Page 46 - Demo

46 || MOST FITNESS || JUNE / JULY 2016MFM: I love that you have a degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Nutrition. How critical has your degree been in the success of your career?AC: My degree has been useful. Kinesiology gave me a fundamental understanding of the human body and physiology. But I think that the study of nutrition was much more important than kinesiology. As a kinesiologist, you%u2019re looking to find the body%u2019s imbalances %u2013 it%u2019s close to being a physical therapist. I think you can make a much bigger impact on someone%u2019s health with nutrition. If I could go back, though, I would study nutrition and psychology. What really fascinates me is the psychological and spiritual side of fitness %u2013 figuring out what helps people to get out of their comfort zone. Motivation is a fascinating thing and happens on such an individual level. I%u2019ve been reading a lot on psychology to understand how one can change emotional and mental status and translate that energy to a physical state. In all, I look at my degree as just a stepping stone. We all have to adapt over time %u2013 normality is mediocrity.MFM: You%u2019ve stated that it is important to you to teach you clients. Do you find they are interested in this extra step or do they usually just want instruction?AC: It depends on the client. For instance, I%u2019ve found when training military personnel, instruction is effective. They just want to be told what to do. But I%u2019d say about 90% of people don%u2019t work that way. For the majority of people, it%u2019s about why they should make certain choices about what to eat and what exercises to do. They don%u2019t want you to be a parent, they want you to give them a reason they should make good choices. When they realize you genuinely care, then you can give them instructions. But to get to the point, you have to really connect with them. MFM: What age would you recommend that someone could start lifting? What kind of damage can be done if someone starts lifting too early? AC: I am a big believer that young children should learn sports: it teaches them to be on a team, get exercise and be active. I personally don%u2019t recommend lifting for people under the age of 18. Some people say it%u2019s a threat to the growth plate %u2013 I don%u2019t believe that, and haven%u2019t seen any research to say it causes bone spur problems. But I do believe that it goes to psychology. Too often, young