Smooth Fitness Blog

My home is in the North East.  As you may already be aware, we’ve been hit with a major heat wave.  The effect of this heat on the body has been multiplied by extreme humidity.  This oppressive weather has affected anyone attempting to exercise outdoors, including my outdoor fitness boot camp classes.  The participants in my class have had a difficult time keeping up with the recommended activities due to their bodies’ inability to cool itself.  My solution to this problem was to offer an alternative to the outdoor classes.  On days where the weather makes it difficult and unsafe to exercise outdoors, I move the class inside.  As you may imagine, this creates a different exercise experience.  In some ways, this change of focus makes the workout more effective.  By challenging your body with new things, you are cross training.  Cross training utilizes different workout techniques and philosophies.  In the past, many people thought that cross training was something only associated with athletes.  Now fitness enthusiasts recognize this as the method to help everyone get the most out of their exercise routine.

I recommend that instead of using the hot weather as an excuse to skip your workout, use it as incentive to allow cross training to super-charge your workout!

Consider using the following exercise options to keep cool while giving your workout the change it needs.

1) Indoor Group Fitness Classes
There are many indoor exercise classes that are both exciting and effective.  These classes may include components of dance, martial arts, cycling, weight training, and yoga to mention a few.  I recommend that you try many different types of classes in an attempt to vary your cross training style.

2) Indoor Exercise Equipment
Indoor exercise equipment is an outstanding alternative to outdoor exercising.  There are machines that mimic almost any motion you can perform outdoors.  Cardiovascular exercise machines such as treadmills, ellipticals, and bicycles are a great way to simulate your favorite workouts.  It is also a good idea to use your indoor workouts as a chance to introduce yourself to strength training machines.  Strength training machines are designed to help you target and strengthen any muscle desired.

3) Circuit Weight Training
My personal favorite type of exercise is what I refer to as cardio resistance training.  This is a method of exercise that utilizes muscle building resistance training exercises with little to no rest between sets.  This limited rest will maintain your heart rate in its cardiovascular zone.  By maintaining an elevated heart rate while performing resistance training, you are getting two workouts in the time it takes to do one.

4) Exercise Videos
This is an excellent method if group fitness classes are not for you. If you would rather exercise at home, but prefer not to utilize exercise equipment, exercise videos may be the solution you are looking for.  There are numerous exercise videos that will provide both variety and motivation to your workouts.  These exercise videos may be purchased in DVD or downloadable form.

5) Indoor Organized Athletics
Organized athletics are a great way to have fun while staying in shape.   Some very effective and widely available indoor athletic activities include basketball, indoor soccer, racquetball, and swimming to mention a few.  These athletic activities help to provide a complete workout by utilizing various muscles and energy systems.

Don’t let the heat derail your fitness goals.  Instead take the workout indoors and try something new.  You may find it gives your workout the lift it needs.
By: Jim Bompensa

Jim Bompensa has been a health club owner and manager, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and nutrition specialist for the nearly 15 years. He is currently the owner/operator of Body Physics Fitness Center in Haddonfield, NJ. Jim has appeared and contributed on ABC and NBC in Philadelphia, PA as well as Designing Spaces on TLC.

Summer is the time for bathing suits and sleeveless shirts.  Many of the clients at my private training studio have been requesting extra workouts to help tighten their arms. Normally, I stress the importance of a continued full body approach to fitness that works every muscle and each energy system. In addition to that, I also offer the following solution to help develop more tone in the upper arms for summer months.  I recommend that while maintaining the current exercise schedule, to add my Arms in 7 target toning workout.  This workout is short but extremely effective.  I have included a similar arm toning routine below.  It is complete with pictures. What’s great about this routine is that it can be done anywhere.  It lends itself very easily to working out on the go. The only equipment necessary is a resistance band.

Follow the printable routine below for a great on the go arm blasting workout or download my Arms in 7 digital workout video for added motivation.

For an effective arm toning routine perform each exercise for 12-20 repetitions or until fatigue is felt in the arms.  Work through all exercises three times with minimal rest while transitioning from one exercise to the next.

Bicep Curl
Key Points: Keep palms facing up. Lock elbows into the side.  Pull hands up in line with the shoulders during motion.

Behind the Head Tricep Extension
Key Points: Keep palms facing forward.  Stabilize elbows at shoulder height.  Lock elbows in place and bend around them during the motion.  Focus on the back of the upper arms.

Bicep Hammer Curl
Key Points: Lock elbows into the side of the body and bend around the elbow joint.  Keep palms facing together and pull hands up in line with shoulders.  Focus on the front of the upper arms.

Overhead Tricep Extension
Key Points: Stabilize elbows and be sure to bend the arms around the elbow joint.  Focus on the back of the upper arms.

Jim Bompensa has been a health club owner and manager, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and nutrition specialist for the nearly 15 years. He is currently the owner/operator of Body Physics Fitness Center in Haddonfield, NJ. Jim has appeared and contributed on ABC and NBC in Philadelphia, PA as well as Designing Spaces on TLC.

There’s a lot of talk about different styles of exercise.  Usually, conversation focuses on what type of workout will help to shed the most fat or build the most muscle.  However, there is another type of exercise that’s very important and often overlooked.  That is stretching.  The greatest benefit of stretching is increased muscle length.  When the length of a muscle is increased, it’s able to move safely through a greater range of motion.  This increased range of motion prevents injuries.  That’s the bottom line.  Decreasing my chance of injury is more than enough to get me to add stretching into my daily routine.

It would be wonderful if stretching every day were realistic for everybody.  However, most people are already trying to fit exercise into a very hectic schedule.  Therefore, I recommend stretching be included at a minimum of every other day.  My clients feel much more flexible even when we are able to stretch only 2 times per week.

I’ve included a basic but very effective 10 minute stretching routine below.  Include this routine into your regime every other day to aid in the lengthening of your muscles.  You’ll be glad you did.

Hold each stretch in a static position for 15 seconds then move on to the next one.  Work through the entire list at least once, but two times if possible.  Be careful not to bounce.  Once you settle into the hold position stay there for the entire 15 seconds.

Stretch 1:  Hamstring Stretch

• Begin seated on floor with left leg straight out and right foot tucked in against left inner thigh
• While keeping the back straight, reach as closely to left foot as possible
• The goal is to grab left foot  If unable to grab the foot, the goal should be to reach as close as possible
• Every time this stretch is performed, an attempt should be made to get a little closer than the last time
• Hold this position for 15 seconds
• Repeat on opposite side

Stretch 2:  Inner Thigh Stretch

• Sit with buttocks on the ground
• The knees are bent and the bottoms of the feet are together in front the body
• While keeping the back as straight as possible, place the elbows on the knees
• While maintaining a straight back, lean forward at the waist and press the knees apart with the elbows
• Hold this position for 15 seconds

Stretch 3:  Quadriceps Stretch

• Lie on the left side with the head resting on the left hand
• The left leg will be flat on the ground and extended straight
• Bend the right knee and grab the right ankle with the right hand
• Pull right foot as close to buttocks as possible
• Hold this position for 15 seconds
• Repeat on opposite side

Stretch 4:  Gluteus and Low Back Twist

• Sit on ground with left leg straight in front of body
• With the right knee bent, cross the right leg over the left and place the bottom of the right foot flat on the ground
• Place the left elbow on the outside of the right knee
• Place the right hand on the ground behind the body
• Pushing off the right knee with the left elbow, twist around until you are looking behind you
• Hold this position for 15 seconds
• Repeat on opposite side

Stretch 5:  Low Back Stretch

• Lie flat on the back
• With the legs together, grab behind the knees
• Pull the knees into the chest
• The head should stay flat on the ground
• The buttocks should lift very slightly off the ground
• Hold this position for 15 seconds

Stretch 6: Chest Stretch

• Begin standing with feet placed evenly on the ground, shoulder width apart
• Lift left arm to shoulder height with palm facing forward
• Place palm of left hand on any immovable object such as a doorway
• Gently turn shoulders to the right
• Hold this position for 15 seconds
• Repeat on opposite side

Stretch 7: Upper Back and Triceps Stretch

• Stand with feet shoulder width apart with a slight bend in knees
• Extend the left arm straight up over the head
• Bend the left arm
• Place the right hand on the left elbow
• While maintaining the bend in the left elbow, pull it slightly behind the head until mild discomfort is felt in triceps of left arm
• Hold this position for 15 seconds
• Repeat on opposite side

Stretch 8:  Rear Deltoid Stretch

• Stand with feet shoulder width apart with a slight bend in the knees
• While keeping the right arm straight, extend it across the chest
• Place the left hand above the right elbow and pull right arm across the body
• Hold this position for 15 seconds
• Repeat on opposite side

Stretch 9: Superman

• This is actually a low back strengthening exercise but it fits nicely into this stretch routine
• Lie flat on stomach with arms extended over head
• Lift both arms and legs just a few inches away from the floor
• Hold for 15 seconds
• Beginners may want to work each side separately
• If you are a beginner, lift the opposite arm and opposite leg
• Hold for 15 seconds
• Repeat on opposite side

Stretch 10: Calf Stretch

• Begin with the left leg forward with the knee bent
• Body weight should be braced against solid object
• The right leg is extended straight behind the body
• The right heel is flat on the ground
• Body weight should be centered over the front leg
• Stretch should be felt on the back of the lower leg
• Hold this position for 15 seconds
• Repeat on opposite side

By: Jim Bompensa

Jim Bompensa has been a health club owner and manager, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and nutrition specialist for the nearly 15 years. He is currently the owner/operator of Body Physics Fitness Center in Haddonfield, NJ. Jim has appeared and contributed on ABC and NBC in Philadelphia, PA as well as Designing Spaces on TLC.

I have the opportunity to work with many people from a variety of backgrounds and lifestyles.  Despite their differences, most people I work with at my private training facility are focused on similar results.  Their goals typically center on general fitness with a focus on weight loss and muscle tone.  I’ve found the best workouts to help my clients reach goals such as these always include a cardio-resistance training component.  Cardio-resistance training utilizes strength training exercises performed one after another with continuous movement.

When performing this type of workout, it’s very important to correctly use a workout method called active rest.  Without active rest, muscles will fatigue quickly and the workout will stall.  When active rest is properly incorporated into the workout, exercise can continue indefinitely with an elevated heart rate and without a need to completely stop motion in order to rest a particular muscle.

Before I worked out of my private training studio, I worked in a large gym with many members.  I was surprised to see how many people waste their time by taking long periods of rest between sets.  After this long period of rest, they follow it with another set of the same exercise and then rest again.  This cycle may repeat for one or even two hours.  These workouts did not seem very time efficient to me.  I quickly realized that workouts could be completed in half the time if those rest periods were taken out of the workout.  It was then that I began utilizing active rest.

The best way to implement active rest is to work opposing muscle groups on alternating sets.  For example, if a chest press is performed, the muscles of the chest and triceps are fatigued and the heart rate is elevated.  If a complete rest period is included after that set, not only will the chest and triceps muscles get a rest, but the heart rate also decreases.  Instead of stopping completely, I recommend moving to an exercise that uses opposing muscle groups. This will allow the chest to rest, but the use of the opposing muscles will maintain and elevated heart rate.  When performing a chest press, a great opposing exercise would be a seated row.  The seated row works the muscles of the upper back as well as the biceps.

A workout correctly outlined to incorporate active rest while working opposing muscle groups will effectively fatigue each muscle to the point of muscle failure.  It will also maintain heart rate elevation without a complete stop in movement for 30, 45, or even 60 minutes.

I recommend you try this effective exercise method for result-oriented, time efficient workouts.

Check back for upcoming blog posts outlining exercise routines that incorporate active rest!

By: Jim Bompensa

Jim Bompensa has been a health club owner and manager, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and nutrition specialist for the nearly 15 years. He is currently the owner/operator of Body Physics Fitness Center in Haddonfield, NJ. Jim has appeared and contributed on ABC and NBC in Philadelphia, PA as well as Designing Spaces on TLC.

Interval training workouts are a great way to add variety and new challenges to your workout routine. Typically, interval training alternates between high-intensity phases and lower-intensity recovery periods, such as what you’ll find in my Smooth Fitness Agile and DMT X2 elliptical Free Audio Workouts.  The interval workout method has been proven to improve fitness levels for both beginners and experienced exercisers.  Studies also suggest that training in this manner increases the body’s ability to burn fat.

I like interval training because it’s a technique that works different energy systems, incorporates more exercise styles into one workout routine and increases the effectiveness of the workout.  While there’s no single method of interval training, there are some guidelines that should be followed:
1)    Always consult your personal physician before beginning a workout program
2)    Always warm up to prevent injury
3)    Always customize the workout program to meet your specified goals
4)    Always incorporate high intensity and low intensity exercise periods
5)    Always finish with a cool down and stretch

Below are some recommendations for safe and effective interval training:
1)    During the high-intensity phase, strive to raise the heart rate to 75-85% of your age adjusted maximum heart rate.
2)    The low-intensity recovery period should be long enough to allow the heart rate to drop into the lower cardio or fat burning zone.  This is usually 60-65%, but no lower.
3)    If you’re a beginner to interval training, consider lowering the heart rate recommendations above to a level that is more comfortable to you and slowly increasing the intensity with subsequent workouts.  As a beginner, you may also benefit from starting with very short high-intensity interval periods.  There’s no right or wrong length of time.  You may start with 15 second high-intensity intervals and slowly increase by 5 seconds in each subsequent workout.

I’ve included a basic beginner interval training outline below:

•    Minute 1 - 5        Warm up at 50% maximum heart rate
•    Minute 5 - 5.3      Increase heart rate to 60% maximum heart rate
•    Minute 5.3 - 7      Decrease heart rate to 50% maximum heart rate
•    Minute 7 - 7.3      Increase heart rate to 70% maximum heart rate
•    Minute 7.3 - 9      Decrease heart rate to 60% maximum heart rate
•    Minute 9 - 9.3      Increase heart rate to 75% maximum heart rate
•    Minute 9.3 - 11    Decrease heart rate to 65% maximum heart rate
•    Minute 11 - 11.3   Increase heart rate to 80% maximum heart rate
•    Minute 11.3- 13    Decrease heart rate to 65% maximum heart rate
•    Minute 13 - 13.3   Increase heart rate to 85% maximum heart rate
•    Minute 13.3 - 15   Decrease heart rate to 65% maximum heart rate
•    Minute 15 -20       Cool down at 50-60% maximum heart rate

A quick guide to determine your age adjusted maximum heart rate:
220 - (your age) = age adjusted maximum heart rate

To determine the percentages listed above, multiply age adjusted maximum heart rate by the desired percentage.  For example, a 40-year-old person has an age adjusted maximum heart rate of 180:
60% of 180 is 180 x .60 = 108

Use this workout as an introduction to interval training.  Check back for my next blog to see how you can utilize interval training to incorporate fat burn and full body muscle tone.

By: Jim Bompensa

Jim Bompensa has been a health club owner and manager, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and nutrition specialist for the nearly 15 years. He is currently the owner/operator of Body Physics Fitness Center in Haddonfield, NJ. Jim has appeared and contributed on ABC and NBC in Philadelphia, PA as well as Designing Spaces on TLC.

As a professional fitness trainer, I witness the benefits of exercise on a daily basis.  I’ve been fortunate enough to be surrounded and inspired by clients’ determination.  Over the years, I’ve witnessed clients regain physical capabilities they once thought were lost forever, rediscover confidence lost from surgeries, chemotherapy, and mental anguish, decrease dependence on medications, boost overall physical health, recover from cardiovascular problems, fit into old clothes, and gain a whole new outlook on life.  While clients who have great obstacles to overcome are extremely inspirational, everyone can benefit from exercise.

It’s important to remember exercise does a lot more than help you lose weight.  There are many other positive health benefits you can gain from regular physical activity.  The human body is amazing in how it can adapt itself to meet physical demands.  When you adopt a lifestyle which includes regular physical activity, you challenge your body in a positive way.  As you perform new exercises, you cause your body to make physical changes which make you stronger and healthier – the benefits of exercise.

Two important types of exercise training are cardiovascular training and resistance training.  Each affects your body in different ways. Both are equally important and should be part of any exercise routine.

Regular cardiovascular exercise leads to weight loss, improved oxygen uptake and delivery to muscles, increased heart strength, decreased resting heart rate, decreased blood pressure, reduced total cholesterol, increased good cholesterol, reduction in blood triglycerides, reduced effects of adult onset diabetes, and most importantly, decreased risk of heart disease and stroke. Research has shown that these changes can be seen with as little as two days of exercise per week.

Changes associated with resistance training are increased muscular strength, increased muscle endurance, increased bone mineral density (decreased chance of developing osteoporosis), increased metabolic rate, decreased incidence of injury, joint support, and increased balance and coordination.

You may notice all the positive changes listed above are the exact opposite of changes associated with aging.  It’s my belief that exercise is the fountain of youth.  Exercising may not guarantee a longer life, but it certainly will provide a better quality of life.  By maintaining both cardiovascular and muscular fitness, you’ll be able to maintain your independence and integrity for a lifetime.  And yes, if needed, weight loss will follow.

By: Jim Bompensa

Jim Bompensa has been a health club owner and manager, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and nutrition specialist for the nearly 15 years. He is currently the owner/operator of Body Physics Fitness Center in Haddonfield, NJ. Jim has appeared and contributed on ABC and NBC in Philadelphia, PA as well as Designing Spaces on TLC.

With Valentines Day upon us, I would like to take this opportunity to discuss how your loved ones affect your fitness journey.  The commitment to get fit and lose weight is a life changing endeavor. It will certainly be one of the most gratifying experiences of your life.  It has brought happiness to so many people and I am certain it will bring happiness to you also.  There are times when the resolve to stay fit is tested.  You may need to lean on the shoulders of your loved ones or they may need to lean on yours.

When you begin your fitness journey, let your family and friends know how important it is to you.  Let them know that you need their assistance in keeping on track.  Let them know that they may be called upon for support.  In the long run it will be better for all of you.  When you feel better about yourself, your relationships most likely will be stronger.

One way to engage the support of your loved ones is to include them on your fitness journey.  Invite them to join in when possible.  Always be welcoming, but never pushy.  You may be surprised how receptive they will be.  Try the tips I have included below to involve your loved ones in your fitness routine.

1)      Offer to go for a walk.
2)      Find a local fitness center that offers couple or group memberships.
3)      Find an activity that you can enjoy together such as skiing, bike riding, or hiking.
4)      Explore healthy new recipes or restaurants together.
5)      Try partner exercises such as tossing a medicine ball.
6)      Find a group fitness class that you each will enjoy.  Some classes that are very popular include indoor cycling, cardio kickboxing, or body toning.
7)      Consider purchasing some in home exercise equipment that will benefit the both of you.  You may wish to purchase two exercise machines so that you may exercise at the same time.

Exercising with someone who is important to you is a great motivator.  Each participant knows that their involvement is helping someone they care about stay or become healthy.   Exercising together is the best way to help your friends or loved ones retain a higher quality of life for a longer period of time.  What could be more motivating?

By: Jim Bompensa

Jim Bompensa has been a health club owner and manager, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and nutrition specialist for the nearly 15 years. He is currently the owner/operator of Body Physics Fitness Center in Haddonfield, NJ. Jim has appeared and contributed on ABC and NBC in Philadelphia, PA as well as Designing Spaces on TLC.

I have been on many trips in my lifetime.  Some have been overnight getaways and some have been a week or longer .  Of course I always manage to have a great time, but for me if I miss a workout I feel as if I am losing ground in regard to my physical fitness.  That is mentally draining on me.  It detracts from my enjoyment of my trip. For this reason, I have developed workouts that I can do anywhere with little or no equipment.  These workouts have become a very enjoyable part of my traveling.  I look forward to finding unique ways to create an effective workout in any setting.

I have included an outline below for a great full body workout.  It can be utilized anywhere in the world with no equipment necessary.

I) Jog in place
1) Jog in place.
2) Important to stay on the balls of the feet at all times in order to protect
the knee and ankle joints.
3) As the knees are lifted higher, this exercise becomes more difficult.

II) Jumping Jacks
1) Begin with hands at the side and feet together.
2) While jumping into the air move arms and legs laterally away from the body.
3) When coming back to the ground, the arms should be raised to a height parallel to it.
4) At this point, the arms should remain straight and the hands should be
even with the shoulders.
5) While jumping into the air move the arms back toward the body.
6) When coming back to the ground, the arms and legs should be back to
their starting position.
7) There should always be a slight bend in the knees and the weight should remain
on the balls of the feet when they are in contact with the floor.

III) Squats
1) Your feet should be just a little wider than shoulder width.
2) The body should be lowered to a position where the thighs are parallel to the ground.
(Beginners may want to start by going only half way down.) (This motion should feel as
if you are sitting into a chair.)
3) With both feet firmly planted on the floor, the body should be lifted
back to starting position.
4) Repeat motion.
5) The knees should not be locked at the top of the motion and they should always remain
behind the toes.

IV) Pushups
1) Begin with the hands flat on floor and toes on floor.
2) Arms should be straight with a slight bend at the elbows.
3) Fingers should be facing straight forward.
4) The body should be straight from the ankles to the shoulders.
5) The body should be almost parallel to the floor.
6) Lower the torso toward the floor by bending the elbows to 90 degrees. At this point the
body will be parallel to the floor.
7) Return to start position.

V) Lunge
1) Begin with the left leg forward and the right leg behind.
2) The body should be lowered between the knees
3) The right heel will rise off of the floor.
4) Resistance and your weight should be focused on the front leg.
5) Continue to lower to a position where your front and back knees are at
a 90 degree angle.
6) Begin to raise the weight before your right knee hits the floor. Return to start position
and repeat. Don’t forget to perform this same exercise on the opposite side next.
7) Beginners may want to hold onto a stable object for balance.

VI) DB row
1) Begin with right knee and right hand on a bench or chair.
2) Left arm is hanging directly below shoulder with slight bend in elbow.
3) Pull left arm up to a position where the elbow is higher than the torso.
4) Left hand should be even with left hip.
5) Return to start position and repeat. Repeat on opposite side.

VII) Squats
1) Your feet should be just a little wider than shoulder width.
2) The body should be lowered to a position where the thighs are parallel to the ground.
(Beginners may want to start by going only half way down.) (This motion should feel as
if you are sitting into a chair.)
3) With both feet firmly planted on the floor, the body should be lifted
back to starting position.
4) Repeat motion.
5) The knees should not be locked at the top of the motion and they should always remain
behind the toes.

VIII) Upright row
1) Begin with knees slightly bent.
2) Torso is in upright position with shoulders pinched back.
3) With palms facing toward the chest, slide the hands up keeping them close to the body.
4) At the uppermost point, the elbows should be even with the shoulders while the hands
are slightly lower than the elbows.
5) Return to start position and repeat.

IX) Mountain Climbers
1) Begin in pushup position
2) Bend left knee, bringing left foot up even with right knee.
3) While returning left foot to starting position bend right knee, brining right foot up even
with left knee.
4) Continue to alternate this motion at rigorous pace.

X) Crunch
1) While lying on the ground, begin with the feet placed evenly on it.
2) Shoulders and head should also be resting on the ground.
3) Lift head and shoulders off ground to a point where stomach is contracted and low back
is still flat.
4) Return to start position and repeat.

Perform each exercise for 45 seconds.
Move quickly from one exercise to the next .
Work through the entire routine 1-3 times.
Total workout time for each completed routine will be approximately 9 minutes.

When physical fitness becomes a part of your life, you  will miss its absence.
Quick workouts are great way to get yourself off to a fresh start each morning of your trip.

I wish you healthy travels!

By: Jim Bompensa

Jim Bompensa has been a health club owner and manager, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and nutrition specialist for the nearly 15 years. He is currently the owner/operator of Body Physics Fitness Center in Haddonfield, NJ. Jim has appeared and contributed on ABC and NBC in Philadelphia, PA as well as Designing Spaces on TLC.

As the New Year approaches, fitness resolutions are on many lists.  After another year of physical neglect many people will promise themselves to get fit.  This time they say it is for real!  For their sake I wish them luck and I hope this is not yet another year for empty promises.  As plans are set to fulfill this year’s fitness resolutions, I would like to stress the importance of setting a realistic plan of attack.

I live in New Jersey and this past week my town was hit with 24 inches of snow.  As I spent the day shoveling snow, I thought how great it is that I consistently exercise and that my body is prepared for tasks such as this.  Every year many people suffer heart attacks while shoveling snow.  This usually results from the fact that they have not exercised.  Their bodies are de conditioned and they are simply not prepared for the effort required.  Many people face a similar situation when they set their sights on fitness resolutions for the new year.  Despite having not exercised for quite some time, they work out at a very strenuous pace in an effort to make up for the lost time.  This is very dangerous and can have disastrous results!

Most people are out of shape or over weight because they have neglected their fitness routine for extended periods.  It took more than one week to reach this physical condition and it will certainly take more than one week to reach your ultimate fitness goal.  Please use sensibility and caution when returning to higher activity levels.  When a realistic plan is set in motion there is a much greater chance of following it through to the end.  Remember, the goal is to make changes that will improve your quality of life for the remainder of it.  This is certainly a situation where slow and steady wins the race.   Please follow my safety tips listed below when beginning your quest to be fit this year.

1. Start slowly
Consider walking or riding a bicycle at a comfortable pace for your first workout.  It doesn’t matter how long or short that walk or ride is.  The trick is to progress steadily from this starting point.  Progression may come in the form of adding one minute to each exercise session or trying to cover more distance in the same amount of time.
2. Seek professional advice
There are many knowledgable personal trainers who can assist you in setting a plan that will be most successful. Please be certain to check your trainer’s background.  Personal trainers are available who possess a bachelor’s degree in a fitness related field.  If your gym does not have degreed personal trainers on staff, be sure that the trainer you are working with is certified by a reputable association before meeting with him or her.
3. Use a heart rate monitor
The heart rate monitor is one of the most important fitness safety tools.  This device will tell you if you are working hard enough.  More importantly, it tells you if you are working too hard.
4. Set a realistic plan
It is very important to set a plan that takes into account your current fitness level and evolves as you progress.  Starting out too hard is very dangerous and failing to steadily progress will stall efforts at improvement.
5. Be honest with yourself with the commitment you can make
It is very important to design a fitness plan that fits into your lifestyle.  Many people make the mistake of promising that they will workout everyday.  When they miss a day, they feel as if they have failed and they quit.  The truth is that progress can be made when exercising as little as two times per week.  If you can only exercise two times per week, make that promise to yourself. Anything more is a plus.
6. Be vigilant
Consistency is the key to winning the battle for long term fitness.  This is why it is important to make an honest assessment of what will fit into your lifestyle.  Design your routine around that, and stick to it.
7. Seek support
Encourage a friend or loved one to exercise with you.  This will provide motivation for you as well as the other person.  It is hard to let down someone you care for.  When fitness is important to both people the commitment is even stronger.  It is also important to remember that safety comes in numbers.
8. Have fun
The best fitness routines are those that you enjoy.  You are more likely to stick to a program that includes activities that you enjoy.  You will also be more focused on the task at hand and less likely to suffer an injury.

If you follow these 10 tips you will give yourself the best chance at reaching your fitness goals and improving your life forever.

Good Luck!  Make this the year that you reach your physical potential.

By: Jim Bompensa

Jim Bompensa has been a health club owner and manager, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and nutrition specialist for the nearly 15 years. He is currently the owner/operator of Body Physics Fitness Center in Haddonfield, NJ. Jim has appeared and contributed on ABC and NBC in Philadelphia, PA as well as Designing Spaces on TLC.

Welcome to 2010.  As we enter into this new decade, many are considering their resolutions for the New Year.  Most resolutions center on fitness or weight loss. It is important to remember that when someone fails to achieve their fitness or weight loss goal it is generally because their goal is not S.M.A.R.T.

S.M.A.R.T. is a great acronym to classify fitness goals.  It stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely.  This acronym hits all of the important aspects of a fitness goal.  In the list below, I explain each aspect and provide an example of a goal that fits.

Specific: To make a goal specific, you must focus in on exactly what you would like to accomplish.  For example, instead of saying I want to lose weight this year, be more specific.  I would like to lose ten pounds.

Measurable: Weight loss is a perfect example of measurable goal.  It is something that can be quantified.  Success can be charted and progress seen.  Losing ten pounds is measurable.   Weight loss can be easily measured on the scale.

Attainable: For a goal to be attainable, it must be realistic.  Set a goal that is challenging, but not overwhelming.  For example, when setting a weight loss goal, shoot for one to two pounds per week.  If you attempt to lose 30 pounds in two weeks, there is a very good chance you will not reach that goal.  You would be setting yourself up for disappointment and ultimately failure.

Relevant: A goal is relevant when it correlates to what your fitness routine is focused on.  If you are trying to lose weight, it would be a big mistake to set a goal to bench press 150 pounds.  A goal should be set to lose a certain amount of pounds or inches.

Timely: To make a goal timely, simply set a time table to achieve it.  If you would like to lose ten pounds, set a date by which you would like to achieve that goal.

Two examples of S.M.A.R.T. goals follow.

“I need to lose weight.  I would like to lose 10 pounds in 10 weeks.”
“I would like to run a half marathon this year.  I will increase my endurance by one half mile per week for 26 weeks.”

These goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely.

I wish you the best of luck in your fitness journey this year!

By: Jim Bompensa

Jim Bompensa has been a health club owner and manager, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and nutrition specialist for the nearly 15 years. He is currently the owner/operator of Body Physics Fitness Center in Haddonfield, NJ. Jim has appeared and contributed on ABC and NBC in Philadelphia, PA as well as Designing Spaces on TLC.