Health & Fitness: The Steeper The Learning Curve

I've been working in the fitness industry in some form or another for close to two decades now. In all that time, there is only one question that is asked of me on which my opinion hasn't altered:  "Should I change up what I'm doing? Would it help?"

Like any other industry where there is money to be made, the ideas constantly change and grow. It sells, frankly. Sometimes the changes are really insightful and good. Sometimes, they're just plain silly. But one thing is always true no matter what—the answer to that question I mentioned earlier. Change is always a good thing. 

Almost all the products out there have some morsel of truth in them. Every exercise group or studio in Maplewood and South Orange has something good to offer. But here's the rub—it usually takes a varied approach to really achieve our goals.  Integrating many different methods is usually the answer. So even if one strange little device seen on an infomercial cannot get you ripped from head to foot, it probably will help in some regards.

I've always believed this, and so I've always strived to learn as many different schools of thought as possible. Nothing looks too silly for me—I'll try anything more than once before I form any opinion. Because of this approach, I've always been a pretty darned busy trainer. I don't credit myself with being the "sharpest thing in the sharp things drawer" by any means, but I've always been pretty sought after, and it's mostly because of this. 

Here's the trick, as many of you readers might identify with this; everything comes and goes in cycles.  That applies to fashion, music, ideals, even fitness. It's the way of the world.  In almost 20 years, I've seen many things come full circle.  I think to myself when a client comes in with some "new" idea they just read about in Men's Health or Self or the like, "Yeah, I took a class on that in 1999."

But I have to let go of that thought and keep mentally engaged. I don't want to claim to be the expert in all things fitness. The only true knowledge is knowing that you know nothing—didn't some philosopher along the line say something like that?

I opened up my training studio on Springfield Avenue in Maplewood going on four years ago now. One of my hopes is that I'd find some really good trainers who would bring something new to the table. Push me!  Give me something I can sink my teeth into. You know?  Let me tell you—that ain't easy. But, given time, I've met some great folks, and I have learned.  Oh boy, have I ever. 

I first tried a kettlebell in the mid 90s in Florida. This Russian trainer named Mikhail had a few in the gym. They used them as door stops. Nobody even knew what they were. I, however, was intrigued. So I washed off the layer of dust that had accumulated on them and brought them out.  He was no expert, but he showed me some basics.  I thought they were interesting, so whenever I came across some, I'd look into it. Maybe a class, or someone would know a new trick along the line. I bought a book.

Now, I'm sure a lot of you have seen these around now.  I even saw them for sale in a variety of pretty colors in Target down in Vauxhaul. They're everywhere, and they are the new hot thing.  

Just over a year ago, I met one of my trainers, Rafal Kazenecki. As you might gather from the name, he's not from around here. So I asked him in to The Gym to see how he worked.  Immediately, I could see he was good. I could also see I didn't know anything. I'd kind of given up on learning a whole lot new, so at first it was a bit overwhelming and maybe even scary.

But I tried not to let my anxiety get in the way. I hired him on the spot, and then decided to go one better—I'd have him train me once a week.  I've never had a trainer train me. But I figured I'd learn even more that way. I watched him as he trained my wife and some of my best clients from here in Maplewood. I haven't stop learning since. 

So, here I am after 20 years in the field, and I feel like I'm learning all over again.  What a great feeling. I'm doing new movements that he's picking up along the way, and we're learning together. Different is a very good thing. 

So there's your answer: If you're considering trying something new, give it a shot.  Just try to learn from someone who actually has something worth sharing. You'll never be sorry.

Tim Reynolds is the owner/operator of THE GYM ON SPRINGFIELD, a personal training studio in it's third year of operation in Maplewood.  Tim lives in Maplewood with his wife, Suzanne, and their two children, August and Sinikka.