Doretta Reily, CPT

With a life-long interest in health, everything finally came together for Doretta nearly 7 years ago, when she started strength training on a regular basis. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was only 11, she had assumed for many years that she was limited in the types of physical activity that she could attempt.

But that idea couldn't have been further from the truth. Strength training 3 times per week really improved her health, as well as her overall fitness level. And it wasn't long, before Doretta decided to pursue fitness trainer certification, so that she could train others and show them how they could also get healthier and more fit, no matter what kind of medical challenges they face.

Certified in 2004 by the ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association), Doretta is also a member of New York Strength's Fitness Professionals International, the American Diabetes Association, and Diabetes Exercise & Sports Association (DESA).

Since her certification, Doretta has trained clients in several fitness studios in the Metro Atlanta area. She also sponsors CEU (continuing education unit) seminars for fitness trainers in Atlanta and the South, to help them maintain and build their skills as trainers.

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

A: My reason for becoming a personal trainer was to share my love of fitness and good health with others. There's not a health or medical condition which isn't improved in some way by regular exercise. Exercise is absolutely essential to a person's health and well-being.

A: As a Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic for the past 38 years, I know first-hand the difference that exercise can make for a person's health, both short- and long-term. Unfortunately, those with health or medical conditions are often the ones who find it the most challenging to start an exercise program in the first place. My specialty is working with those with diabetes or any other health or medical condition, to help them achieve a better level of fitness and also better health.

A: Challenges are simply opportunities. Some people perceive exercise as boring and something to be avoided at all costs. I strive to help them see the benefits of regular exercise and then work with them to enjoy the process.

A: This is another opportunity. Along the way, I hope that my clients will come to see the many benefits of becoming more fit. It can make such a huge difference in a person's life, with or without the existence of a medical condition. Exercise and adopting a fitness lifestyle does require some effort, but the results are definitely worth it!

A: Consistency and persistence are both so important to achieving one's fitness goals. An on-again/off-again attitude can actually prevent a person from achieving success, whether it's finding the perfect job or losing 20 lbs. Very few goals can be reached immediately, but staying consistent about one's nutrition, cardio and resistance training will definitely help a person reach his or her fitness goals.

A: As a person with long-term Type 1 diabetes, I am uniquely prepared to help clients, as they begin the process of living a fitness lifestyle, while maintaining their health. Helping clients realize that they can increase their strength and become more fit, despite any health or medical conditions they may have, is truly a thrill for me as a trainer.

Exercise is so essential to a person's health that it's hard to believe everyone else doesn't necessarily realize this and then become more active as well. It often takes time for this to happen in a person's life. As a trainer, I do whatever I can to help encourage this adjustment, whether or not the person is one of my clients. However, it's difficult to stand by and watch, when people don't seem to have any concern at all for their health or fitness level.

A: The Atkins Diet, like most, is much too restrictive. I prefer that people eat a wide range of foods in moderation and follow good nutritional guidelines. A person's body needs fuel for energy; otherwise, it can't be expected to work properly.

A: Clients typically want to know how to achieve their weight loss and/or fitness goals as quickly as possible. I explain to them that fitness is a lifestyle, and not just something that you do sporadically. Following a regular exercise program and good nutrition is the best way to help avoid weight gain in the first place.

A: Sherry Colberg-Ochs' book, "The Diabetic Athlete", is a tremendous resource for anyone who has diabetes and exercises. It covers many types of activity from strength training to mountain-climbing and everything in between. Her newest book, "The 7-Step Diabetes Fitness Plan", is written primarily for those with Type 2 diabetes, approximately 90 % of the diabetes population.

A: I've really enjoyed training all of my clients. About a year ago, I trained a woman who had asthma. She hadn't exercised for years and was even a bit hesitant about the results. After a few sessions, she was able to exercise for the full 1-hour session. And it wasn't long, before she mentioned that she could also breathe and sleep better as well. She had made so much progress, both in her workouts and also outside of them.

A: I always tell clients that we'll start wherever they are, no matter how conditioned or de-conditioned they are, and then work up from there. Achieving fitness is not a competition; it's more of a journey.

A: I prefer training one-on-one, as it provides a better overall experience for the client. Instruction can be more individualized to fit the client's needs and fitness goals.

A: I want to continue to develop as a trainer for those with diabetes and/or other medical challenges. I also would like to write articles or possibly a book about health and fitness. In my own training, I'm working on becoming a stronger athlete and soon hope to begin some Olympic-style lifting.