Over the course of any given week we will work with anywhere between 80-100 people on the floor and another 60-80 people online. Given the vast number of clients that we work with each day, it’s extremely important that we remain very thorough with our initial consultations and exceedingly meticulous with our programs designs. We always ensure that each workout is catered towards each individual client. We even carry this practice over to our small group training. We have 3 levels of group classes that we offer – Beginner,  Intermediate and Advanced. Rarely if ever do we recommend that a new client join our Intermediate or Advanced Group Training. In fact, if a person is completely new to exercising with weights or has been sedentary and inactive for a very long time, we always recommend that they start off with a few private training sessions first, so that they can obtain that much needed one on one instruction for at least the first few weeks of their training. This individualized attention to detail from both Megan and myself is crucial for the client’s progression as we want to make sure that good habits are reinforced early so that bad habits never have the chance to develop at all (ie poor form, improper technique, incorrect breathing/tempo speed, etc).

Giving Up is Always an Option……For the Weak Minded

Unfortunately, about half of the clients that initially come to work with us, are usually dealing with some kind of injury, health issue or physical limitation. And the majority of these clients who seek out our advice and assistance do so because they are either fearful that incorporating weight training into their exercise program without knowing how to properly lift weights, will make their situation worse or because they are unsure of how to train properly and efficiently around their current health issues. Regardless of their reason, an injured person or a person dealing with a physical handicap, has just as much of a right to become healthy and fit as someone who is injury free or is lucky enough to suffer from no serious physical misalignments. And as health and fitness professionals, it is our job to help them. But how can you help someone who suffers from Osteoarthritis or cannot perform a back exercise properly due to their scoliosis, or becomes weak and light headed when they’re heart rate begins to raise because they suffer from either hypertension or hypotension? What about someone who lives with Multiple Sclerosis? Should they just be expected to give up on exercise all together because the insulating covers of nerve cells in their brain and spinal cord are damaged?

Western Medicine vs Holistic Medicine

I would like to first start off by saying that I am firm believer in both Western Medicine and Holistic Medicine. Many clients ask me how I can believe in both and the answer is simple – If the medical system you choose to work with is working for you, then I believe in that type of medication for you. I’ve always been very liberal with my views and believe that when it comes to the subject of health and fitness, each of us have our own decisions to make. After all, it’s your body and your health. Therefore YOU should be the only person that decides upon what kind of medical treatment and physical therapy you need and decide to use. So you can imagine how frustrated I become when a client tells me that his or her Doctor has told them that they “MUST” go on a certain type of drug even though the list of side effects can sometimes be even more damaging then the health issue in question. Or when I hear of a Naturopath telling a client the only way to fix their health issue is by using specific supplements that they just happen to sell (this is actually more common then you may think). I believe it’s ignorant of a Doctor to only have one view on a subject, especially given the fact that countless studies have shown numerous successful alternatives to certain drugs and antibiotics. I also believe it’s a conflict of interest for a Doctor to sell any medications or supplementations and scare clients into thinking they need them to get better. Whichever way you decide to go about improving upon your health and healing your injuries is and always should be up to you. Don’t let someone else make your decision for you just because they have a fancy degree. Make an educated and informed decision and stick with it!

Your Doctor is Always Right…..Except When He/She is Wrong

I cannot tell you how many times a client has told me that their doctor has told them not to exercise due to a certain illness, disease, physical limitation, injury or health scare. On occasion these recommendations sometimes do have some actual merit. For example, if you are suffering from an extreme case of pneumonia or have been in a serious car accident, then it might be a wise decision to take some time off from the gym so that you can let you body rest and heal properly. However, if your doctor has advised you to stop exercising because of an ailing heart condition or because you suffer from chronic arthritis, or because you’ve been diagnosed with a certain type of cancer, I would strongly recommend seeking a second opinion. Most Doctors are extremely smart and well educated however you have to remember, that just like any industry, some are better then others. Don’t just take your Doctor’s recommendation and advice if you feel that’s it’s not valid. Remember, there’s always someone who graduates at the bottom of the class. And your Doctor might just be that person.

Try to Exercise Every Day and Keep the Wrong Advice Away

Generally speaking, exercise is one of the best things that you can prescribe to someone who is suffering from an health issue or a chronic injury. It doesn’t have to be vigorous nor does it need to be intense. A short walk with a friend or some light weight lifting can be more then enough to help stimulate your cardiovascular and muscular system. Surely anything that gets your body moving and functioning the way it’s designed to function cannot be worse then laying in a bed all day feeling sorry for yourself.

It’s your life. Choose to live it how you want to and not how someone else thinks you should live it.

Yours in Good Health,

Nick Cosgrove
Forever Fit