Meet the Push Fitness trainers

The new year is a time for re-evaluation and goal setting. Exercise and fitness are a priority. This winter, Push Fitness in Schaumburg will help five motivated readers get in shape for the Live Well/Daily Herald Fittest Loser Challenge.

Joshua Steckler

Joshua Steckler is a co-owner of Push Fitness. He employs functional training for success. "Functional training is a style of training that works the body as a whole and involves utilizing many muscle groups at one time rather than isolating individual muscles."

Steckler explained that functional training is an excellent aid for battling the bulge.

"Functional training enhances fat loss and builds muscle density because it forces the body to stabilize and balance while the intended movement is performed. This physiological overload burns maximal calories and builds lean muscle mass."

For cardiovascular efficiency, Steckler may use ballistic movements. "Ballistic movements are used to maximize strength and power, but in doing so, build muscle density, burn fat, and improve joint stability."

His bullet: "My personal method to help my client lose weight will be teaching them the value of accountability."

Mark Trapp

Mark Trapp is a co-owner of Push Fitness. He holds a Bachelor in Physical Education and Minor in Health Ed. from Lindenwood University.

"Medicine ball and kettle ball training are just two of many techniques I use to get keep clients interested in their workout routines."

Trapp mixes new and oldies but goodies in workouts. "I like to incorporate both modern and traditional training styles into my routines so that my clients can learn as many new exercises as possible."

The variety has benefits.

"It is important to keep the client's workout fresh and entertaining so they look forward to their workout as opposed to avoiding it. It is also important to include variety to keep the body guessing in order for it to continue to change, or else you risk reaching your plateau."

His bullet: "When it comes to losing weight, my contestant will need to be prepared to work hard everyday. I will also hold the individual accountable for everything they do both inside the gym and out."

Ryan Le Breux

Ryan Le Breux's approach when helping clients involves correcting errors in the weight loss process. "A big mistake a lot of people make is doing the same routine every time they workout, and/or only going to the gym once in awhile. A regular workout regimen and consistent change in your workout routine will create consistent results."

Surprisingly, contest competitors 40 pounds overweight, may lose weight quicker than those 10 pounds overweight.

"Initially, the more overweight person may find a lot of the exercises harder to do than someone less overweight. However, once the body adapts it will be much easier for the more overweight person to drop fat simply because they have more of it to lose. Five pounds to the less overweight person is a much higher percentage to lose than the person 40 pounds overweight."

His bullet: "I will first try to help them let go of any negative habits in their life to give them a fresh start. Then, to help them adapt to their new lifestyle, I will consistently increase the intensity so they get used to it and see results at the same time."

Sharon E. Petrynek

Sharon E. Petrynek relies on mind/body/spirit awakening.

"Mind equals discipline. One needs to learn to change the old ways of thinking, and accept that being in the moment is what makes results happen. Body equals getting to know yourself physically. I believe that you need to learn what your body can and cannot do; then make it stronger. Spirit awakening equals being at peace with your whole self."

Petrynek feels there are specific reasons why it is difficult for some people to lose weight.

"Two main factors are excuses and not believing. People use all the excuses in the book to why they cannot lose weight. It's about taking responsibility and believing that the impossible is possible!"

Challenging the mind while the body is working-out is imperative. "It is important to challenge the mind because the mind tends to send out negative thoughts that may stop them from performing an exercise."

Her bullet: "Until I get to know the contestants, I will not be able to individualize my methods."

Steve Amsden

Circuit training is Steve Amsden's weapon of choice for total fitness. "Circuit Training is performing a wide variety of muscular exercises back to back at a higher intensity with short rest intervals. This is one of the best modalities to decrease body fat, shape and tone muscles, and improve overall strength and conditioning."

Amsden acknowledges "The Fittest Loser" contestants will face some tests.

"The greatest challenge for people participating in "The Fittest Loser Contest" will be first and foremost the strict nutritional guidelines they will be following."

However, the results will be worth it. "One huge benefit of losing weight is the feeling of achievement you get from reaching a substantial weight loss goal. Some other benefits of losing weight would be enhanced energy, reduce risk of disease, and adding quality years to your life."

His bullet: "My personal method to help the contestants lose weight will include high intensity cross training combined with strict nutritional guidelines for the most rapid results."

<p class="factboxheadblack">The Fittest Loser Challenge</p> <p class="News">Can five overweight people go from fat to fit in 12 weeks?</p> <p class="News">The Daily Herald and its fitness-focused publication Live Well will find out in the Fittest Loser Challenge.</p> <p class="News">Trainers from Push Fitness in Schaumburg will try to whip the contestants into shape, with prizes for whoever loses the most weight. Follow their progress Mondays in Daily Herald's Health & Fitness section, Live Well, and on video with updates at dailyherald.com.</p>