Your Fitness: Frontline workers or personal trainers and online coaches?

This one is a little different. In this week's article I aim to highlight my views when it comes to the importance personal trainers and health professionals play in improving the overall health of the general population.

While there can often be a good mix of experiences and opinions when it comes to people’s perception on the health and fitness industry - I firmly believe the effects are greater than we give it credit for. 

This can only improve as more and more people start to work in this sector and with time - stricter regulations for professionals to meet minimum requirements to practice ensure the workforce is better educated and equipped to work with more and more people.

While there will often be good and bad experiences, I would argue that in the majority of cases an individual's life will have improved for the better in some shape or form should they spend a substantial amount of time working with a personal trainer, online coach or any similar health professional that is relevant in this context. 

If we look at one of the largest problems when it comes to an increased risk of poor health outcomes, most co-morbidities and, of course, death, it will commonly be associated with physical inactivity! 

In an ageing population, a society built around more convenience than we have ever experienced before - physical activity often becomes a smaller and smaller part of our day-to-day lives. Today we can often have whatever we desire delivered straight to our door, from the tap of a button.

Whether it’s a personal trainer or an online coach - it is hugely likely that they are helping to increase your physical activity and as a result reducing your risk of poor health outcomes and in many cases morbidity. 

A fitness professional worth their salt will be able to meet you where you are at and will ensure the goals in mind are appropriate and realistic alongside your context. Even with less experienced fitness professionals - they are still likely to put you in a better place than you were before you started. 

A basic plan should improve a multitude of variables that play into your overall health - increased lean muscle mass, improved bone density, strength, balance, reduced risk of falls, mental health… the list goes on.

People often underestimate how a basic plan can be such an important step when it comes to improving your health, fitness and quality of life. Especially when this is appropriately structured around your life and pushes you to make small consistent changes to your lifestyle that are likely to reduce the amount of visits to your GP or hospital! 

Find a coach you can relate to, spend some time working with them and expressing concerns by asking questions if unsure. 

Don’t be afraid to ask about a coach's educational background and speak to clients of coaches to formulate a judgement on whether they would be a good fit for what you need! Treat this as not only an investment in your health, but an investment in your education to better understand how you can live life to the fullest and learn how to incorporate healthy habits into your life.

If you are on the fence about online coaching and want to know a little bit more about the process - just email me the word “ready” and I will be in touch.

I am also delighted to announce that I am now offering an in-person personal training service at Kingfisher Fitness Club, Waterford. Please get in touch through the contact information below or call into reception to check availability and avoid disappointment as spaces are limited. 

Please visit my new website www.coachedbycashel.com for more information.

Lastly, I would also like to clarify that I am not a registered dietician. All advice disclosed here is simply advisory based on my qualifications as a fitness professional and personal experience and knowledge gained working with individuals and helping them reach their goals. 

The advice given is not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem - nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health.

I hope someone out there found some of this information useful here, just some food for thought. 

For any questions in relation to this topic or training, nutrition, etc. or for coaching inquiries simply message me on my business page on Instagram @coachedbycashel_ or by email - contact@coachedbycashel.com