7 Fitness Secrets from a Celebrity Trainer
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019
Harley Pasternak’s celebrity client list includes such notable names as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Megan Fox and Robert Pattinson. Here, the Canadian-born trainer and author of 5-Factor Fitness and 5-Factor Diet shares his secrets to workout success.
1. See Your Physician
Before planning a new workout regimen, Pasternak says it’s important to get a full physical. “Make sure you don’t have a pre-existing condition that could be affected by your workout.” Once you know what your limitations may be, you can work around them safely.
2. Prepare a Plan of Attack
Pasternak recommends meeting with an accredited trainer to help create the workout routine that works best for your body type, goals and fitness level. A trainer certified by as association like the Canadian Fitness Education Services (CFES) is qualified to help you prepare a workout routine.
3. Be Realistic
Before getting started with a new workout routine, Pasternak says it’s important to ask yourself one vital question: “Can I keep up with this every week for the rest of my life?” If you can’t answer that question with a yes, you may want to rethink the routine. Pasternak says working out is not about the here and now. It’s a marathon and not a sprint.
4. Stick to a Varied Program
Over time, your body will adapt to the routine you’ve started. Pasternak says in order to keep your body fit, you must always be challenging yourself. Your routine should include a variety of exercises and those may change over time as you build up resistance. A good workout regimen is varied and your progression should always be on the rise.
5. Pump Yourself Up With Music
Nothing gets you going like your favourite music. Pasternak recommends listening to music that will get you energized because it will motivate you to work harder and longer. He suggests hip-hop music during resistance training and upbeat music like Lady Gaga or Madonna during cardio activities.
6. Train Your Whole Body
Even if you’re only looking to develop muscle in specific areas, to maintain a healthy body, you should have a full-body fitness plan. For instance, says Pasternak, “Each day of the week, work out a different part of your body.”
7. Do What Works for You
Working out strictly at the gym or strictly at home is not a good or bad idea. There is no rule. Pasternak encourages people to exercise wherever they feel most motivated and are more likely to stick with their routine. If working out at home fits into your schedule better and you can manage to stay focused on your goals, then go for it. If you have the budget for a gym membership and feel you may be more motivated there, work out there instead.
