The Thing About Appointments

Hi all! So today has been proven to be totally unproductive so far. I had a training session scheduled for 6:00am this morning and the client texted me to reschedule last night for tomorrow morning instead. No big deal. I'm glad she got ahold of me instead of just not showing up. Since I just got my kids are back from their Euro trip (picked them up last night), I was happy to be able to sleep in a little before getting up this morning to drive to Half Moon Bay for a 7:00am consult behind a super slow truck who wouldn't pull over to let the cars behind pass. Bummer. But I made it here. At 6:56 no later. I'm sitting up at the front desk of the gym and the clock is ticking...6:59, 7:00, 7:01, 7:02...hmmm. I messaged my 7:00 consult with my phone number the other day so she would have it just in case. 7:03. Sure enough she had left me a message. On FACEBOOK! At 12:00am! I don't know about you, but I normally don't check my Facebook account first thing in the morning. Or my e-mail for that matter. Is is me or does it not make sense that if something is time-sensitive that you should probably call or at least text the person to let them know you can't make it to the meeting you have scheduled in 7 hours. So I'm sitting here at the gym, in the office, writing this blog post instead. My next session should be in at 8:30am. We'll see how that goes.

#whydopeoplecancellastminute #itscalledaccountability

Machine vs. Free Weights

Many people who I talk to who are new to the gym (or exercise in general) say they've stayed away from free weights because they don't know how to use them. The machines are self explanatory on the little panel posted to the side of the machine. So what are the pros and cons of machines and free weights?

Here's a simple list of things to remember when deciding what to use in your workout.

Machines (not including cable machine)-

Pros: quick and easy to use; good at isolating large muscle groups; provides an even amount of resistance through the exercise; easier to determine correct form

Cons: Little range of motion; does not work small accessory muscles; may not be suitable for all body sizes and shapes


Free weights (includes dumbbells, kettlebells, plates, weighted medicine balls, etc.)-

Pros: Full range of motion; allows user to work smaller stabilizer and accessory muscles; uses the entire body; builds coordination, balance, and stability; engages core strength; suitable for everyone no matter how big or small; more exercises available; great for a home gym-easy to store in small spaces;

Cons: No instructions means figuring out proper form on your own; improper form can lead to injury

Taking these pros and cons into account may be helpful in determining which form of exercise is best for you. When in doubt, always ask a trained professional at the gym for assistance.