Getting Started

If you have not received a physical within a year, do so. It is also a good idea to obtain a physician’s medical release for initiating a strength program. Fancy equipment and expensive shiny machines are not necessary to benefit from a well-designed strength-training workout. Usually, the machines that are the most complicated to operate do the least. Working out at home with a set of dumbbells or adjustable dumbbells (Sport Blocks or Power Blocks) and a bench or Swiss ball will do just fine. I train many people with varying fitness levels (from 80 year old stroke victims to pro athletes), and no one needs much more equipment than previously mentioned. Many quality exercises do not even require any equipment.

Keep It Simple

A complete total-body strength-training workout should take you no longer than one hour. Compound multi-joint movements such as pushups, chin-ups, and squats should be the core of your workout. Multi-joint movements stimulate the most muscular growth because they work many big muscle groups. The big range of motion from these exercises also stimulates a greater metabolic response (i.e. burns fat at a more rapid rate), as opposed to an exercise like calf raises that isolates a very specific area. I could write at great lengths about this topic, but just “keep it simple” – perform compound multi-joint movements. Seven to nine exercises are sufficient for a complete workout. In general, one set is sufficient, but two sets can be performed.

The Workout

A “set” consists of 8 to 20 repetitions using impeccable form taken to a point of momentary muscular fatigue or close to that point. A typical workout would look like this: pushups – 1 to 2 sets of 8 to 15 repetitions, chin-ups – 1 to 2 sets of 8 to 15 repetitions, squats – 1 to 2 sets of 12 to 20 repetitions, presses- 8 to 15 reps, rows – 8 to 15 reps, lunges – 12 to 20 reps, and crunches or sit-ups – 15 to 20 repetitions. Take about 3 to 4 seconds to raise the weight and 3 to 4 seconds to lower it. Make sure you allow at least 48 hours between workouts in order for your muscles to recover and grow. These are very broad and basic guidelines for setting up a strength program. I would suggest consulting a qualified strength coach or fitness professional regarding any questions you may have and or designing a more personalized strength-training regime.

My Annapolis area Personal Training Studio is equipped with machines from some of the top strength manufacturers in the industry such as MedX, Hammer Strength, Nautilus, and Pendulum. It is conveniently located on Ritchie Highway in the Severn Commerce Center (across from Severna Park Golf Center) and is just north of Annapolis and a short drive from Baltimore as well as Washington DC.

I have hand selected all of the studio’s machines, which are designed to give the most effective and efficient workouts through the fullest yet safest ranges of motion possible. My vast knowledge of strength training coupled with the most technologically advanced equipment enables me to gear my instruction towards weight training for weight loss, weight training for women and men as well as sports conditioning.

I practice and teach high intensity strength training which is the ideal exercise method of weight training for seniors, youth weight training and physical rehabilitation. This provides greater RESULTS in a short amount of time – maximizing your time in the studio and allowing you to spend more time enjoying life with strength and enthusiasm.

It’s hard work – but hard work and a positive attitude, coupled with expert instruction and motivation, equals RESULTS!

All clients have sole and exclusive use of the new and fully equipped Personal Training Studio and are given my undivided attention – focused only on YOU! This uninterrupted environment reduces distraction and helps maintain proper focus during the training session. All workouts are by appointment only and you pay NO additional membership fees.

Your anonymity and confidentiality is guaranteed. You can be assured that there are no prying eyes or eavesdropping and because the workouts are private there is no waiting and competing for the use of machines with other gym members. Every workout is private and each client’s progress is charted in a personal journal with meticulous records kept for each exercise, setting, weight, repetitions, etc.

Call us today at (410) 544-5780 to schedule an appointment, or contact us to receive a free consultation.