Lisa Goldfarb, CPT

Lisa Goldfarb has been in the fitness and rehabilitation industry for 8 years. After completing her B.S. in Sports Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh, Lisa obtained her certification in Athletic Training from the National Athletic Trainers Association. Lisa has also received her Masters degree in Health Promotion/Management from American University. While at American she concentrated her education on behavior and lifestyle modification and learning the important skills to help guide people towards optimal health.

Lisa comes to Coughlin Fitness and Results with a wealth of experience in many fitness and rehabilitation situations. Lisa has spent 8 years working in rehabilitation settings with patients suffering from orthopedic and musculoskeletal to neurological disorders. While working in the rehab setting, Lisa received her Pilates Instructor Certification in order to assist patients with core stabilization.

As a certified athletic trainer, Lisa has spent over 5 years training Division I college and high school athletes providing injury prevention, rehabilitation, and strength and conditioning programs. Lisa has served as the fitness director of a large retirement community, and has trained clients in home, commercial, and country club settings, in addition to providing wellness services for local government employees.

Lisa’s passion is helping others realize the importance of physical fitness and assisting them while they work towards their health and fitness goals. She is very excited to work with the Coughlin Fitness and Results team and is eager to help her clients accomplish their fitness goals.

Hey Jim, things are going really well with Lisa. We meet 2 days a week. "I bought some new clothes yesterday and I was surprised that I was able to fit into some much smaller sizes!!" Things like that are motivating and give me hope. I want to continue with Lisa. It seems that with a plan and a positive attitude anything is possible. After 15 years, I've been smoke free for almost 5 weeks. A huge difference is that I like the burn I feel from sprinting because my lungs are stronger. Now my legs actually start to feel fatigued when before I never was able to push myself to that point because my lungs wouldn't let me.

Thank you Jim!

Below Lisa explains how she got into the business of personal training, her overall approach with clients, her fitness philosophies and more.

A: I became a personal trainer to help people achieve optimal health. My family has a history of medical issues and I have learned that by developing good habits, one can lead a healthy lifestyle. I wanted to be able to help people who were told by their doctor that they needed to make a change for the better in terms of diet and exercise. It is a scary step to take and I want to be able to help people see that diet and exercise isn't as intimidating as they think.

A: My educational background and work experience is very diverse. I have my BS in sports medicine and over 8 years of experience in rehabilitation. I also have my MS in health promotion which gave me the background to teach behavioral modification techniques such as time management, goal setting, etc. Without a proper goal, and without planning ahead, it is hard to be successful.

A: The biggest challenge is what I mentioned in the previous question; planning. My clients who aren't dedicated to their goals are not as successful. Meeting with a trainer 2 or 3 times a week isn't going to solve the problem. It is a great 1st step, but without monitoring your diet, and doing your cardio "homework" you are less likely for success. Scheduling in time for exercise, and putting your gym clothes in your car at the beginning of the day are examples of baby steps to getting prepared for exercise.

A: One thing that I have learned from my Masters in Health Promotion is that if people aren't ready to change, they will not. This pertains to smoking, biting fingernails, exercise, diet, etc. Typically, if you have taken the first step to get in contact with a trainer, you are ready to dedicate yourself to change for the better. If, for example, a wife signs up a husband who is not interested, he is not going to be serious. The only thing that I could do to help him become more serious is to introduce to him the negative affects of poor health, and some eye opening stats. I also try to have the same heart to heart with my clients that I would have with my parents. "I want you around to play with your grandkids, and to be strong, healthy, and independent throughout your life!"

A: Besides the planning and goal setting, I encourage my clients to do cardio outside of our sessions. Cardiovascular activity has so many benefits besides the obvious superficial results. Cardio is great to keep your hearth healthy and it helps to release endorphins which brighten your mood and make you feel great!

A: I believe strengths and weaknesses depend on the personality of the client. I am not the type of trainer that will yell in your ear to pump you up. Some people thrive off of that and would see that as a weakness. I believe that diet and exercise are a lifestyle. If a person hates exercise they will not adhere. I try and make our sessions challenging, but it should at least be a fun experience.

A: I am not a fan of the ever popular "Atkins Diet." As I said above, diet and exercise is a lifestyle. It is something you work hard to adopt but the more you practice; the easier it will be to adhere to. The Atkins Diet it not safe to maintain long term. Without getting into physiology, the effects of the Atkins Diet can cause very serious health issues. In addition, the Atkins Diet eliminates essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients when is removes fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. We are getting rid of the word diet, and adopting the word lifestyle.

A: The question I am asked with almost every client is "When will I see results?" Most of my clients hate the answer I give them. First, I tell them that right away those magic endorphins should step up and give you a boost to your mood and energy! Next, you should notice that you sleep better. But it really takes a lot of hard work and dedication to see results. If I get a client who is dedicated to their sessions and their homework, then they should start to see results within 6 weeks.

A: As of yet, I haven't found a favorite author. I don't know that anyone is the fitness guru. I like to do a lot of reading and visit a lot of courses to open myself up to new information. I believe that by studying various "experts" in the field that I am enhancing my ability to help people achieve their optimal health.

A: I have been working with a young woman who is incredibly dedicated. She keeps track of her diet, and has been very successful with her homework. She has taken everything she has learned with me and has started a walking and healthy lunch group at work. Exercise and eating properly is now a part of her lifestyle! When we first started she was not the model of good health, but she soaked up all of my information like a sponge and really changed her life.

A: My advice for people starting a program (especially if they are not used to exercise) is to take baby steps. Like I said above, you need to enjoy it. If you absolutely dread exercise then you will not adhere to a program. It is something that you need to adopt for life, not just the 6 week package. Baby steps will help you to avoid injury, as well as not overwhelm your schedule. In addition, find something you love! One of my clients HATES to exercise, but found that she loves to ride her bike to work. This gets her a great cardio workout!

A: I prefer one on one training or couple training. My background is in rehabilitation and I like to make sure that my clients have correct posture and form. Exercise is great, and will help keep you healthy, but a lot of the exercises we do can do more harm if not done properly. I worry about big groups because I am never sure if the instructor can ensure that everyone's form is correct. At least with one or two clients I can ensure their safety.

A: Everyone should have a goal, so what is mine!? My goal is to keep gaining information and experience so that I can offer my clients the best of the best in the Washington DC area.