Like a lot of people, I love my dog. Angel is a small, long-haired, caramel-colored Chihuahua. These days she is more of an inside pet, but when she was younger we used to take her walking around our neighborhood. People taking their dogs out for walks in neighborhoods across the country is a common sight.

If it wasn’t for their dogs, some people would never go for a walk. A lot of people need a buddy, friend or companion to motivate them to exercise. How about trading your dog for a personal trainer as an exercise buddy?

If you need a buddy and want to get healthy, a personal trainer might be the next step for your exercise regimen. A good personal trainer should be able to assess your fitness level, set up a program, help you with eating habits and keep you motivated.

For more information I turned to personal trainers Megan Price and Brandon Curry at Olympus Athletic Club and Spa here in town.

What is your philosophy on personal training?

Megan: I like to experience my clients accomplish their goals. I also believe in doing everything in moderation, especially if the client has been inactive.

Brandon: You get what you put in. A person’s results are related to their investment into their personal training.

How do you motivate your clients?

Megan: Success is not overnight. People have to be committed and work hard. But if they mess up they can always get back on track. This happens to everyone.

Brandon: I do not like to take on clients who are not committed and motivated. If you are not motivated, then it is a waste of time.

For optimum results, how often should people train and how long does it take before people start seeing results?

Megan: For optimum results, a person should train three days a week and it takes about six weeks to begin to see results.

Brandon: People should be active six days a week in some type of physical activity. Training in the gym for best results is three days a week. Although it varies from individual to individual, a person who trains well, would see results in six weeks.

Any dietary advice?

Megan: Don’t drink sugary drinks, cut out sweets, cut back on simple sugars. Eat lean proteins, whole grains, brown rice, herbs, use olive oil and eat lots of vegetables and fruits.

It is just as easy to cook up some fresh vegetables than going through a drive-through.

Brandon: Planning ahead and preparing meals in advance is important for eating healthy. Eat foods high in omega 3, fiber, whole wheat, and more complex carbohydrates. Never mix a large amount of carbs with fats. Once on a healthy diet, be 85% consistent. But diet without exercise is harder to reach goals.

Is there a difference between training men and women?

Megan: Women seem more intimidated. They are afraid to get bulky. Women want to get smaller and men want to get bigger muscles.

Brandon: Women are easier and tougher than men. They seem to have a higher pain level. They train harder than men and don’t seem to have as much ego.

As a health and fitness advocate and a yoga teacher, I want my clients/students to enjoy and even love the time they invest in exercising and staying healthy. I want good health to always be important all their lives. Don’t be a person who only considers good health valuable after you lose it.

Perhaps working with a personal trainer is a good start. That said, don’t forget to walk your dog. Dogs need exercise, too.

Megan is a picture of many typical, working young women who balance a family and career. She is a mother of a toddler, is married and works. She has been working in gyms for more than 10 years and has a B.S. degree in exercise science from MTSU.

Brandon has always been active and involved in sports. Like Megan, he earned a degree from MTSU in exercise science. He has won numerous bodybuilding contests and honors. He will compete for his Pro Card in Las Vegas July 27 – 28 and has been featured on body

building.com, strength.net and Muscle and Fitness magazine, which will feature him again in the October 2007 edition.

Daisy Villa lives and teaches yoga in Murfreesboro. She trains and receives certification with YogaSteps/Yoga Alliance.

It is important that you get along with and feel comfortable with your trainer. Look for someone who will:

? Give you references if requested