Archive for October, 2010

Q: How important is it to set goals?

A: Goal setting for fitness is important, however, I’ve found from my 13 years of personal training and pilates instructing, that goals can lead to overwhelm and sometimes self-sabotage.  I prefer to reframe this and look at what outcomes are important to clients.  Goal setting for life is important.  I teach my clients to make sure their goals are aligned with their values and beliefs.

Q: How many times a week should one exercise?

A: I teach my clients to move 5 days a week for at least 30 mins and to move for at least 60 mins on the other 2 days.  That may mean walking the dog, stretching and lifting weights or doing a yoga DVD.  Our body, mind and spirit depend on regular movement for us to be able to operate at our full potential.  Regular movement also reduces stress while improving energy levels, a must for busy people!

Q: What is the best overall work out to tone, get the heart rate up and lose weight?

A: Interval training.  Go to a park, walk or jog around it a couple of times.  Then find a bench and do squats, lunges, tricep dips, press ups, abdominal brace and standing arm work.  The key is to constantly vary what you do and how you do it.

Q: Which celebrity body do you most admire?

A: I love Michelle Obama’s body shape and style.  She works out everyday and is a glowing example of what  healthy eating and regular movement can do.

Q: Do you have any advice for women who have just had a baby and are returning to the gym?

A: Firstly, don’t put unrealistic pressure on yourself to “bounce back into shape”.  The number 1 exercise all post-natal women must do is pelvic floor exercises a few times a day.  Consider hiring a personal trainer/pilates instructor to come to you.  I teach simple 10-20 min exercise routines that can be done at home, several times a week that focus on toning, stretching and strengthening.

Q: From a holistic point of view, what is the key to reinventing yourself?

A: Reinvention starts from the inside out.  Your body and health are a mirror of what’s happening in your mind and spirit.  If you’re stressed, unhappy and feeling stuck in life, your body mirrors this by being tight, achy and out of alignment.  Whereas if you’re happy, reaching your outcomes and living authentically, your body glows.

Q: Finally, what items of clothing are essential for working out?  Any favourite brands?

A: My essentials are black half leggings (summer) or full leggings (winter) made from a lycra mix fabric.  Pure cotton may feel lovely but it won’t flatter the legs or butt!  Also, a yoga style pant with the fold-over top for the “I feel fat” days.  For tops I like a tight fitting singlet and long sleeved tops.  Choose colours that flatter your skin tone.  Tighter tops make your feel fitter and healthier than a big baggy t-shirt.

For further information on Kylie Saunder and her services (including personal training and pilates) visit: www.mindful-wellbeing.com.au