HEALTH & FITNESS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Getting started in an exercise program may be made simpler, says personal trainer Helaine Rodin Keller, by following a few easy guidelines: Certified personal trainer Helaine Rodin Keller was co-owner of Fitnesse Exercise Company in Birmingham for 15 years. personal trainer come to the client may be the incentive needed by some to start, and keep, working out. Traveling to homes and offices, Berk Bloomfield and Oak Park buildings of the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit, teaching group classes at the latter. While it may not be necessary to have a strict routine of exercising at the same time each work- out day, "you have to choose what fits best into your own schedule," says Carol Lederman of Farmington Hills, a personal trainer for 14 years. "It can be first thing in the morning, after work or during lunch — but it has to be what works best for you because it has to become a natural part of your lifestyle." Lederman also stresses the importance of find- ing an activity you enjoy doing. "Then you'll be more apt to stick with it. Don't just say, 'I need to do something aerobic so I have to get on the treadmill.' Try a few things until you find what you really like to do." Lederman, a nurse who switched profes- sions after experiencing much benefit with her own personal training sessions, finds her clients sometimes prefer to work in small groups instead of one-on-one sessions. On staff at Powerhouse Gym in West Bloomfield, she observes, "Friends who work out together often encourage one another to exercise." • Bring a personal trainer right to your house or office. • Find your best time of day and make exer- cise part of your lifestyle. • it company exercise with good eating habits. • Work out with a buddy. • Lose weight without expensive equip- ment by using what you already have at ome. • An outdoor power walk is a great way to shape up. Break up your workout into more frequent but shorter sessions. • Test the waters until you find the activity you enjoy. • Keep it fun! Jim Berk is the owner of Body Work by Berk. Getting Started works with clients of all levels, including a few who are confined to wheelchairs. Inspired by his late father Sam's passion for exercise, Berk, a sports broadcaster in television and radio for 27 years, came to his new career in 2001 when he heard the two stations that employed him would soon be getting out of the news business. Since then, he has joined the staff of several local country clubs and both the West 32 • APRIL 2006 • JNPLATINUM According to the experts, the three basic things to include in your stay-healthy routine are cardiovas- cular exercise, weight training and good nutrition. In addition to helping keep your heart in good shape, Berk says, "raising your heart rate through cardiovascular activity helps you lose pounds." Classes like spinning and stepping and equip- ment like rowing machines and elliptical fitness cross-trainers may be great ways to get an aerobic workout, but Keller says, "so is an outdoor power walk. It is a great, basic way toward cardio fitness Contact The Experts The cost of personal training sessions varies depending on the instructor and length of session but may start at approximately $50. To contact personal trainers Berk, Keller and Lederman: Call Jim Berk of Body Work by Berk, (248) 661-1194; Helaine Rodin Keller, (248) 703-5636 or at Townsend Street Pilates, (248) 642-6061; and Carol Lederman at Powerhouse Gym, (248) 539-3370.