While getting fit is one of the most common goals and New Year’s Resolutions, many people fail because the goal feels too big. Instead, we suggest you break your bigger goal down into smaller actionable steps that will move you towards it – and our trainers are here to provide some inspiration for doing just that.
Our team is the best in the business and know their stuff, inside out and backwards – so we’ve asked 10 of them for one easy-yet-impactful health and wellness tip. Here’s what they had to say:
Top Health and Fitness Tips From Trainers
1. INCREASE YOUR WATER CONSUMPTION
“Have a glass of water by your bed before you go to sleep and drink it first thing in the morning as soon as you wake up. I’ve suggested this to many clients, and they’ve gotten at least 500 ml more water a day as a result!” – Simmie
2. Get Enough Protein
“Make sure you’re getting an adequate intake of protein, whatever your choice of protein may be. On a day that you’re working out, make sure to incorporate chicken – or beans or other high-protein food into your diet.” – Ronaldo
3. EAT MORE GREENS
“Buy more vegetables and eat them first. Doing so will fill you up with fibre, and likely cause you to eat less calories. Instead of saying “let’s eat less junk food”, focus on eating the right things (starting with lots of veg). Psychologically it’s better to focus on the positive, the good actions, instead of what you’re ‘missing’.” – Andre
4. Stick to your Schedule
“Schedule your workouts – ideally with Nielsen Fitness and with yourself. Look at the month as a whole and ask yourself: “How many workouts do I want to get in?” Then set the time aside for yourself. If you don’t get the frequency in, it doesn’t work.” – Audrey
5. Build Muscle While You Sleep
“If muscle gain is your goal, have some Greek yogurt or cottage cheese a couple of hours before you go to bed. This gives you that casein protein, which is a slow digesting protein so you can have muscle protein synthesis levels elevated throughout the night while you’re sleeping.” – Matt
6. Walk Everyday
“Walk as much as you can. Walking helps to build the habit of being more physically active. Especially after a meal, walking is important to keep your metabolism and energy up. Also, it’s probably the form of exercise that’s least stressful for the body, so you won’t be overworking yourself either.” – Evian
7. Don’t Worry About Slip-Ups
“Don’t worry about slip-ups or the “off” days, they are always going to pop up. Accept that they happened and move on. Also, your workout does not have to be what’s on the schedule for that day, it can simply be a walk.” – Lori
8. Get Enough Rest
“One workout won’t make you, but one workout can break you. Rest and recovery are just as important as training. Being smart and knowing when to pause or adapt programs will lead to sustainable results.” – Brandon
9. Ditch Diets
“Find a meal plan that is sustainable and enjoyable. Forget about strict and extreme diets and focus on eating healthy, clean foods that you actually enjoy. It will be easier for you to stick to something you like!” – Virginia
10. Focus on Consistency Over Quantity
“It’s better to do less and be consistent in your workouts than to workout longer but only do it sporadically. If you don’t have time for a one-hour workout, start with as little as five minutes – but do it daily.” – Poul Nielsen, founder of Nielsen Fitness
Make This Your Year
If you want this to be the year you finally reach your health and fitness goals, our team of professional and experienced personal trainers are here for you.
We are proud to offer virtual personal training (everywhere) and personal training at-home (in Toronto, Collingwood and the surrounding areas). Wherever you are, and at whatever fitness level you’re starting at, we’re here to help you.Contact us for more information or to request a free first workout!
Growing up, Simmie always played sports at school, then they later grew an interest in body building as well. That love for fitness and health continued over the years, and Simmie pursued an education in personal training and vegan health coaching to improve the health and fitness of others. Simmie has enjoyed creating safe spaces where clients can feel free to be themselves and work towards their personal goals. Simmie looks forward to training more transgender and non-binary individuals and helping them to achieve their health and fitness goals as well.
Ronaldo became interested in fitness in college where he participated in team sports and began achieving his fitness goals. This led him to pursue his Fitness and Health diploma, so he could help others do the same. Ronaldo loves working with people who have clear goals and are willing to work for them – no matter how big or small. Recently he helped a client develop the strength to do push-ups for the first time in their life! Ronaldo plans to continue in the field of fitness for many years to come, perhaps studying nutrition in the future, all with the goal of helping as many people as possible.
Andre is Nielsen Fitness’ Hiring and Regional Manager as well as one of our awesome trainers! He is a semi-professional soccer player with a degree in Kinesiology as well as a Diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion. Andre is also a Certified Personal Training Specialist and Fitness Instructor Specialist. Andre enjoys working with all types of clients, from beginner to advanced. He believes in variety and that no to workouts should be the same. Andre has experience participating in various types of fitness, ranging from numerous sports to yoga and mixed martial arts. He incorporates a little bit from each field into his own workouts and his clients’ sessions as well.
Audrey is Nielsen Fitness’ Client Success Manager and she’s such an invaluable part of our team! She also works hard as a Nielsen Fitness personal trainer. She’s been interested in health and fitness since she started cross country running at 8 years old and has never looked back. Audrey has an Honours BA in Kinesiology and is a Certified Personal Training Specialist. She has completed other certifications including Level I Theory from the National Coaching Certificate Program and Upper & Lower Body Exercise Muscle Testing. Audrey believes that anyone can reach their goals if they commit to regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
Matt began weight training when he was just 15 years old. He later decided to pursue his passion by studying Fitness and Health and thereafter earned his degree in Kinesiology. He was overjoyed when he helped a Nielsen Fitness client get into shape before a total knee replacement surgery and build strength after the surgery. This client’s operated knee grew to be equal with the unoperated knee, and now they continue with a healthy lifestyle while being in their 70’s! Matt’s future goals include pursuing a Master’s in Kinesiology to have a role in changing the fitness industry for the better and helping to spread the correct knowledge and information to those who don’t have access to it.
Evian graduated with a diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion. His passion for physical prowess and health has led him to try a multitude of disciplines including: calisthenics, bodybuilding, powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, and boxing. Evian believes in using and strengthening your body in as many ways as possible to be one of the key elements for longevity and strength. Working with Evian, you can expect a professional yet enjoyable environment as well as someone who can help you achieve the fitness goals you once thought were impossible.
Lori first became passionate about sports and played soccer, volleyball and basketball competitively, and that led to a career in personal training with education including a Masters of Fitness Science and a Degree in Kinesiology. Lori likes to help her clients create a sustainable lifestyle that not only helps them reach their goals but teaches them how to do it independently. She inspires to create enjoyable, effective, educational, and safe experiences for every client she works with and encourages them to have fun in the process. Lori advocates for a full picture of wellness, including staying active every day, even if that simply means going for a walk.
Brandon is a former football player with a passion for health and fitness. As a certified personal trainer, he loves helping clients reach their long-term fitness goals – and is known to focus on rest and recovery just as much as training since this leads to sustainable (vs. short-term) results. If you’re looking to build gain strength, build muscle and increase your athleticism, Brandon just might be the trainer for you.
Virginia first stepped into a gym 10 years ago and the rest is history – she fell in love with exercise and decided to turn her passion into a career. She has a plethora of fitness and health education including certifications in bodybuilding and personal training – and every year she enrolls in new fitness courses to expand her education. Virginia likes working with clients of all ages who are motivated to reach their goals.
Poul began his career as a personal trainer in 2000, after completing the Fitness and Lifestyle Management Program George Brown College. He started Nielsen Fitness in 2006 and the rest, as they say, is history. What was once a one-man show is now a thriving business with hundreds of clients and dozens of trainers. Poul is focused on continuing education and is constantly working to expand and share his knowledge of both fitness and business. Poul spent many years competing in strength athletics, including the Ontario Strongman circuit. Today he exercises for health and long-term sustainability by working out regularly with his Nielsen Fitness personal trainer (even trainers need a trainer!)