FITNESS DELIVERED

BENEFITS OF AN IN-HOME PERSONAL TRAINER

by Kirby Baldwin

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Elements Massage I t’s a new year—the perfect opportunity to set positive intentions for a fresh start. One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to be healthier, but according to research, only 46 percent of people that set such a goal are successful in keeping it at the six-month mark, largely due to having unrealistic expectations or not keeping track of progress. To detox from the holidays, look and feel better— and stick to a resolution without becoming another statistic—an in-home personal trainer may be the perfect solution.

Benefits of In-Home Personal Training

According to Jenna Scott, of J Scott Wellness, an American Council on Exercisecertified trainer and health coach who has worked as a personal trainer for more than 15 years, “The benefits to in-home training are countless. It takes many of the perceived (or not-so- perceived) obstacles out of the equation. From taking out travel time in our busy day to simply feeling more comfortable in our home, in-home training is a great alternative to the traditional gym.”

Because workouts are individually tailored to each client, they can be more efficient and effective. For those with busy schedules, in-home personal training provides the consistency needed to attain fitness goals with the added benefit of convenience—no commuting to a gym, waiting for equipment or finding child care. It can also be done at any hour of the day, rather than within the confines of a gym’s hours. Some people may be hesitant to go to a gym, and the privacy of working out in the comfort of a living room is a boon for those that feel self-conscious when exercising in a group environment.

The rapport that may develop between a trainer and client can provide the accountability and motivation to meet goals, and the gratification that comes from seeing results quickly can reinforce the behavior. It is much more difficult to get into a workout rut when there is another person present, continually customizing the workout program and providing motivation and inspiration.

Casey Mahoney, a busy mom and volunteer who works out with an in-home personal trainer, says, “The main benefits for me of working with an in-home trainer are accountability and comfort. There is something to be said for training in the comfort of your own home. It can also be a time saver! I know I can always find other things to fill my time and not make working out a priority. It is much harder to cancel on someone coming to your house than it is to cancel your trip to the gym!”

An added bonus to seeing quick physical gains is the mental fitness that comes with it; numerous studies show that exercise causes the brain to release feel-good chemicals (endorphins) that make people feel happier and less stressed. Research also points to exercise as a source of more energy and an immune system boost. Because a personal trainer will take an individual’s health history into consideration—whether it’s a surgery, a physical limitation or the recent birth of a child—in-home personal training is beneficial for all levels of fitness, even beginners.

How to Get Started

According to Scott, “Do your research. Ask where they were certified and what type of insurance they carry. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.” Because a personal relationship is foundational to in-home personal training, it is important to find someone that makes us feel comfortable and motivates and inspires us to achieve goals and create positive changes. In-home personal training comes at different price points. For those seeking a more affordable option, invite a couple of friends over to the house for a semi-private or small group training session. This format provides all the benefits of in-home personal training at a more accessible cost, with the added benefit of a more social environment. Leveling up our physical fitness this new year will take dedication and commitment, and adopting an exercise program with the guidance of a personal trainer in the comfort of home may be the perfect strategy to stick to new, healthy habits for the long haul.

Kirby Baldwin is an editor and writer for the KnoWEwell Regenerative Whole Health hub.

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Bon Appétit!

A directory of local restaurants, eateries and markets

FEATURING OHANA POKE

Blending Japanese and Hawaiian cuisine to create a delicious mix of seafood, vegetables, rice and sauces in a bowl.

“Ohana” is a Hawaiian word for “family” and “poke” (pronounced POH-keh) refers to cubed marinated meat (traditionally sushi, which originated in Japan). While sushi and poke are similar in featuring raw fish, they are different in many ways and poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish.

At Ohana Poke in Fairhope, a poke bowl consists of a base (white rice, brown rice, sushi rice or salad), proteins, mix-ins, sauces and toppings. For example, a popular signature bowl on the Ohana Poke menu is the Hawaiian Bowl containing salmon, sweet onion, cucumber, pineapple, tomato and poke sauce and topped with seaweed salad, mango and crispy onion. For a signature bowl with a little kick, try the Ohana Poke Bowl with spicy tuna, spicy salmon, tuna mixed with jalapeno, cilantro, edamame, scallion, sriracha sauce and poke sauce all topped with masago, seaweed salad, avocado, rice cracker and roast seaweed. All of the signature bowls on the menu are skillfully designed but can be customized in any way.

Patrons may also create a completely customized bowl from scratch by choosing from a plethora of ingredients. The bowls come in different sizes for different appetites and consist of a base of choice, a wide selection of proteins (octopus, shrimp, chicken, tofu and many others), healthful fruits and vegetables as mix-ins (sweet corn, cucumber, seaweed, pineapple, edamame and more), choice of 10 sauces (umami miso, spicy ponzu, wasabi mayo, eel sauce, ginger scallion, etc.), regular toppings (squid salad, fish eggs, sushi ginger, pickled radish carrot, mango and others) and crunchy toppings (furikake, wasabi peas, crispy onion and similar delights). Clearly, poke bowls are a great way to get fresh, healthy ingredients in a creative and delicious meal. Each bowl at Ohana Poke is also artfully crafted to create a beautiful presentation with each ingredient expertly portioned. Diners may choose to eat in at the restaurant or order online and take it to go. Either way, as the website says, it’s “Amazing Delicious.” Location: 561 Fairhope Ave., Unit 102, Fairhope. 251-5177760. opfairhope.com. Open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. See ad, page 21.

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January’s guide to local healthy food in Baldwin County

AGAPÉ JUICES

Nourishing your body, mind and spirit. Fountain Plaza Shopping Center 3782 South McKenzie St., Foley, AL Agape-Juices.com

AHI SEAFOOD MARKET

Fairhope Gourmet Market. Guaranteed fresh and highest quality seafood, beef and pork. 18874 S. Section St., Fairhope, AL 251-517-7533 • AhiSeafoodMarket.com

COASTAL ALABAMA FARMERS & FISHERMENS MARKET

Committed to Baldwin County’s local community & agriculture. 20733 Miflin Rd., Foley, AL CoastalAlabamaMarket.com

FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS

Homegrown in the South since 1975. 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center Fairhope, AL • 251-928-0644 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

FAIRHOPE JUICE COMPANY

Nourish the body. Fuel the soul. Battles Wharf Market 18327 Scenic Hwy 98, Fairhope, AL FairhopeJuiceCompany.com

LOCALS FAIRHOPE

Quaint, mom-n-pop eatery providing healthy eats in a casual atmosphere. 312 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL LocalsFairhope.com

MCKENZIE FARMS

Family-owned market supplying fresh produce and more to our community. 17558 A Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL MckenzieFarmMarket.com

NATURE NINE FARMS

Your source for local, ethical-grown wholesome, delicious food. sperkins@natureninefarms.com NatureNineFarms.com

OHANA POKE

Poke combines ingredients of a delicious sushi roll into a quick meal. 561 Fairhope Ave. #102, Fairhope, AL OPFairhope.com

OX KITCHEN

Made with fresh ingredients in-house daily, approachable, not intimidating. 365 S. Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL TheOxKitchen.com

SAGE LEBANESE CUISINE & CAFÉ

A surprising blend of traditional and new Mediterranean & Lebanese cuisine. 319 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL SageLebaneseCuisine.com

SUNFLOWER CAFÉ FAIRHOPE

Offering a healthy dining experience in a cozy, casual environment. 320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

THE HAPPY OLIVE

Be happy, eat healthy, live well. Taste and experience culinary delight! 314 De La Mare Ave., Fairhope, AL HappyOlive4.com

TWO SISTERS BAKERY & DELI

Gluten-free, keto-friendly options, featuring boars head meats & cheeses. 19452 Scenic Hwy 98, Fairhope, AL 251-517-0622

WAREHOUSE BAKERY & DONUTS

A neighborhood eatery serving made-fromscratch, vegan friendly, gluten-free goodness. 759 Nichols Ave., Fairhope, AL WarehouseBakeryAndDonuts.com

WILDFLOWERS & FRESH FOOD

Simple and colorful high-vibe cooking classes, events and fresh recipes. 251-656-9112 WildFlowersAndFreshFood.com