Local Trainer Helps Keep Tolucans in Tip-Top Shape

Spring is here and it’s my annual clean-out-the closet time. As I try on my summer wardrobe, I find that my clothes are somehow snugger than when I last wore them. One look in the full-length mirror indicates that I need help fast to get bikini-ready for that Vegas trip over July Fourth weekend.

I turn to personal trainer Preston Hillier, who helps dozens of Tolucans get into shape. I know he’s the man for the job, as I've seen his clients morph from flabby to fit. Hillier, who is certified by the Professional Personal Trainers Association (PROPTA), has studied exercise physiology and nutrition and has been training for more than a decade.

When searching for a trainer, you should check to see if they are certified, how long they have been training, if they carry insurance, and whether they work with clients with special circumstances, such as healing from injuries or having specific needs or goals.

In this economy, you might not be able to afford a weekly session with a trainer, but Hillier emphasizes that just a few beginning and follow-up sessions with a professional can provide a tailored routine to achieve most goals.

“The key to losing weight and getting in shape is consistency,” says Hillier.  “If you adopt a lifestyle of good nutrition, as opposed to fad diets, you can achieve healthy weight loss.” He recommends a balance of clean proteins, plenty of water, carbs, fruits and vegetables.

Hillier has new clients fill out forms asking them about their experiences with exercise and if they have any injuries or medical issues, then has them complete a three-day food journal to find out how they are fueling their body. He then creates a personalized nutrition and exercise plan for each client.

“Many jump into a fitness program with unrealistic expectations. They work out for three days and don’t understand why they don’t look like they did in high school,” says Hillier. “Typically, women don’t want to use weights for fear of becoming too ‘big,’ and men use too much weight. Another common mistake is that people starve themselves, thinking that they will lose pounds when, in fact, not eating has the opposite effect. Without enough nutrition, the body will attack and devour muscle first and save the fat.”

For anyone looking to get in healthy shape, Hillier recommends doing research to know what to do at the gym and in the kitchen, remaining consistent, choosing a  routine one can manage without burning out, consulting with a doctor, trainer and nutritionist, and to remain focused and not give up.

Hillier recommends that I work out three to five days a week in a combination of cardio and weights. Also, I am told to watch my eating habits at those fancy food-writer tasting events and eat several small meals throughout the day. I sign on for weekly training sessions, and although he appears sweet, Hillier kicks my butt, leaving me with Frankenstein arms and jelly legs as a result of my weeks of inactivity and long hours sitting at my computer. I am starting to see results and plan to be poolside by July.

Anyone who is also interested in battling the bulge can contact Hillier at preston@propta.com.