5 Elements of a Lasting Fitness Training Program

When it comes to fitness training, there aren't a lot of things you can say that apply to everyone that will get them into shape. Because each of us comes with our own genetics, background, and priorities. What works for one of us might not for another, and vice versa.

Still, when new personal training clients are looking to make sense of it all, it helps to give them a sort of "30,000 foot view" of fitness. These are the five things you'll have to incorporate if you want to get into - and stay into - the best shape of your life:

Strength training. Slimmer, stronger, and more toned... these are on the wish list of nearly every personal training client in the world. and for the most part, they begin with strength or resistance training, which firms up muscles throughout the body. Strength training is also the best way to increase metabolism and burn fat.

Cardio. Of course, you can't be all that fit if your heart and lungs aren't in great shape, too, and so cardio workouts - through running, cycling, or even team sports - are an absolute must. Besides, working up a sweat isn't just great for your body; it can do wonders for your stress level, too.

Flexibility / Core strength. Your back, joints, and range of motion all need to be stretched, massaged, and extended from time to time if you're going to stay fit. Lots of people think of flexibility and core strength as being important in sports, and they are. But at the same time, they can keep you from coming down with injuries, so you need them even if you don't spend your evenings and weekends in competition.

Nutrition. To get the right results, you have to start with the right nutrition plan. You'll never make serious changes or progress, if you aren't committed to eating a healthy diet. Give yourself an edge by choosing meals that give you energy, wholesome nutrition, taste good, and augment your workouts, rather than undoing all your fitness training efforts with empty calories.

Rest. Rest tends to be underrated and often forgotten, but as any serious trainer can tell you, the time you spend letting your body recover is every bit as important as the hours you put into the workout or pounding the pavement. Especially with strength training because it''s the time between workouts muscles heal, get stronger and more toned.

There are a lot of factors that go into your overall health and fitness, but as long as you have these five major pillars of fitness in place, your plan to get in shape will stay on track.