Fitness Trainer: Andrew Yskes
In 2012, at the age of 49, I became a Personal Trainer, and Group Fitness Instructor in 2014. I also certified in Fitness for Older Adults through AFLCA (the Alberta Fitness Unit) and completed Kettlebell training.
I became a Personal Trainer after getting back into shape myself. I became a Group Fitness Instructor so I could broaden my services and help more people achieve their fitness goals.
We all need help, motivation and guidance to learn how to exercises, establish healthy habits, and reach our fitness potential and health goals. There are many fitness resources available, like my Real Motion Workout, but if you're not self-motivated to learn and self-train, a Personal Trainer is what you need.
My own reasons to stay healthy include an improved quality of life, wanting to live an active lifestyle, vanity, and that it makes me feel great. If I am healthy, I can also help care for others – I do not want to be a burden on my family or society because of a health related issue that is avoidable through healthy lifestyle choices. I hope to live a long, healthy, productive life.
My Story: Before – After
This is a comparison photo of me in 2009 and in January 2016. In 2009, I thought I was fine, and compared to most guys my age, I was in great shape – but not really; I was overweight and out of shape and had to deal with an injured shoulder.
What happened? I changed my diet, started eating healthier and increased my exercise effort. I also started to develop exercises based on real motions to strengthen my shoulder.
In the first year I shed 20 lbs, and within 4 years shed another 20 lbs of fat, and have kept it off. I have gained muscle weight, but that's the good stuff. I thought, "wow, if I can do it, so can others...I'd like to help them." The rest is history.
Today, I am fitter and stronger than ever, and I feel great. It's taken consistent effort and healthier choices of what I do and what I eat every day.
That's why I do what I do – that's why I became a trainer and created my workout videos. I know that it takes effort, choice, and realistic fitness programs with realistic goals and expectations to create and maintain a healthy lifestyle.