episode of ‘Ask A Trainer’ we speak with LA Fitness Pro Results® trainer Stone T. and get his expert advice on whether or not heart rate training zones on fitness equipment are an accurate way to monitor your workout.