Be Fit With Biray

As personal trainers and group exercise instructors, we often complement or ‘outsource’ portions of our program design in order to create a more comprehensive workout for our clients. (I’ve often suggested cardio routines or fitness classes for clients to participate in addition to our sessions.)

However, with the popularity of downloadable fitness podcasts (which include every kind of cardio routine, muscular conditioning exercises, and yoga and pilates practices) consumers are not complementing their traditional in-person training. They are starting to replace them. And why shouldn’t they? Podcasts are affordable (anywhere from $0.99 to $3.99 per workout), produced by top fitness professionals, are regularly updated, and can conveniently integrate into anyone’s schedule.

I think it’s important for fitness professionals to listen to these podcasts and see exactly how they might impact our clients’ programming. From there, we can recommend or advise accordingly. Unfortunately, there are more than a dozen companies that provide comprehensive health/fitness podcasts. I can’t imagine anyone has the time to listen to every single one… but someone’s got to start somewhere…

Podcasts should be scored under two categories: exercise science (what are the physiological demands of the workout, are there any contraindicated moves, etc.) and exercise adherence (what features lead to continued subscriptions, what techniques from health behavior change models are applied, how are cues articulated, etc.). I don’t spend too much time dissecting the physiological impact of a workout unless there is a major discrepancy in this area. The biggest problem in our country is not trying a workout, it’s maintaining one. So my reviews tend to be heavier on adherence-side.

I started with Marina’s Podcasts first because the demos I listened to were instantly engaging. Marina is not only a fitness personality, but an entertainer (her background in dance and music gives her podcasts a lot of spunk). I immediately downloaded “Treadmill Workout #2″ and “Motivational cardio program #23″ (chosen purely for their appeal to my musical tastes).

Exercise Science: Marina’s workouts range from 20-30 mintues at length (which is perfect if you want to customize your workouts by combining two or three programs). Also, it meets the Surgeon General’s recommedations for daily physical activity. I strapped on my heart rate monitor and followed her technical cues for the treadmill routine. The speed and incline transitions were executed comfortably, workout was sustainable. Those who are brand new to exercise or don’t enjoy running, may find this particular design a bit challenging (as it includes running speeds above 5.2 mph). But Marina’s encouragement allows for different options. I opted out of the running portion and still found the workout to be effective. Does not cue regular water breaks, so drink plenty of water before, during, and after workout.

Although every fitness level will benefit from Marina’s podcasts, I would definitely recommend to those who are just starting an exercise program. Marina does not overwhelm the participant with tons of fitness jargon and exercise physiology. It seems her goal in the cardio designs is to keep you entertained while moving. And realistically, that’s all most of us really need!

Exercise Adherence: Marina’s energy takes ahold of you immediately. She is positive and funny, singing and humming along with her music. You instantly connect with her. She understands the challenges we have with exercise because she, too, struggled with her own body weight (once weighing 215 pounds, then dropping 100 pounds through diet & exercise). She truly is your exercise partner - not dictator. I found myself constantly smiling throughout the workout, and even laughing out loud at several of her comments (startling those around me). I repeated both workouts twice more after that and enjoyed them just the same.

The motivational workouts were (to me) more effective in keeping me on track than the treadmill ones because I didn’t have to adhere to a particular program design (which can sometimes make you feel guilty or unsuccessful if you can’t keep up with a pre-programmed workout). Marina gives you the option of purchasing her workout programs without instructions – in the event you only want to buy her music (which is also well-produced).

The only criticism I had came from several cues I felt were oddly placed or vague – such as, her disclaimer on consulting a physician before starting an exercise program (which was articulated halfway into the workout). Or, her refering you to a fitness professional at the gym regarding any questions you may have about the workout (this is assuming you’re even at the gym). But why would a person, who may already feel hesitant in participating in group fitness or relunctant in getting a trainer (hence why they’re listening to a podcast), approach someone else with questions (especially not knowing what questions they should have.) Isn’t this why they are paying for podcasts in the first place – to be guided and instructed? I couldn’t quite figure out who Marina’s audience was.

With that said, I truly respect and applaud Marina for her contributions (she has quite the database of podcasts). Like so many of us, our underlying goal is in helping people sustain healthier lifestyles – and obviously what works for one client, may not work for someone else. Thank you for a great workout, Marina! Continue doing what you do!!!

If you have any podcasts you’d like me to review or have evaluated some on your own, I’d love to hear from you. But for now, let’s continue to learn from each others’ efforts.

After all, aren’t we just the same peas in a podcast?