AboutKaren Skidmore Expertise I can answer questions in the following areas: general fitness questions, strength training, flexibility, aerobic training, balance training and corrective/rehab training. Please no questions regarding specific injuries I would need more information then what you can provide in an email to answer these questions accurately. You must be 18 years or older to ask me a question.
If you need more in depth help or would like help with your specific workout plans please visit my website. I offer online training and phone consultations. www.completely-fit.com. I also offer a monthly newsletter.
Experience I am the owner of the Completely Fit personal training company located in Mt. Airy, Maryland. My company offers one-on-one, online and group fitness training services, sports performance and team training, weight education classes and healthy lifestyle seminars. Before starting my own company I taught health and physical education for 10 years. I have been the featured speaker on topics such as fitness and exercise, proper nutrition and health awareness.
I graduated from Edinboro University with a degree in education specializing in athletic training. I gained my NATA certification in 1994. I also maintain certifications as a personal trainer with NCSF & NSPA, as a performance enhancement specialist with NASM, as well as an exercise development specialist and a nutrition specialist.
Calling on my experience with college athletes and teaching middle school students, I decided to use my knowledge to educate the general public on the benefits of physical fitness and healthy eating habits.
I enjoy working with people and helping them achieve each and every one of their goals. Completely Fit offers services to everyone, from beginners to professional athletes.
Organizations NATA
NASM
NCSF
Lifestyle Management Assoc.
Question I have recently started tryiing to become more active in order to promote weight loss and muscle gain. Along with watching my diet, of course, I am trying to become a "gym rat". Generally, I was wondering what you recommend a "newbie" as far as weekly gym trips? For example, do you recommend three-four days, alternating cardio and weightlifting? I realize it would be hard to assess without knowing my skill and/or fitness level, but just your general recommendations.
Also, I was wondering what you recommended as far as the best time of day for exercising? I am a law student, which leaves very little time. For example, is it okay to work out following a meal since later afternoon (i.e. 6-7pm) is usually my "free time"?
Answer Hi Gretchen great job in wanting to become more active. Generally for a beginner I recommend 2 weight training workouts a week for about 2-3 weeks and then move that to 3 times. Cardio workouts can be done 2-3 times a week in the beginning I generally have my clients do about 20 minutes at first and then add to it after about 2-3 weeks.
With a beginner I worry about over-training. I have them take it slow ease into and just let exercise become a habit.
As far as time a day to exercise that is, based on whatever works best for you. Good luck with your training.
