As a fitness coach at the Harlem YMCA Myna Majors stresses the importance of setting realistic goals and helping members achieve them. Her background in Tai Chi and meditation provide a well-rounded approach to a healthy mind, body, and soul and have has helped her overcome her own health challenges.
Q: What is your role at the Harlem YMCA?
A: I work as a fitness coach for the YMCA Personal Fitness Program-which is different from a personal trainer. The members that come into the YMCA have a wide range of experiences with exercise. Sometimes they are not always used to working out in a gym. So as a fitness coach, I try to introduce them to the YMCA's resources. Over twelve weeks, I meet with members four times. During the initial hour-long session, we discuss their personal goals, what they feel keeps them from achieving those goals, and an action plan that moves at a healthy and comfortable pace. While a personal trainer works with someone on each workout and makes their workout schedule for them, my role as a fitness coach is to empower members to mold their own personal exercise program and stay on track during the remaining three meetings of our 12-week relationship. My role is to help people who are motivated to work out, but may need some support and encouragement along the way.
Q: What is the most important point about fitness you'd like your clients to understand?
A: As a personal fitness coach, I encourage healthy lifestyle changes that focus not only on the mind, but also the body and soul. It's important to work on the body while being mindful of what is going on inside. Our minds and souls benefit when we eat the right foods and learn to relax. I am able to show members a range of activities that are beneficial to the mind, the body, or both. For example, many members might think that their interaction with the YMCA stops at the treadmill or stationary bike, but I show them that water aerobics, meditation, and Tai Chi are other forms of activity that benefit more than just the body.
All in all, I want YMCA members to take care of the total package! I hope that members learn that lifting weights is only the beginning to a healthy lifestyle. When members recognize that health of the mind, body, and soul are all important, I know that they are on their way to becoming a total healthy package.
Q: What can someone expect from the Personal Fitness Program at the YMCA?
A: The program is great because the members and I work together to build a fitness program tailored to their needs and goals. As I mentioned, over a period of twelve weeks, I meet with the member four times. When a member signs up for the program, a folder of materials is created for them. The materials help uncover their internal barriers like a lack of confidence, external barriers like work and family responsibilities, and future goals. The plan we develop is tailored to address the barriers and goals they have listed. My job is to help them prioritize exercise so that it becomes a part of their normal routine.
After developing the member's goals for the twelve weeks, I show them their activity options-exercise machines, weights, and group classes. It's important to find activities that the member is comfortable with and that will help them achieve their goals. During the rest of the program, the member records what they do each time they come to the YMCA. I review my clients' files to see how they're doing and to see what progress they are making. In their file, I often write some encouraging words if I see that they've been working hard and will also give some suggestions on how they can expand their workout. If needed, I also meet with members outside of the four scheduled meetings at their request.