See below for frequently asked questions. If the information does not clarify your concern, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or call 708-527-5329.
Why Hire a Personal Trainer?
This is a valid question. Why should you hire a personal trainer and pay extra for someone to "watch over" you as you exercise? There are more reasons that we are able to list. Through your sessions you will be able to acquire many years of experience and knowledge in a short period of time. Instead of learning through trial and error, wasting time and risking injury, you will set yourself up for success. Another reason is to have an advocate in your health and fitness pursuits. Most people will fail because they do not have someone supporting them. There is nothing more important than your own health and well being, and we will make sure that you make it a priority!
You might also seek out a personal trainer because of any number of medical concerns, such as obesity, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, or asthma. You might have also been told by your doctor or physical therapist that getting on a regular exercise program will improve your health and lessen risk of these often life-threatening conditions.
Why Should I Hire Fit With Z?
Anyone can wake up one day and announce to the whole world that they are a personal trainer. Currently there is no licensing required to become a personal trainer, and many certifications exist that are less than respectable. So how do you discern a good trainer from a bad one? It is important to examine three components that are crucial when selecting a trainer: education, certification, and experience.
Z has a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and Master of Education from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He also has the only personal training certification to be accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies since 1996 and one that is nationally and internationally recognized- National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer. Z is CPR and First Aid certified, and making sure your trainer is CPR and First Aid certified is one of the most important questions you should ask. While scrutinizing your trainer's certification, be sure to check if their respective certifying body requires Continuing Education Units (CEU's) and is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencises (NCCA). Fitness industry is constantly evolving and changing, and you want to be sure that you are receiving the most up to date information you can.
Z is a Certified Nutrition Specialist, realizing that sound nutrition advice is crucial to overall fitness success. He also completed two food and science nutrition courses at the University of Illinois, FSHN 101 and FSHN 120, as well as college level Human Anatomy and Physiology.
And finally and most importantly, he has over 10 years of fitness related work experience at numerous health and fitness facilities across Illinois. Z has extensive experience working with at-risk population, as well as designing programs for physical therapy patients.
While all the things listed are important, they do not mean anything if the trainer is not able to provide measurable results and is not compatible with his or her client. Please explore Testimonials to see just a few of the satisfied personal training customers that Z has trained over the years. You would not pick your doctor, attorney, or accountant without checking their credentials, why not do the same when choosing a personal trainer?
Why do I Need to Care About my Trainer Having Liability Insurance?
Although liability insurance is designed to protect the trainer from liability, it is not solely designed just for the trainer. You are essentially protecting yourself by making sure your trainer has liability insurance. If something were to happen to you during the training session, you will want the comfort of knowing that your trainer is insured. Z is a Certified Professional with Liability Insurance (CPI), insured for up to $2 million through NSCA.
How Often Should I Meet with a Trainer?
While the choice of how often you should meet with a trainer is completely up you, it goes without saying that more often the trainer is able to meet with you, the more effective your program will become. We usually recommend that you meet with a trainer at least one time a week. It is important to realize that training just one time a week will not yield any extraordinary results; however, for sedentary individuals it will make a big difference nonetheless. Your trainer will make specific recommendations based on your profile and equipment you own, about what you should be doing on the days that no session is scheduled to meet your health goals. If you do not follow those recommendations, or do not feel comfortable or motivated enough to follow them, you will ultimately fail in your program and might consider scheduling at least three sessions a week. Remember, YOU ARE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR PROGRAM SUCCESS! As you can see, training frequency is based upon personal preferences, time demands, budget, motivation level, and self-efficacy.
What Sort of People have a Personal Trainer?
Housewives, company directors, stockbrokers, rock stars, receptionists, nannies, coffee-shop managers, bankers, doctors, dressmakers, accountants, firemen, PR executives, waiters, newsagents, journalists, producers, secretaries, actors, sportsmen and women, electricians, teachers, and anyone who wants one!
What Makes Fit with Z different?
Fit With Z eliminates the need to sign up for gym memberships and leave the comfort of your own home, apartment, office, or hotel room in order to stay healthy and fit. There are many reasons why someone might not want to workout at a gym. Maybe you don't feel comfortable wearing workout clothes in front of other gym goers? Or the fitness center closes before you even get off work? Or maybe the gym isn't close enough or there's nobody to watch the kids? For all these reasons, joining a gym might not be the preferred option. Fit With Z eliminates all those obstacles, while adding additional benefits of convenience, support, effectiveness, and personal attention. Tending to your health and fitness needs is all we do, and we make sure we do it right.
Will I be Able to Receive the Same Quality Workout at Home as I Would Have When Going to a Gym?
Yes! You will be able to receive the same quality exercise as you would if you went to a gym. As a matter of fact, if you train with us, you will receive a better rounded and more intense workout. When working with us, you have the advantage of receiving a workout that is personalized and optimized just for you. We also have a big advantage of having only the equipment that you can best benefit from utilizing, all in one spot, eliminating unnecessary distractions and time wasting. By outfitting you with a heart rate monitor, we will assure you are training at the optimum level for you. We will incorporate all modes of functional exercise into your session, such as flexibility, strength, agility, balance, and cardiovascular exercise, making sure you receive a well-rounded, effective workout only at home training can provide. And with the multitude of exercises we have at our disposal, exercising with Fit With Z will be fun, challenging, and most importantly never boring!
What do I Need to Get Started?
Nothing! We will provide all the equipment necessary to meet you fitness goals. When we come out to your house, apartment, hotel room, or office, we will need an area about a size of a dorm room to set up equipment and provide exercise instructions. If you are unsure of what spot would be best suited for your exercise sessions, let us help you pick the most appropriate place when we meet for the initial get-together.
If you own home gym equipment or are considering purchasing one, allow us to train you on your existing equipment or to assist in your purchase. Same rule applies to your apartment complex or hotel, given you receive permission for us to train you. Our equipment might be used in addition to what you provide in order to give you the best possible workout.
What can I Expect During my First Visit?
We will expect you to have all the paperwork provided to you completed and signed. We will also answer any questions and discuss your medical and health history questionnaire in detail. At this point you will have an option to have fitness assessment performed. Fitness tests are purely optional, and will not be administered unless you would like them to. We will also establish realistic short and long term fitness goals based on your results, and discuss a role that nutrition plays in attaining those goals. Finally, we will setup a schedule of workouts that fits your lifestyle, discuss payment options, and answer any questions you still might have.
What Happens During a Personal Training Session?
No two sessions will be identical or follow the same format. That is why we call it "personal" training. Your trainer will develop a program that is specifically tailored to you based on needs and progress. However, there are components of a session that are similar across all the sessions. A personal training session will normally last for about one hour. It will usually start with a brief warm-up followed by your main training programme where you will focus on your goals using cardiovascular, strength or flexibility exercises. Finally there will be a cool down or relaxation period.
What Kind of Questions Will my Personal Trainer Ask me?
During the initial get-together, your trainer will need to find out about the demands that are placed on you based on your lifestyle or job. So, as you can see, the questions asked are not limited just to your exercise patterns or behavior. A personal trainer becomes your advocate in healthy living pursuit, and the more information he/she has about your lifestyle, in turn they become a more effective trainer. Developing a trusting and open relationship with your trainer is important. We want to become your "one-stop shop" for issues such as nutrition, managing stress, joining a sports league, motivational help, etc. We will network with other health care professionals to provide you the best service possible.
Can I purchase gift certificates?
Yes, we offer gift certificates in 1, 5 and 10 session increments for your purchase. We also offer gift certificates for fitness assessments. These are a great gift idea for your family and friends, because there is no greater gift than that of health and wellness. Email us or call 708-527-5329 today to purchase your gift certificate!
What Other Policies Should I be Aware of?
Please remember that while you always will be treated in a professional and courteous manner, we expect the same in return. Please make sure you keep your scheduled session time to the best of your abilities, as this not only is necessary for our business operation but is crucial to your own success! Personal training sessions that are not rescheduled or cancelled 24 hours in advance will result in being charged for the scheduled session. You have an option of paying in advance for the services, or to pay within 15 days upon receipt of Fit With Z invoice. For additional policies please refer to the Business Polices.
