Saturday, February 21, 2009

Featured recipe for February

Chicken with Black Bean Salsa

Serves 4

1 lb. organic chicken breasts (3-4 Breasts)
1 Can Organic black beans, (DO NOT Drain juice from beans)
½ C. Organic salsa
1 Tsp. Minced Garlic (or more if desired)

In a medium size bowl, mix black beans, salsa and garlic, set aside. Place chicken in 13x9 inch pan sprayed with non-stick spray. Pour bean mixture over chicken. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes until chicken is no longer pink. (Check at 30 minutes to prevent overcooking!)

Serve with Fat free sour cream if desired!

Per Serving:

Calories: 240.5
Protein: 32.5
Carbs: 18.75
Fat: 3.4
Ratios: 55-32-13

Benefits and Tips on Hiring a Qualified Personal Trainer


Benefits of hiring a personal trainer:

1. Motivating Clients

One reason people benefit from a personal trainer is that they lack motivation to stick to a consistent exercise program. Certified personal trainers can provide education, structure and accountability, and help you to develop a lifestyle that encourages fitness and health.


2. Individualized programs

A professional trainer will work with you to plan a safe, efficient program that considers your needs and enables you to reach your fitness goals. If you have chronic health conditions, injuries or training goals (running a marathon, for example) the trainer will be able to plan your program according to your needs.


3. Time Efficiency

Trainers will help you focus on results and stop wasting your time with inefficient workouts. A personal trainer creates a personalized plan that will help you get maximum results in minimum time.


4. Sport Specific skills

If you participate in a particular sport, a personal trainer can help you improve your skills by showing you training techniques specific to your sport. The trainer will help you improve not only your strength and endurance, but your agility and mental focus.


5. Exercise for beginners

If you are an beginner to fitness, a personal trainer is the ultimate coach. A good trainer will introduce you to simple, effective routines and build your knowledge and confidence.


6. Breaking through plateaus

If you are stuck in the same routine and want to break out of a rut, a personal trainer is a great solution. A good personal trainer will jump start your motivation, nutrition and fitness routine.


7. Workout Safety

A personal trainer watches your form, monitors your progress and can provide objective feedback about your strengths and limitations. Most of us tend to ignore some of the signals our body provides. Some people either give up too soon or push through pain. Because a personal trainer can watch and critique what you are doing, they can help you safely and effectively perform your workout.


8. Working out at home

If you don't have interest in going to a gym and have a hard time knowing what to do with your home equipment, a personal trainer can create fitness programs you can perform safely in your own living room.


9. Lose Weight

The number one reason people hire personal trainers is to lose weight and get into shape. A trainer can keep you on track and help you realize your goals of fat loss and muscle building.

Tips in finding a qualified personal trainer:

1. Trainer should be certified by a nationally recognized organization such as American College of Exercise, American College of Sports Medicine or International Association of Sports Sciences. There are many more certifying agencies and it is important that the certifying company requires continuing education and re-certification. Having a degree in a related physical science or related medical field are an added bonus!

2. The trainer should have a current CPR certification.

3. A trainer will have references from other clients if requested.

4. Trainers should have liability insurance.

5. Trainers should have clear billing procedures, pricing and cancellation policies.
Are the trainer’s fees in line with their experience and education?

6. Does the trainer provide workouts in writing and explain the program?

7. Can the trainer provide nutritional education to help you reach your goals?

8. Can the trainer provide you accountability, goal planning and progress reports? Accountability and an effective tracking system are important to obtaining goals!

9. Do you feel comfortable with the trainer and feel that they are someone you get along with?

If yes to all the above, you’re on the right track to hiring a qualified personal trainer!