In a world of technology where information are at
fingertips, human touch in almost every field are less required, including in
fitness/health related field. People did not find that personal trainer (PTr)
necessary as they can get all the information and technique to do exercise
through internet without the needs of guidance from expert. Are you thinking
the same?
Evidence Base
A study by Storer et al. (2014), shows that it is
necessary to get PTr to have an optimal effect on health-related fitness rather
than training along. Men aged 30-44 are selected as participant and divided
into two groups. Members of a single Southern California fitness club were
randomized to exercise with a PTr administering a non-linear periodized
training program (TRAINED, N=17) or to self-directed training (SELF, N=17).
Both groups trained 3 days per week for 12 weeks. The results shows TRAINED
individuals have better results in dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), 1-RM
muscle strength test, leg power test and aerobic capacity compared to SELF
individuals. They conclude that "members whose training is directed by
well-qualified personal trainers administering evidence-based training regimens
achieve significantly greater improvements in LBM and other dimensions of
fitness than members who direct their own training".
Health-related
fitness
In order to call yourself fit, you must have 5
health-related fitness components. According to American College of Sports
Medicine (ACSM), the 5 components are : 1) cardiovascular endurance, 2) body
composition, 3) muscular strength, 4) muscular endurance, 5) flexibility. All
these components are obtained through regular exercise and physical activity.
To obtain an optimum results, the right frequency, intensity, duration and
technique are required (ACSM, 2009). To use the combination of these entire
principal, guidance from expert, which in this situation is PTr, is required.
It is not something that you can learn in a day through internet.
The misconception
Malaysians are keen to have desired body shape and
control their weight, but they did not realize that body composition is just
one of the health-related fitness component. With this misconception, there are
a lot of parties take advantage from it, hence so called "fitness/healthy
supplement" are born, and many "short-cut" technique been
introduce so that people can be in a good shape, but they forgot the elements
of "healthy". In addition, they are harming their body from the
inside without them knowing it.
As a conclusion, there are many principles of
exercise must be followed in order : 1) to do no HARM to your body, 2) to
obtain OPTIMUM RESULTS from exercise, 3) to enjoy a HEALTHY life in a right
way.
Abdul Hadi bin
Ruslan
2014
2014