Maintaining a constant awareness of each client’s mental and physical state before, during and after each workout session assures optimum levels of progression and reduces risk of over-training. Trainer availability for questions and concerns on a continual basis beyond appointed training sessions enhances confidence in trainer’s expertise and dependability.

Every potential client brings a myriad of variables to consider when customizing their program and following considerations should be backbone of professional personal training at top level:

- Client/trainer trust and rapport - Constant updating in health and fitness trends - Genuine care and interest - Make time away from training for client's questions and concerns - People person with a sense of humor: make it fun! - Know limits of professional expertise and research answers when appropriate - Optimize efficient use of time in each training session - Strive for various ways to individualize and motivate each client

In conclusion, client success depends on consistent and continued progression that can only be achieved by professional trainers who take time to prescribe specific training for them like they were ONLY clients requiring their services. Since reality dictates time constraints, trainer who strives for best they can do for each client will produce positive results every time.

Dave Peters ISSA C.P.T., C.S.S. www.lifespanfitness.us

Because of unique issues confronting runners with plantar fasciitis many specialists are now recommending what has been termed “active rest.” This idea has arisen after careful consideration of most common causes of plantar fasciitis in runners:

•Sudden changes in activity level. For example, increasing mileage while training for a marathon •Wearing shoes that may appear to be in good shape, but have actually lost their shock absorbing abilities •Running on high impact surfaces such as concrete •Having tight hamstring and calf muscles •Having high or low arches

Many specialists now recommend that runners switch to running in a pool or traditional swimming to maintain fitness, while at same time reducing amount of stress put on plantar fascia. This active rest can also involve other activities such as biking, though it is recommended that runners first stop experiencing pain before switching to biking.

For those that just can’t stop running they can try reducing their mileage by 90% and slowly working back up over a period or weeks and months as long as condition is improving and there is no pain. If pain increases, pool is best option.

For more information, go to www.aafp.org, www.heelingsolutions.com, www.apma.org