Making the decision is an important first step to losing weight or
getting in shape, but many people just don’t know where to go
from there. A personal trainer can provide direction and structure
to a fitness regime. Cheryl Jackson is a certified athletic
trainer at Charleston’s HPT Physical Therapy Services, helping
men, women and children achieve long term and short term physical
goals. With her BA in athletic training and health education
from O.U, a Master’s degree in sports medicine and exercise
science from the University of Oregon and coursework completed on
her doctorate, Cheryl offers clients much more than encouragement
for their workouts.
Everyone receives a complete evaluation before beginning any exercise
program. “It includes an assessment of body composition, including
body fat and general condition. There is a cardiovascular test
and vital signs are taken. Tests are given for flexibility,
strength and balance. Then we discuss their goals, what they want
to achieve and the best ways to get there.” She says many
people have not been successful on their own because they hurt themselves
by trying to do too much too quickly or by using improper form. “Working
with someone who has the right knowledge and information makes a big
difference. Activities are tailored to the individual’s
goals and capacities.”
Cheryl is right there during the entire workout. She makes
certain exercises are performed correctly, that the proper weights
are being used and monitors heart rate and breathing rates for maximum
effectiveness of the exercises. “Strength training is
a part of almost every program, including weight loss. Women especially
can benefit from increasing their upper body strength.”
Cheryl has clients as young as five and up to 72. “Diet
alone is a very difficult way for children to lose weight. A regular,
supervised exercise program that takes their interests and abilities
into consideration can make their weight loss program much more successful.”
Athletes also call on her expertise for performance enhancement.
“We often aim for improvement in specific areas, like improving
wrist flexibility. The coach may not have time for such personal attention
or the player may be working on strengthening certain skills during
the off season.” Unlike weight loss or general fitness,
performance enhancement is a response to short term goals.
There is a special medical exercise program where clients have been
referred from a physician for conditions like arthritis or high blood
pressure. “They may receive what we call High Intensity
Training combined with regular physical therapy.” For
women, Cheryl usually includes balance exercises, “because women
tend to lose some of their balance as they age. We include balance
as a preventive measure.”
Cheryl recommends three visits each week. Sessions are $25
an hour, including the initial assessment. But, for those who
have struggled unsuccessfully to control their size, paid monthly
gym fees, enrolled in diet plans, spent money on fad foods and diet
pills, a personal trainer may offer the best return on investment
and a winning way to fight the weight war. PL
For more information, call HPT Physical Therapy Services, 304-746-9200.
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