How to Design the Best Fitness Plan for You Part 2: Getting Specific

Back in November, we talked about the Eight Basics for Optimum Fitness – in other words, the basics that should be included in any fitness plan in order to get the best results.

Just to review, the Basics are:

Strength training
Cardio training
Nutrition
Flexibility
Balance
Stress management
Posture
Sleep

With eight variables to choose from, though, how can you fit the pieces together to create the best fitness plan for your needs? Whether you're looking to create your own plan or getting ready to your free initial client consultation with a Better Living Fitness personal trainer, here are some quick guidelines to get you started:

1. Identify your weak points. For example, does just the idea of taking the stairs make you feel winded? Are you having trouble getting your groceries into your car? Or are you running into back pain from all the hours you spend in front of a computer?

One great place to start a fitness plan is to look at how your body is performing right now and to start targeting areas that frustrate you.

2. Consider your dreams. Maybe you want to craft a fitness plan that will get you ready to run a marathon – or even a 5K. You may want to join one of our clients, Dawn Weirauch, who at age 54 has decided to find out just how strong she can become. Or maybe you want to be able to dance with your spouse at your 50th anniversary party.

3. Remember the importance of balance. The goal of your fitness plan may well be to make grocery shopping easier. Or to run a marathon, or to lose fifteen pounds … but whatever your goals, the fact remains that all eight basics are essential to avoid injury and achieve and maintain optimum, long-term fitness. So while you may well want to focus entirely on strength training to become as strong as you can possibly be (like Dawn), forgetting flexibility and posture can lead to injuries that will get in the way of your goal.

4. Define your fitness goals, and keep them reasonable. You've identified where you feel weak. You've tallied your dreams, and you're keeping the eight basics of fitness in mind. Now it's time to set yourself up with achievable, step-by-step goals that will take you from where you are now to where you want to be with your fitness.

(By the way, Better Living personal trainers are fantastic at helping clients with goal-setting. We have the education and experience to know what's generally realistic and achievable – and we'll take the time to get to know you and your body well enough to advise you on the best goals for you.)

5. Remember that life happens. Better Living client Joey Mullick travels a lot for work. Another of our clients, Al Pieper, has had a few surgeries. You may have unique health, career, or other challenges as well. And that's ok – just craft your fitness plan with these obstacles in mind! For example, Joey (obviously) can't come to sessions when his trainer when he's out of town. Instead, Joey's trainer gives Joey a set of exercises that Joey can do in any hotel room.