Keeping it Real with Ruth Herder

Q: Hi, Ruth. Tell us about your fitness background.

A: I’ve been a group exercise instructor for 20 years and a personal trainer for 10. I’ve owned and managed Lady of America, a women’s only health club in Northeast Philly, for the past eight years. I still love it!

Q: How does a person know when she has reached a fitness plateau?

A: When you begin a new fitness routine, the results are seen quickly. You’ve reached a plateau when you are simply maintaining those results.

Q: What can be done about it?

A: Change your routine. Your body adjusts to specific exercises and doesn’t respond as quickly as it did. That’s why cross-training has become so popular in recent years. Don’t give up!

Q: Is weight the only factor in gauging whether your body is at a plateau?

A: Body composition is a very important component of fitness. Your weight may not change much, but you may be losing body fat and gaining muscle. This will help to increase your metabolism. A pound of muscle looks a lot better than a pound of fat!

Q: What if I love my current routine - though it appears to have stopped being as effective - and I don’t want to toss it out the window for something else?

A: If you love what you’re doing, don’t give it up! You’ll never stick to anything if you don’t like it. However, find other avenues you like as well. Maybe do less of what you’re doing now and add different types of workouts. You’ll love that too when you start seeing those results again.

Q: I know lots of people who have trainers to help them progress, but I am not sure I can afford a trainer or want somebody judging my workout habits. Is there a happy medium?

A: Try to find a work-out partner. Find someone you admire and help motivate each other. Share your knowledge and learn from others. Don’t be afraid to ask the fitness staff at your facility to review your program and offer insights.

Q: What is your fitness routine?

A: I teach a combination of step aerobics and weight training classes about five times a week. I also play tennis when I can and weight train about three to four times a week.

Q: What single, simple recommendation can you give to help me the next time I get in a rut?

A: Change your routine! There’s so much out there with new innovations every day. Take advantage of new opportunities. E-mail Ruth with any fitness questions at Loaphila@aol.com.

— Yvonne Dennis