Apr
21
As a personal trainer, one of my biggest jobs is to motivate my clients. How do I do this? It is not through yelling or being mean (that never works in the long run). In fact, it is just the opposite.
The best way to keep my clients motivated is to learn the answer to one question: What motivates YOU to exercise?
Every one of us exercise for a different reason. Some do it because it makes them feel good, others do it because it makes them look good. Some may do it to fit into a bathing suit, or wedding dress. Still others do it purely for health reasons.
So I ask you: What motivates you to exercise?
How do you think Homer Simpson would answer that question? Watch the clip below to find out.
Enjoy…
Apr
11
Trailer for the Documentary Film — Swim Lessons: The Nick Irons Story
Filed Under Personal Training, Swimming, Washington DC | Leave a Comment
Take a look at the new trailer for the upcoming documentary Swim Lessons: The Nick Irons Story. The documentary is being produced by Alex Houston of Fiat Lux productions and is the true story of my 1550-mile swim down the Mississippi River.
Aug
27
Nick Irons Documentary
Filed Under Personal Training | Leave a Comment
I am so excited about this news that I wanted to share it with everyone I knew. My 1550-mile swim down the Mississippi River is going to be the subject of a documentary. Alex Houston of Fiat Lux Productions is producing an hour-long film called: “Swim Lessons: The Nick Irons Story.”
In 1997, I jumped into the 56-degree water of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and took the first of more than a million strokes that pushed me down the longest river in North America. After four months I climbed on shore inBaton Rouge, Louisiana. I didn’t just make this swim for the challenge or the glory; but a personal mission to raise national awareness and funding for multiple sclerosis, the disease my dad lives with.
A short trailer for the movie is now up on YouTube. Could I ask you a favor? Could you please take a look at the video? And if you like it, could you help me get the word out abut it? You can do this by:
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Passing it along to your friends and contacts – anyone you can think of who might enjoy watching.
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Adding it as a favorite on YouTube.com.
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Posting it to your blog (if you have one).
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Adding it to your MySpace Page (if you have one).
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Promoting it in any other way you would like.
Thanks so much for your help, I do appreciate it.
Aug
21
How does weight lifting make me stronger?
Filed Under Ask the Trainer, Personal Training, Weight Lifting | 1 Comment
A good strength training program is based on a principle called progressive overload – which calls for progressively placing greater-than-normal demands on the muscles you are working.
When you lift weights, you do a little bit of damage to your muscles. For a couple of days after the exercise, your body recovers and repairs the damage you did to it. And when the muscle repairs itself, it makes it bigger and stronger than before.
So you are breaking down the muscle, so your body can build it back up.
Aug
14
Metro Sports Magazine recently surveyed personal tainers, coaches, and gyms in the Washington, DC metro area to write a story titled “Toughest Workouts in the Mid-Atlantic.”
They used my personal favorite swim workout in the article. Take a look and if it sounds like fun contact me about personal training and I will gladly put you through it.
Aug
13
Best Gyms in Washington, DC for personal training
Filed Under Personal Training, Washington DC | Leave a Comment
Which gyms in the Washington DC area have the best personal trainers? There are two gyms I recommend to clients:
1)Fitness First Health Clubs. With locations in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. These health clubs feature the latest exercise and fitness equipment, as well as hundreds of Pilates, aerobics, yoga, and cycling classes, all included with membership.
2)Rockville Fitness in Rockville, MD. Last year, Mens Fitness listed it as one of the 20 Best Gyms in America. Previously known as Planet Fitness, this gym has some of the best equipment in the Washington DC metro area. Olympic lifting platforms, Hammer Strength plate loaded machines, a boxing room and spinning classes, makes this gym like no other in the area.
What makes these gyms different? Why are they the best gyms in the Washington DC area for personal training? They are the best gyms for personal trainers, because all trainers at these gyms are independent. They are not employees of the gym. These gyms have no trainers on staff.
Why does this matter? Because it allows the trainers to spend their money on staying up to date with the latest exercise trends and techniques. The are in it for a career and can afford to invest in themselves through seminars, workshops and additional certifications.