1 + 1 = 3!

This time of year is about rejuvenation, starting fresh, finding ways to improve yourself and reconnecting with what’s important in your life. There are many different professionals that are equipped to assist you. Some have skills in fitness and exercise while others have unique expertise in pain, mobility and health.

We all have different priorities that guide our decisions. Here I give you the information you need to make the best choices about your health.
If help with body weight, strength, flexibility and stamina is what you seek then your best bet is to find a personal fitness professional in your area. What to ask:

1. How long have you been training?
a. Beware novices and people who are just ‘part-time’ trainers. It takes about 5 years of work with clients to become proficient at maximizing results.
2. Are you certified? What is your education in the field of Health and Fitness?
a. There are many, many certifications and all are not created equal. Some reputable organizations are ACSM, NSCA, NSPA, ACE and AFAA. If they don’t name one of these, they’d better have some good formal education credentials.
3. What is a typical session like?
a. Key words to look for here include: warm-up, flexibility training, cardiovascular conditioning, variety, pace, energy, education, FUN! That last one is lost on many. If you’re enjoying your experience you will have a better outcome.

Other people are seeking ways to decrease their overall pain levels and increase their mobility. Now, this is a job for a good Physical Therapist. The field is widely misunderstood as a place where you go if you’ve had surgery or a major accident. Physical therapists do some of their best work picking out smaller problems that will prevent larger ones in the future. Here’s what to ask:

1. What is your specialty?
a. PTs are licensed by the state in which they practice. Their formal education is rigorous and in-depth. However, some PTs address issues that others do not. For example, if you have joint pain, it may not be wise to see someone who specializes in fibromyalgia, a nerve disorder.
2. How long have you been in practice?
a. PTs are thought of as novice practitioners inside of 3 years from their licensure.
3. What is your approach or method for diagnosis and treatment?
a. There are many valuable techniques and methods. The key is that the PT can explain them to you sufficiently so that you are certain you’re getting the experience you need.

Of course, the best situation is being cared for in a place that does both of these in synergy to maximally benefit their clientele. These clinics are out there if you look hard enough.