Personal Training Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long has Core Fitness and Nutrition, LLC been in business?

I started Core Fitness and Nutrition in 2003 in Denver. I moved my personal training business to Northern Colorado in 2006 when my wife and I decided to get away from the big city and move to a smaller, more community oriented city. It was one of the best decisions we ever made!

2. In your bio, you state you have a degree in Economics. What makes you qualified to be a personal fitness trainer?

Good question! I am certified through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). ISSA has been certifying trainers for 20 years now. I chose ISSA because of the scientifically based content. In order to become a certified personal fitness trainer, I was required to apply my knowledge of what I learned through multiple tests. I had to write case studies, short essays and a 10 page essay of a topic of my choosing. A lot of other organizations have you only take a multiple choice test. I actually had to show that I was able to apply the content instead of just showing I memorized the content. I also have followed health and fitness since I was a freshman in high school. It has been my life for 20 years. I have been involved with football, wrestling, baseball, power-lifting and bodybuilding in my adult life. I have such a high fascination with health, fitness and nutrition that it has become an obsession.

Also, don’t think that I gave up on my degree! I still love to read and study about investing and economic issues. I’m just as comfortable reading a mutual fund prospectus as I am reading a fitness trade journal. I have always said that even though my major didn’t help me professionally, it has helped me personally.

3. Do you have to keep up on your education like doctors, chiropractors and other professionals?

I am required to complete 20 hours of continuing fitness and nutrition education courses every two years in order to keep my personal trainer certification current. If I fail to complete these hours, then I will lose my certification as a personal fitness trainer.

4. What type of training do you have your clients participate in?

I like to keep workouts fresh. I utilize strength training, cardio training and functional training. For those of you who don’t know what functional training entails, it is a wonderful type of training that most people do not think of when they are working out. Functional training is using your entire body in one exercise where almost all of your muscle groups are being trained instead of being isolated. This type of training is more consistent with everyday movement that we use in our lives. It’s also a lot of fun!

If you think about it, what do you really use your biceps for? Oh that’s right…to impress the opposite sex!

5. You state that you are a “Specialist in Performance Nutrition.” What does that mean?

I have two certifications as a personal trainer. One is my personal fitness trainer certification and the other is my nutrition certification. So much of my clients’ success is tied to their nutrition. If they are not eating right, then all their hard work with training will be for naught. I have read so much about nutrition in my life that it was only logical to get a certification in nutrition. This certification was also very labor intensive. I had case studies, I had to make menus for different types of people, I had to study about all the different types of micronutrients, macronutrients and various supplements, etc. I am not a registered dietician, but I will give my clients basic nutrition information to help them achieve their goals. I have always said that 80% of your success in working out is tied directly to your food intake.

You can eat healthy and still enjoy those “cheat” foods if you just eat them in moderation.

6. Does that mean you are a “food nazi?”

Absolutely not! I have always lived by the philosophy that we all have our vices. The reason why most people fail with their “diets” is because they do not allow themselves to actually enjoy those foods that are perhaps not as healthy as we would like. We are human, and we have cravings. I always tell my clients that you can indulge these cravings, however, do so in moderation. Would it surprise you that I love beer and pizza? The difference with my diet is that I can enjoy these foods by being sensible about my portions. You can eat healthy and still enjoy those “comfort foods.” If you just eat them in moderation, and only eat them one or two meals a week, you will still lose weight and enjoy your cravings.

If your diet is really horrible, you will have to make sacrifices in order to be successful. I will teach you how to change your diet in order to reach your goals.

7. Do you have liability insurance?

I do have a liability insurance policy. If you are interested in the details, send me an email, and I will send you the information.

8. What about CPR training?

I am CPR/AED/First Aid certified through the American Red Cross.

9. I am hesitant about meeting with a personal fitness trainer. Do you offer a free consultation?

Absolutely! When you contact me, we will set up an initial consultation to go over your goals and educate you about what I have to offer to help you achieve those goals. If you are still interested, we will get you signed up and ready to go!

10. You have a lot of testimonials on your website. What is your secret?

I have been extremely fortunate and humbled by how many personal training clients I have. Their words have made me realize the reason that I have chosen this profession for my career. I have been humbled by the fact that my clients are giving me their complete trust in the transformation of their bodies. That is a huge responsibility to have my Fort Collins personal training clients’ health in my hands! However, the rewards far outweigh the risks!

I pay attention to my clients’ needs and wants. I am not a drill sergeant. I am not going to yell at you. I am, however, going to push you beyond what you ever thought was possible with your body. I am not going to sugar coat my training. It can be really hard sometimes. However, once you start experiencing the gains and benefits of the training, it will be worth all the hard work that you have put into it.

I am also able to relate to my clients on a personal level. I know a lot about my clients, and they know a lot about me. I can honestly say that I feel that the majority of my clients are my friends. Our relationships have developed over the course of their training.

I also listen to my clients. If there is an exercise or workout that my clients don’t enjoy, then we will make modifications. If there is an exercise or workout that they absolutely love, then we will make a note of it. The personal training that my clients experience is all tailored to them and their goals. The time I spend with my clients is all about them. This is why I have been so successful.