Exercise The Smart Way: With a Personal Trainer

By Debbie Wilson
Debbie.Wilson@MedHealthCareCareerSchools.com
Med Health Care Career Schools Columnist

Any exercise is better than none at all. But, if you're aiming to develop cardio fitness, not all workouts are alike. A personal trainer can help you determine what all the "numbers" mean and how to get the most from your exercise routine.

Exercise Numbers And You

The type of exercise and specific health "numbers" society expects you to attain to be considered healthy change constantly. But that doesn't mean there still aren't a few numbers most experts agree upon. Working closely with a personal trainer, you'll get a better understanding of these numbers and develop a customized exercise plan that works best for you.

Blood pressure - normal = 120/80; prehypertension = 120/80 to 139/89; hypertension = 140/90 +
HDL Cholesterol - desirable = 60 mg/dl and up; moderate risk = 40 to 59; high risk = below 40
LDL Cholesterol - desirable = 100 mg/dl or less; moderate risk = 100 to 159; high risk = 160 +
Total Cholesterol - desirable = 200 mg/dl or less
Blood glucose - desirable = 100 mg/dl or less; prediabetes = 100 to 125; diabetes = 126 +

Personal Trainer Tips

Before embarking upon any kind of exercise program, it is important to get your doctor's OK first, especially if you haven't been exercising on a regular basis. Secondly, you'll want to push yourself slightly beyond comfortable, but not so hard that you become faint or gasp for breath. This is where a personal trainer can really come in handy. Not only will he or she customize your exercise program and monitor your exercise level, but also help keep you motivated and on track. Ideally you should aim to exercise for 30 to 60 minutes, five days per week--not an easy task for most individuals.

So get out there and take control of your exercise program today with the help of a personal trainer. And, if you enjoy helping others attain their cardio fitness success, consider a career as a personal trainer. Healthy hearts will thank you.

About the Author
Debbie Wilson operates a lakeside resort. Her previous experience includes profitability consulting for a national health-care company.

Posted on: April 13, 2006