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FITNESS
95
Jun-Jul15
GETTING STARTED
First impressions count a lot. I want to be trained by someone
who looks like they haveCommitment of the capital-Cvariety. The
team at RAW fits that bill; in fact, I quickly learn that it’s a different
kind of gym – more like a holistic personal training venue. As a
client, you are personally assessed and your progress is tracked
in detail to make sure that you see real results.
Jeremy, one of my trainers for the day, quizzes me about
what I want to get out of my training. After I mumble something
intelligent-sounding about getting leaner and improving fitness
levels, Jeremy says simply, “So you want to get more ripped.”
(I should have just said “I want to look like Tony Horton” and
saved us both time.)
As it turns out, the RAW trainers can provide personal
programmes for just about everything, from weight loss for a
wedding day to post-pregnancy training, to pre-competition
programmes for elite athletes. And they achieve some
remarkable results, particularly with respect to dropping
unwanted kilos in short periods of time.
FEELING THE PINCH
I’ve had a pinch test before, but the results I received were only
rudimentary. After taking the test at RAW, however, I receive a
detailed assessment of where my body is making fat deposits,
which, I learn, is directly linked to hormone balance, diet and
general wellbeing.
The mobility test is next; did I mention that I sit down for a
living? Let’s just say that the nods and smiles coming from the
gallery say it all. Still, 4.5 out of 10 isn’t that bad a score – is it?
Overall, my weight and body fat readings aren’t too bad,
but my sweet tooth seems to have given me some insulin
hormone issues. Also, my boyhood injuries have left me a
little lopsided, and my current job has made me stiffer than
a four-by-two post.
Clearly the focus for me will be a mild rehabilitation aimed at
increasing mobility, before I try to “power clean” 150 pounds.
As Jeremy explains, for real and long lasting results, you need
to condition the body first. There’s no point turning up to the
gym and trying to lift heavy weights or run 5km on a treadmill
if you don’t have the correct movement and balance in the
first place. If you do, you’ll get injured – and that’s obviously
going to set you back. RAW has access to a range of sports
and medical professionals to really home in on your individual
needs to give you a solid starting point, regardless of your
fitness level.
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
Here comes one of the hardest aspects of the Commitment
imperative: diet. This is where so many people, myself
included, struggle. I’m guilty of finishing my kids’ dinners;
and if there’s chocolate on offer, I’m there. RAW’s personal
trainers are on hand daily to help with diet and nutrition – even
providing recipes and literature. They don’t adhere to any fad
diets; it’s about an individual dietary programme that will work
for you. Furthermore, you’re made accountable by means of a
food diary; and, as I learn, you can’t keep things from Jeremy!
Still, this isn’t a military-style boot camp. If you know you’re
going to have a few wines with dinner or if Friday night is
pizza night, fine. It’s more about awareness of what you’re
consuming and when you’re consuming it, and how it affects
your overall health.
STRETCH IT OUT
Before my first session ends, I meet with Jared, RAW’s in-
house Fascial Stretch Therapist. I’d heard of FST before, but
never experienced it. FST works on the fascial tissue, which
is the body’s connective tissue under the skin, and aims to
increase blood flow, improve movement and stimulate the
neural connections throughout the body.
Jared has me lie down on a massage table and then he
goes to work on loosening up my hips and legs. The process
itself is like having a personal stretching trainer. Jared can
work out exactly where to focus his attention just by watching
my earlier mobility assessment and by judging my reactions
during the stretching process. After an hour on the table, my
legs and posture feel 20 years younger. I only wish we could
have spent the next hour on my shoulders!
MAKING THE COMMITMENT
Up until now, my attempts at physical improvement have been
one-dimensional. I’ve tended to choose one aspect – diet,
exercise or rehab – and neglect the others for a while. RAW
has hit upon the core of physical wellbeing by incorporating all
aspects of healthmanagement. The detailed personal approach
really helps to motivate you to be committed (or, Committed) to
whatever goals you’re trying to achieve. It’s not cheap, but this
isn’t just a membership; it’s a personal training and wellbeing
programme that feels more like joining a family than a gym.
Find out more at
rawpersonaltraining.com, or visit RAW at
23/F, Winsome House, 73 Wyndham Street, Central.
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