Q: I see so many programs advertised that promise great results in just a day or two of exercising. How do I evaluate these programs?
– Donna Hutchison, Denver
A: While diet program hucksters are ubiquitous, ravaging magazines and TV with ads promising “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” bodies with just a special pill or drink, exercise programs are a bit more subtle. After all, who wouldn’t rather pop a pill than actually work and sweat for results? Exercise programs, therefore, must come up with the only other attention-getting enticement: maximum results in minimum time.
If you are uncertain about investing time and money in any program, check it out or research it through one of the many Internet search engines. Other good resources are certified personal trainers who keep up with the latest information through seminars and conferences. When evaluating any program, however, buyer beware and buyer be aware! Watch for these red flags:
1. Beware of any exercise or diet program promoter who refuses to tell you what you want to know until after you pay money. Exercise science continues to evolve, and studies revealing better information are published every day. There are no “secrets” and there is no “magic.”
2. Beware of enigmatic presentations where the activity/diet promoted is “exclusive,” (a euphemism for “profitable”).
3. Beware of any program that claims to be the only correct and effective program on the planet. (In the “vanilla only” world of zealotry, there is no respect for chocolate, and strawberry is out of the question.) Everyone is different, and no single exercise plan is a panacea. “Nirvana” for some is “boot camp” for others. If you don’t enjoy the program, will you make it a lifestyle? Unlikely.
4. Be aware of the qualifications and certifications of the people who are instructing or leading you. Are they certified or educated in exercise science and/or nutrition? Ask for proof of an exercise/nutrition degree and/or current trainer certification (including CPR). If they can’t provide any of these, keep shopping.
The key to improved health and fitness with any exercise program is consistency. So try several programs or activities, pick out a few that you like and see how they fit your personality and time constraints. General exercise programs offered in fitness clubs, recreation centers and YMCA’s have more class variety, activity options and availability, while private programs may offer more personal attention.
Compact, time-compressed programs can be great and definitely should be investigated or even employed. Expecting a complete body overhaul with little or no effort or investment in time is unrealistic. Regardless of whether the program you choose is once a week or every day, remember that physical and nutritional transformation takes focus, consistent effort and an awareness of the need for personal psychological changes involving accountability and esteem building.
Linda Buch, ACE certified exercise specialist and co-author of “The Commercial Break Workout” (Prima/Random House, 2002) will respond to fitness questions in her weekly column but not individually. Send questions to Body Language, The Denver Post, 1560 Broadway, Denver 80202 or e-mail her at LJBalance@aol.com.
