Fitness by Jennifer Cox Working with Wellness Experts Telling the difference between an expert and a “quack” With this new wave of health knowledge has come another wave of supposed wellness experts. So, how do you know if you’re working with someone who is a true expert and not just a fraud? ■■ Ask for proof. If you are working with a professional, he or she should be able to provide you with certificates, degrees or copies of other documents to legitimatize their credentials. ■■ Ask for references. Talk to other clients and ensure that they were pleased with the process. ■■ Check out their networks. See what’s going on in their social media circles (Facebook page, Twitter profile, LinkedIn account). This can tell you a lot about the person. There are a number of specialists out there who categorize themselves as wellness or health experts. This could encompass a wide variety of disciplines, fromfitness and nutrition to therapists and even skin care experts. There are many people out there who are seeking guidance, particularly baby boomers and retirees, who have the luxury of time and can devote more of their daily efforts toward bettering themselves, inside and out. So how can these experts help improve your overall well-being? Personal trainers There are slews of personal trainers out there, each of whomhas his or her own areas of expertise. While some focus on general exercise and physical activity, others also have their specializations, such as yoga, strength training, training for marathons and other physical competitions, circuit training and more. Many personal trainers will also get certified in an area of nutrition, thereby allowing them to make recommendations when it comes to diet. Because personal trainers are entrenched in their industry, they usually know of the various products on the market that can help you achieve a certain weight or particular diet. Before you work with any type of personal trainer, ensure that you’ve discussed this with your family doctor first – have him or her outline how much physical activity you’re capable of, and discuss any diet requirements or changes that you plan on making. Therapy Some wellness experts hold a degree in psychology or psychiatry (this is a credential that you absolutely need to ensure that they have, prior to making an appointment), meaning that they can also help act as a counsellor. Perhaps you’re dealing with (or have dealt with) something traumatic in your life, such as an illness or death, and you’d benefit from someone with this type of background. A wellness specialist who can also offer therapeutic sessions may be just what you need to get back on track in terms of your happiness and well-being. Meditation experts For centuries, breathing and meditation have been used across the globe to help calm people, as well as to reduce their stress. Those who actively pursue meditation on a regular basis will tell you that they experience huge health benefits from practising this. If meditation is of interest to you seek out a wellness expert who practises and teaches meditation, in addition to possessing fitness knowledge. Massage and physical therapists A wellness expert’s area of expertise can vary vastly from one to the next, and some of them have studied massage therapy. This can offer a huge advantage over having simply a personal trainer – a specialist who can help you get in better shape and, at the same time, help you recover from any pre-existing injuries, is hugely advantageous. Perhaps they can even give you a post-workout massage. Skin care experts Yes, some wellness experts even tout their know-how when it comes to caring for the outside of your body, specifically your skin. Many people struggle with adult skin conditions, especially the older generation, and it can be great to have a skin care expert in your arsenal of well-being contacts. 46 | www.snowbirds.org
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