“I see a lot of people who hit the treadmills and bikes and do the same thing over and over,” Koetsier said. “But it’s the people who do something that challenges their bodies who are the ones seeing results.” The trainers say strength training remains a central emphasis at many health clubs. No longer considered a “jock” thing, strength training is good for anyone who wants to lower blood pressure, improve posture and flexibility, boost stamina, develop strong bones and burn calories — even after a workout. “Strength training just gets more and more popular,” Williams said. “We’re seeing younger people who use strength training as their only workout instead of aerobics because there are so many positives.” Bylsma noted that people are moving away from treadmills and other bulky machines and instead choosing dumbbells, resistance tubes and other portable equipment. Also key is a concept called “functional fitness” — using strength training to improve balance and ease of daily living. “It’s kind of an overused term because all fitness should be functional,” Bylsma
said. “As a trainer, my job is to help people function better in day-to-day activities.” She emphasizes such movement-based exercises as squats, lunges, push-ups and pull-ups. Williams said when starting with a new client, he asks about the daily activities that person does most. “The whole point of exercise is to make those things as easy as possible, whether it’s digging ditches or sports specific.” No matter what type of workout a person chooses, instructors say it’s important to learn proper form. “When choosing a trainer, always check their credentials,” Williams said, listing American College of Sports Medicine, National Association of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association as some of the top organizations offering certification. “There are a lot of really bad online courses out there, so people have to be careful.” And if you belong to a gym, don’t be afraid to ask the staff for help or advice. “People are scared to go to a trainer and ask questions,” Koetsier said. “But it’s the trainer’s job to train and help clients. They GR like to answer questions.”
Staff members at the David D. Hunting YMCA, 475 Lake Michigan Drive NW, demonstrate a variety of bodyweight exercises that can be performed on TRX suspension straps.
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