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16 Jan

Celebrities often have incredible physiques. Are they simply born lucky? No. Do they have to work hard to look as toned and fit as they do? Yes. And they don’t do it alone. When a celebrity needs to get in shape fast, they hire a personal trainer. Most of the time, they hire a trainer who they have been referred to because that trainer helped another celebrity get their desired results. In other words, a celebrity trainer is a personal trainer who has a proven track record of helping clients slim down, tone up, build strength, improve flexibility, or bulk up quickly.

What’s the Difference Between a Personal Trainer and a Celebrity Trainer?

How Do Actors Train for Movies?

Actors train in numerous ways depending on the role they are taking. If they need to bulk up for roles, they will be put on a high calorie diet, often eating five or six carb-heavy meals, coupled with intense weight training. Weight training often includes a focus on bench pressing, curls, and squats. It is common for celebrities who need to bulk up for roles to work out with an experience trainer 5-6 days a week.

On the other hand, say that the role calls for lots of stunts, that the actor will perform on their own. In this case, the celebrity trainer may focus on helping the actor get lean while improving mobility, flexibility, endurance, and balance.

For example, say the role calls for kicks, leaps, and running. In this case, the trainer is likely to focus on cardiovascular training to prepare for retakes of high activity scenes. They will also likely focus on various exercises that promote flexibility such as hip flexor exercises. Finally, because all these activities require strength, there will be a significant strengthening component to their training.

How Long Does It Take for Actors to Get in Shape for Movies?

We’ve all seen incredible three-month transformations online. For someone who is in relatively good shape to start with, a 90 day body transformation can be all it takes to get in incredible shape. However, that’s assuming that the person doesn’t have a lot of excess weight to lose and is naturally active. For others, who are heavier or less active, it can take six months or longer to get in the shape that the role requires.

A Celebrity Trainer is Also Responsible for Nutrition

While many personal trainers offer nutrition advice and education to their clients, a celebrity trainer is often responsible for creating a custom meal plan for their client. After all, not even a celebrity can out-exercise a bad diet. Irrespective of how much you’re working out, if you continue to eat badly, all your efforts will be for naught. You will not achieve the necessary results from weight training or cardiovascular exercise if you’re eating a high-sugar, nutritionally deficient diet.

What’s the Difference Between a Personal Trainer and a Celebrity Trainer?

Do Celebrity Trainers Train Regular Clients?

In Los Angeles, it is common for established, respected personal trainers to train celebrities. However, that doesn’t mean that they don’t train regular people. In fact, most trainers who wind up training celebrities didn’t seek to become a trainer to the stars. Instead they became a celebrity trainer by word-of-mouth referrals.

However, trainers often limit the number of actors they’ve working with at any given time. This is because helping an actor bulk up for a movie role takes a lot of time. The trainer needs to plan and monitor meals and may be training the star for multiple hours a day. Instead of trying to juggle the unique demands of multiple actors at a time, a celebrity trainer will often work with a few at a time and spend the rest of their time training regular clients.

Get in Shape for a Role in Los Angeles Founder of SY Performance in Burbank, Scott Yonehiro is a personal trainer who has helped actors tone up, slim down, and bulk up for prime time roles, and blockbuster movies including Top Gun 2: Maverick. SY Performance also offers personal and semi-private training at Victory Stronghold, a private fitness studio in Burbank. To learn more call 818-374-7961 or send us a message

19 Dec

Millions of people believe that paying for a personal trainer is worth it. After all, the personal training industry continues to increase in market size each year. However, everyone will have to answer the question “are personal trainers worth the money?” for themselves, by determining what makes working out with a trainer valuable. Here’s a look at who hires trainers, why they do it and why so many people in SoCal respond with an enthusiastic “YES!” when asked “is getting a personal trainer worth it?”

Who Hires Personal Trainers

There is no one-size-fits-all personal training client. People of all ages and all fitness levels hire personal trainers for myriad reasons including:

  • Becoming stronger
  • Boosting mental health
  • Building muscle mass
  • Changing appearance
  • Feeling more energetic
  • Gaining more confidence
  • Healthy aging
  • Improving overall health
  • Losing weight
  • Managing chronic health conditions
  • Prepping for a role in a film/television
  • Recovering from an injury
  • Stress relief

You may notice that all these goals could be accomplished without hiring a personal trainer. Likewise, people can do their own taxes, but still hire accountants. People can sell their own homes but still hire real estate agents. People can cut and dye their own hair, but still go to stylists.

Why People Pay for Personal Training

When it comes to getting in better physical shape, people hire personal trainers because of their expertise. Just like you could spend hours learning all about how to list, market, negotiate, and properly file all paperwork to complete a real estate transaction, you could spend hours reading about nutrition, learning which exercises target which muscle group, and studying the safest techniques for building strength.

But is that a good use of your time? Do you have that time to devote to figuring it out yourself? Can you reach your goals as quickly as you want to, going it alone?  Or is paying for a personal trainer worth it because they are an expert, who can help you accomplish your goals?

A second key reason that people hire a personal trainer lies in the fact that personal training makes people accountable, chiefly because they have paid for the service. While canceling your plans to go to the gym after work and get in a quick cardio session, cancelling on your personal training appointment hits you in the pocketbook.

Is it Worth Getting a Personal Trainer? (Ask Hollywood)

Actors, television personalities, and more recently, influencers are proof-positive that getting a personal trainer is worth it. You’ve undoubtedly seen the fitness transformations that your favorite celebrities have undergone to prepare for a role. Chris Pratt for example, went from loveable, paunchy Andy Dwyer on 30 Rock to the absolutely ripped Star Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy. Likewise, Lupita Nyong’o is reported to have been unable to fit in her clothes after working with a personal trainer to bulk up for Black Panther.

Finally, if you’ve never worked out with a trainer, you may not know just how much education you’ll receive from your trainer during your sessions. Throughout your training session, you’ll undoubtedly find that your trainer is teaching you how certain muscles in the body work. They will be educating you on how and why certain foods will either help or harm your progress. They will teach you what you need to be doing on your own to see the results you want to see. (And don’t be surprised when they follow up to see what you’re doing on your own.)

So is paying for a personal trainer worth it? Yes. But don’t just take it from us. Book a limited number of personal training sessions and decide for yourself. 

Book Personal Training in Burbank

If you’re new to personal training, start by booking a consultation with a top-reviewed personal trainer. Explain your goals and any deadlines. If you have a good rapport with the trainer, book a small package of sessions, and dive in. Call 818-374-7961, or send us a message to get started.

08 Nov

Celebrities swear by them. But your less-than-rich friends also rave about them. Personal trainers are no longer a luxury only available to the rich and famous. In fact, hiring a personal trainer is probably more affordable than you think. So what services do personal trainers offer? What do personal trainers focus on? Exactly what do personal trainers do? Well, that depends on the trainer. However, most people report that the friendship, support, and additional education their trainers offer are nearly as valuable as the fitness services. Read on for the many answers to the question: “what services do personal trainers offer?”

What Services Do Personal Trainers Offer?

What do personal trainers focus on? (Hint: results)

Your personal trainer should focus on helping you achieve your goals, whatever they may be. People in LA tend to have goals such as:

During your initial consultation with a personal trainer, you should clearly state your goals, so they understand what you want to achieve through training with them. Your goals will inform the specific exercises you will perform. They will inform the number of sets, the number of reps, and the amount of weight you’ll be using.

What do personal trainers do for their clients? (It’s probably more than you think)

If you don’t understand why your friend loves their personal trainer so much, it might be because until you work with an experienced, professional personal trainer, you probably don’t realize that helping clients in a gym is barely the tip of the iceberg in terms of the support they provide clients.

Form, Technique, Safety

Personal trainers have a deep understanding of human physiology. Top trainers will freely share this information with their clients as they work out. The reason? An informed client is likely to be a safer client, whether working out with their trainer, or on their own. Teaching clients proper form and technique not only reduces the risk of injury on the trainer’s watch; it also increases the likelihood that the client will exercise safely on their own.

Nutrition & Meal Planning Support

 Personal trainers also have a far deeper understanding of the importance of proper nutrition than most people. They know which foods help you put on muscle mass. They know which foods you’re going to need to limit to fit in your favorite jeans again. They also know which foods are going to make you retain water, feel sluggish, or conversely, feel invigorated. Most sought-after personal trainers will work with you on your diet. They may give you materials to read or ask you to keep a food journal so they can review it. They often offer this valuable advice for free.

Support, Friendship, & Motivation (Even When You’re Not There)

Personal trainers are often your biggest fan. They are known for cheering you on when you want to slack off. They are there reminding you not to talk down to yourself if you fell out of your healthy eating habits for a week. The relentless support personal trainers provide their clients is not always readily available elsewhere.

If you find yourself thinking of your personal trainer as a close friend, you’re in good company. The relationship that people form with their trainers is based on hours of conversation, where you’ll often get to know about their life outside of work, and they will learn about your life. While your personal trainer is there to help you reach your goals, don’t be surprised to find they also offer friendship.

Your personal trainer also spends time planning your workouts that you don’t see. Although it is important to exercise muscles differently, it’s also important to keep clients from getting bored. Boredom can be a demotivator. So, when you walk into your session and your trainer suddenly introduces a whole new circuit for you, it’s because they are thinking about you, and ways they can keep you motivated.

Finally, personal trainers help clients to become self-sufficient and motivated to work out on their own. Granted, you won’t have someone prepping stations for you. But if you find you’re suddenly comfortable with the free weights instead of just the machines at your gym, it’s because your trainer taught you a variety of different exercises that you can safely do on your own.

What Services Do Personal Trainers Offer?

Happy Clients Help Trainers, too!

You may have never thought about it, but personal trainers want to create happy clients, for several reasons. Firstly, happy clients make for more enjoyable work. (After all personal trainers are by and large happy people. Grumpy trainers rarely succeed.)

But personal trainers also have a personal stake in seeing you reach your goals. Why? Your weight loss, muscle tone, and fit physique before a film are a walking endorsement of your personal trainer. Your ability to get back to competing in sports because they helped you recovery from your injury speaks volumes about their rehabilitation skills. The extra spring in your step at work, is unlikely to go unnoticed by coworkers. When you’re happy with your personal trainer, you’re likely to refer your friends, family or colleagues to them for personal training, too.

Schedule a Personal Training Consultation in Burbank

Still not sure you know the answer to the question what do personal trainers do? Sometimes it’s best for us to show, not tell you. If you’re ready to see for yourself exactly what personal trainers do for their clients, contact SY Performance today for a personal training consultation. All personal training packages include nutritional advice, tips for staying motivated, exercises to perform on your own, and so much more. Call 818-374-7961, or send us a message to get started.

05 Oct

Why are there so many 90-day weight loss challenges? Quite frankly, it’s because when done correctly you can absolutely transform your body in 90 days. But the key to succeeding at a 90 Day Body Transformation is consistency, diligence, and getting help from a professional. Read on for everything to know about 90 day body transformations.

What is the 90 Day Workout Challenge?

As its name implies, the 90 Day workout challenge is a fitness challenge that often has more than one goal. You may want more energy. You may want to rehabilitate after an injury. You may be preparing for an important film or television role and need to tone up. You may be tired of your clothes not fitting well, or your self-esteem slumping. Whatever your motivation, remember, that transforming your body is not only possible, but also the natural result, when you dedicate yourself.

Assuming no one is incentivizing you with $10,000 to transform your body in 90-days, (like the lucky brother and sister of Browney), you may be wondering: Can you change your body in 90 days? The answer is unequivocally yes! But you’ll need to commit to:

  • Three one-hour strength training sessions per week
  • Three 45+ minute cardio sessions per week
  • Adherence to a nutritious diet

These three are absolutes. However, other factors may improve your results.

  • Personal Training for Body Transformation in 90 Days

Working out with a personal trainer can help you to learn the specific strength training exercises needed to target specific areas on the body. For example, if you’re looking for Jennifer Aniston arms, you shouldn’t spend two of your strength training days working your glutes. If your goal is LL Cool J abs, you’re not going to get there maxing out with dead lifts. By working with a trainer, you’ll learn how to target the specific muscle groups that will result in the most significant transformation.

  • Food Journaling for Transformation

Food journaling isn’t technically required, but most people struggle with body transformations without journaling. Why? People tend to underestimate portion sizes. Although we think we aren’t eating much, snacks throughout the day add up.

 We also tend to assume that certain foods are healthy, even when there are far better choices. A takeout salad can provide a ton of vitamins, nutrients, and fiber. But if it’s drenched in a sugary salad dressing it’s not nearly as healthy as you may think.

By journaling everything you eat, you’re able to see in black and white just how much (or how little) food you’re consuming. Reminder: if you don’t consume enough food, your body will start storing fat, and you’ll inadvertently sabotage your transformation.

  • Body Scanning

Knowing your body composition can be incredibly motivating and allow you to set mini goals within your challenge. For example, you may find that body is more than 30% fat, and you’d like it to be closer to 20%. Regular body composition scanning can be an incredible tool for helping you stick to your plan, and ultimately achieve your goals.

What Does a 90 Day Transformation Diet Look Like?

A diet that will help you to completely transform your body in 90 days, will include lean protein, a lot of greens, and a reduction in overly processed foods. Intermittent fasting often also plays a role, to ensure you’re not consuming all your carbs, for example, at 10:00 pm before you go to bed.

A specially formulated nutrition plan will help you to stay on track with macronutrients, curb cravings, and make the best use of the food, when it comes to slimming down, and revealing muscle tone. Having a personal trainer review your food journal, and make recommendations based on your objectives, and any diet restrictions (vegan, vegetarian, etc.) can make an enormous difference in your outcome.

Can I Do a 90 Day Body Transformation at Home?

Yes. You can do a 90-day body transformation at home, but it’s likely going to take a lot more of your time, than if you brought in a trainer. You’ll need to spend time determining the right diet, the right exercises, and staying motivated on your own. Plus, most people don’t have body composition scanners at home. But if you’d prefer to transform your body at home, look for a trainer who has a training app, or offers remote coaching.

90 Day Body Transformation in Burbank, Glendale, Studio City

Still wondering: can you transform your body in 90 days? We promise you can. To get started on your own personal transformation, contact SY Performance today. With a private fitness studio in Burbank, SY Performance provides everything you need to effectively change your body, your eating habits, your energy level, and your life. From personal training to meal planning, body composition scanning, mobile app access, and more, we’ve helped thousands to transform their bodies with a 90 day workout challenge. Call 818-374-7961, or send us a message to get started.