Fitness Trainer Basics: Fast Food America-Our Next Big Threat
Post by Karen Brohard, Admissions Representative
The current, most dangerous question threatening Americans today is: Would you like fries with that?
Before you begin to ponder what you’d like to dip those fries in, think about this: According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), 33.8% of American adults are considered obese - and that’s just adults. If that number doesn’t put things into perspective for you, than maybe knowing that every day, 1 out of every 4 Americans visits a fast food establishment might open your eyes instead of your mouth.
America is getting fat; there is no way to deny that. In fact, during the year 2010, not one state in the U.S. has an obesity rate lower than 20% (CDC). The only thing scarier than these numbers is thinking about what obesity is doing to Americans. To bring light to this dark subject, here is a little snapshot of what that means:
-Coronary heart disease
-Type 2 diabetes
-Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
-Hypertension (high blood pressure)
-Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
-Stroke
-Liver and Gallbladder disease
-Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
-Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
-Gynecological issues (abnormal menses, infertility)
Clearly, we as Americans need to protect our health which in turn protects our future. To do so, we must determine exactly why Americans are tipping the scales. The answer is simpler than one would think. America has developed some unhealthy eating habits and an even larger lack of desire to get off the couch and exercise. In today’s world, cheap and fast food is easy and at our disposal. America is busy - we hardly have time to smell the roses, let alone spend the one hour we have for our lunch break to make a healthy meal. Dollar menus and meal-deals made ready to eat in under 3 minutes has hypnotized America, allowing them to get in, eat a tasty sodium and fat infused meal, and get out in under 15 minutes. Poor ingredient quality in these foods leads the public to a state of zero energy, leaving no liveliness to get up and join a softball league, obtain a gym membership, or even stand up to change the channel on the TV ourselves. America used to play its favorite sports, not just watch them on the TV with a beer and hot dog in hand.
However, fear not, America! Lucky for us, this vastly growing epidemic has the capability to reverse itself. Unlike many diseases, obesity can be battled and won. Granted this task isn’t the easiest and to many not the most fun, losing weight and regaining a healthy body can be done with proper nutrition and exercise. These two elements combined can help bring energy, vitality, and life back to America.
Personal Fitness Trainers (PFTs) are an excellent source to assist those battling obesity. How many times have you walked into a gym and felt completely overwhelmed? To many, some of those machines look like torture devices rather than weight lifting equipment. A PFT’s job is to show you how these machines work without hurting yourself or your spirit. Not a fan of running on a treadmill and staring at yourself bouncing in a mirror? PFTs learn how to formulate exercise routines inside a gym with machines as well as outside with nothing but sunshine and grass. Along with the knowledge and skills to make an effective workout, PFTs are knowledgeable it nutrition, teaching their clients what healthy foods are as tasty as dipping fries in a chocolate shake with a fraction of the calories. Studying Exercise Psychology gives PFTs the tools to help the public accurately see themselves and their weight for what they really are and how to keep their eyes on the prize. Motivation is key, and PFTs have all of the knowledge and skills to nudge their clients into a healthier direction. For this reason, Personal Fitness Trainers will always be in demand in America.
So, look into local sports leagues, take a long walk after dinner, sign up for a gym and ask to speak with a Personal Fitness Trainer. Start your journey to a healthier lifestyle today. Or if you're interested in becoming one of these motivating professionals, check out the link below...
