 Jared Sommervold, CPT
Jared is certified through the Scirion Institute of Exercise Physiology. He has a B.A. in Kinesiology and minor in Biochemistry from the University of Colorado. Jared has worked with athletes from most of the major sports teams in Colorado. He has been a strength and conditioning coach in the Colorado Rockies baseball organization, and is also a wrestling coach. Jared specializes in athletic development, and injury rehabilitation, but has also worked extensively with weight loss clients ranging in age from 11-78 years of age. In his free time Jared likes to golf, camp, and various water sports.
Questions and Answers
with Jared Sommervold
Below Jared explains how he got into the business of personal training,
his overall approach with clients, his fitness philosophies and more.
Q: Why did you choose to become a personal trainer?
A: I became a personal trainer, because it is a fun and rewarding way to help people feel better about themselves and what they can accomplish.
Q: How are you different then other personal trainers? What is your specialty?
A: I specialize in listening to the clients, getting to know them and designing a program just for them and their goals, and their lifestyle.
Q: What is your biggest challenge that you face when training clients?
A: The biggest challenge that I face when training clients is if the client is not internally motivated. If they are trying to live a healthier lifestyle because their doctor told them they need to work out; instead of really wanting to change to help themselves that is a big hurdle to get over.
Q: How do you deal with clients who aren't serious?
A: Usually if a client is not serious, I will joke and laugh with them. Even if the client is not serious about getting in shape; make it fun, who doesn't like to have fun?
Q: What is the most important component to personal training that you advocate to clients?
A: The most important component of personal training is the ability to guide a transition in lifestyle changes for the client. Being a guide and a teacher is the best thing a personal trainer can do, teaching the client how to be a better healthier person on their own is one of the best gifts you can give them.
Q: What are your strengths as a trainer? weaknesses?
A: Some of my strengths would be that I am very knowledgeable about the human body and its physiology. I have worked with athletes a lot in the past, so athletic development, and nutrition are definitely strengths for me. As far as weaknesses being a trainer; my biggest weakness would be impatience or lack of tolerance for a client's lack of effort. If you're trying I will be the most patient person in the world, if the effort isn't there on the client's behalf it is just a waste of time for everyone.
Q: What do you think of the ever popular Atkins Diet??
A: The Atkins diet is very bad for you. Eating that much protein and fat with very little carbohydrates sends your body into a state of ketosis where protein is broken down for energy. This energy production state is only reached during states of fasting or starvation naturally, and causes undue strain on your liver to detoxify all of the nitrogenous waste produced.
Q: What question do you come across most with clients?
A: Can you give me a "six pack stomach"? Answer is usually not. To get a flat stomach requires about 8% body fat for a male and about 12% for a female. By the time you reach your mid thirties, your metabolism slows down a lot, and it is difficult for your body to burn that much fat quickly. Truth is everyone can get there if they are willing to commit to the time and effort it will take.
Q: Who is your favorite fitness author?
A: I don't really have one; I prefer to read the scientific articles that have an actual foundation for their statements. I avoid reading about this month's fad workout in Men's Health or whatever else that junk is published in.
Q: Who has been your greatest success story?
A: I think all of my clients are a great success stories, I love to see the personal transformation that happens. When I meet them the first time and they are kind of shy or timid, and when they are done with a program they are much more confident. It is just a great feeling to know that I helped them feel better about themselves.
Q: What is your advice for clients first starting a fitness program?
A: Make sure you're doing it for you, commit to it, start slow because the last thing you want to do is burn out, and most of all keep it fun.
Q: What type of training do you prefer, one-on-one or group? Why?
A: It depends on the client for me. Some people that are extremely motivated are better to have one on one, because I can focus more energy on them and get more accomplished. Some people that aren't that motivated are better to work with in groups, because they can push each other to work harder, and keep each other from quitting.
Q: What are your personal goals for the future?
A: My personal goals for the future are just to settle down and have a nice family and be happy. I don't need to be a millionaire or anything.
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