Medical Issues
A personal trainer should ask you in the initial interview about any medical problems you have or have had in the past, including medications you take. Personal trainers should contact your doctor if necessary or ask you to get a medical release if you have a condition that training can exacerbate.
Feeling Dizzy If you feel dizzy during or after a workout or race, lie down. Do not sit or stand still. The cause may be minor, but if you stand or sit your blood pressure can fall dangerously low and cause you to faint. Lying down will usually normalize your blood pressure, and also keep you from getting hurt if you fall. Check with a doctor after to identify the cause.
Herbal Supplements
Don't trust your hippie neighbor who says he's got a natural jump shot performance booster, man. Herbs have many uses, but their active ingredients are natural drugs. Before you take a herbal sports nutrition supplement to improve your sports performance, control weight, improve health, or anything else, check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure the herb won´t conflict with something else you are taking or that it doesn´t have any risks you´re not aware of. Start with a small amount in your sports nutrition diet, in case you have a negative reaction. Take one preparation at a time so you will know what does or does not work. Most sports nutrition herbs are fairly innocuous, but the smart play is to use caution.
Core Exercises
Core exercises refer to exercises that target the abdominal and low back areas. You will find some exercise for the glutes will help, too, as these areas function together. Pilates exercise specializes in the core, but some traditional strength exercises like crunches and back extensions also are effective. You can work these areas every other day. Start with one set of crunches, an exercise for the oblique abs, and an easy back extension, if you are out of shape or recovering from surgery. Increase difficulty slowly. If you're in good shape, start at an appropriate level. Remember, you will not see abdominal definition unless you have a low percentage of body fat, but it's important to have strong abs anyway.
Long-Term Membership
Finding a gym is a decision where a problem with commitment is actually good. In general, it´s probably best not to buy a membership at a gym for more than a year or two. The gym may change or a better one may open closer to you. Be suspicious of "lifetime memberships" unless you think it´s a really good deal. Keep your gym selection options open.
