Fletch, you’re one of the most sought after trainers in New York City, can you tell us a little bit about your training philosophy?
I try to keep things as simple as possible and focus on the clients goals. When it comes to training women, I look to balance out their upper body with the lower and change the way they look at training with weights. For guys, I let them know about the importance of a full body workout; one that includes exercise besides just chest and biceps.
How does someone get started on an exercise regime?
The best way for anyone to get started is to identify your fitness goals and work to achieve them. Everyone has a goal, it is putting it into practice that is the important thing. It can be a goal of strength, being fit or losing weight; identify your goals and then accomplish them.
You’ve mentioned before that more is not always better when it comes to your workout routine. How many times a week should someone workout for?
I would recommend 3-4 times a week; you will see results. I see people working out 6-7 days, running every day, without realizing they are hurting their body more than helping it. Your body needs rest, and running everyday will not give it rest, it will kick it into overtraining and that will cause more harm then good.
How important is diet?
It all depends on what type of diet, because you can eat right, and eat more, by lowering your portion intake. If you go the route of starving yourself, then you are in for a big reality check. Your body needs 6 MAJOR CLASSES OF NUTRIENTS on a daily basis, they are:
1. water – “The” essential for all body functions”
2. carbohydrates – “go” foods
3. fats – concentrated “go” foods
4. proteins – “grow” foods
5. vitamins – “glow” foods
6. minerals – “glow” foods
cut one of these out, and instead of losing weight, your body will think you are starving it and start storing food in places you will not like.
Any dieting tips you can share with us?
Just eat right, make sure you eat a big breakfast and you can eat small meals during the day, do not eat at 9 in the morning, and then eat again at 6 in the evening as you will find yourself gorging to make up for the caloric intake. So eat smart and balance out your meals with a little of everything.
Is there a difference between using free weights and dumbbells? Is one better then the other?
Free weights and dumbbells are not the same. Free weights are for mass and strength, while dumbbells are for balance and definition.
The word on the street is that you have the toughest ab workout in the city. Tell us what it entails.
I do my abs very different then most. I use ankle straps and attach them to a cable machine to hit my abs. I use the pyramid system one day and the drop sets on the next workout. You are welcome to experience the workout if you want too.
What do you want to potential clients to know about you?
I got into this field 18 years ago because of the lack of qualified fitness trainers; I wanted to be someone people could trust and see results with. I am here to help my clients every step of the way. Everyone can find time in their day to workout. I help clients find that delicate balance between fitness and life; a life with no excuses or regrets. Instead of blaming someone, make it happen.
And finally, where will you be in fifteen years?
I hope to be sharing my fitness knowledge and passion with others. I look forward to teaching seminars and going to schools to talk to kids about how fitness can change their lives for the better.