By Ilana Milstein
NYC Personal Trainer

For so many of us this past week has been a taxing and stressful one. Whether you or your loved ones lost power,lost homes or could not attend school or work, we have all been affected by hurricane Sandy. 

On a daily basis as trainers we see the power of exercise boosting  moods and improving  self esteem. Now more than ever our clients need those endorphins to get through their day.  What can we as fitness professionals do? We can Motivate, Encourage and Teach our clients to use exercise as a powerful tool to help cope and relieve stress.

Motivate – Take your client to a park or a gym or even exercise with your client. Seeing other people exercise is a great tool to motivate an individual. 

Music (if you have batteries)- Crank out some loud fast tunes. The music will get your client working harder and feeling better.

Encourage – talk to your client. Explain the importance of maintaing an exercise regime despite these tough times. Many of us have been cooped up and need an outlet. 

Teach – instruct your client on how to workout on his or her own. Email or phone over small workouts that he or she may do without power.

While we focus on weight loss, muscle toning, and  strength development on a daily basis, we cannot forget that most importantly our jobs are to help people.