Personal trainer gives insight on common resolution

Bobby Spencer, 47, entered the fitness industry more than a quarter of a century ago as a competitive bodybuilder. As a bodybuilder, friends and fellow gym-goers would often ask him questions about training and nutrition. Finally, after many questions and a few requests to train other people, Spencer decided to get his credential in fitness training and start coaching people part time.

Nowadays, Spencer uses his decades of experience in fitness and the knowledge he's gained from being a full-time personal trainer for 10 years to better the minds and bodies of people at Twin Arbors Athletic Clubs.

What do you like about your job?

What I like most about what I do is observing how clients not only transform their bodies, if they are consistent with the principles I teach, but their minds and spirits become fitter in the process, too.

Do you see a spike in the number of people who go to the gym after Jan. 1?

Every year come Jan. 1, there is a huge increase in the number of people going to the gym. I believe I can confidently say that this is a national phenomena — the get-back-in-and-stay-in-shape-this-time New Year's resolution.

When does that number seem to taper off?

Unfortunately, this great fitness onslaught seems to taper off after about eight weeks, if not sooner.

What's the secret to keeping your resolution to get in shape?

The secret to keeping your get-in-shape resolution for the new year is this: There is no secret.

When embarking upon a fitness program, whether you are new to fitness or coming back after a lay-off, there are several "action items" you should employ if real results are what you're after.

• Set realistic and attainable goals. Write them down in a training journal. Review (them) weekly, and keep the desired results in mind.

• Develop an exercise routine with the help of a certified fitness trainer who will help you to reach your goals. Put your plan into action by developing short-term goals that will eventually help you reach your main goal.

• Don't find the time; make the time! Make it a priority in your life. Whatever you put into it is what you ultimately get out of it. Adopt the motto, "No excuses!"

• Change your exercise routines periodically. Pick up a good fitness programming book, or, even better, enlist the services of a qualified fitness professional who will help you to keep your workout stimulating and challenging, so you don't get bored and lose interest. Having the right help will make all the difference in the world.

• Lastly, find a workout partner, an exercise buddy, someone who will work out with you and motivate you. Having someone to hold you accountable for showing up to a great workout is another key for success. Whether it's a personal trainer or a friend, this person will help you stick to your action plan.

How do you try to motivate people to stick with their workout program?

The motivation for getting a client to stick to his or her program varies with the individual.

What I try to do is get a client to make positive investments in themselves that will lead to the incredible benefits that can come from taking control of your health and physical appearance.

Bobby Spencer at a glance

Age: 47.

Education: Certified fitness trainer; certified fitness nutritionist; member of the American College of Sports Medicine.

Family: Married with three children.

Job: Fitness and personal training director at Twin Arbors Athletic Clubs.

Plans: Currently working on developing a program that encourages exercise, healthy eating practices and wellness to help reverse today's health threats.

I also have clients employ visualization (i.e. vividly imagining yourself having achieved your "wildest dream" as it relates to fitness or physical development) to start the process that can lead to goal achievement.

After that, the only missing element is action on the part of the client, which is required to go beyond the vision and develop a successful result.

How can I lose 20 pounds in one month?

You can lose 20 pounds in one month by starving yourself.

Seriously, although there are diets that promise that type of weight loss within 30 days, most of the weight lost is a combination of water and muscle, which isn't the healthiest approach to take.

To make matters worse, the weight will come back on — usually with some additional, unwanted pounds — as soon as you resume a more normal diet. A more desirable and achievable goal is to lose 1 to 2 pounds of fat weight per week for long-term fat loss.

Do you ever pig out during the holidays?

I never really pig out during any holidays. I don't even have the desire to do that.

What's your favorite guilty-pleasure food?

I suppose my favorite pleasure food is chocolate cake or cookies, and I don't feel guilty when I eat it.

Contact reporter Amanda Dyer at amandad@lodinews.com.

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