Help me f ind a trainer for my bad back

The hour a week that changes lives

QHOW do I know who is the best personal trainer for me? I have lower back problems and osteoarthritis in my knees and neck and want to get stronger so I can stay mobile and flexible. I’m a man in my 50s.

AMANY people are now deciding to enlist the help of a personal trainer and yes, I may be biased in saying this, but it really is the best way to get quick, tailored results in both your health and fitness, if you can afford it.

It can be somewhat of a minefield trying to find the right person, however.

That’s because while there are many good experts out there who can do a terrific job, there are a greater number who are sub-standard. The industry is notoriously unregulated and there are many self-styled social media ‘fitness experts’ who have little, if any training.

I have seen many people suffer injuries following bad advice – whether its online or from brutal group training sessions run in local parks.

If you are 40-plus and have any form of mobility restriction – for example, a joint problem – then you need to work with a trainer affiliated with a physiotherapist or doctor who does rehabilitation work, as they will have the best grasp of the issues you face.

It will narrow down the talent pool, but there are many good people out there who really love what they do and will be able to help you achieve your goals safely. You should also get in touch with the healthcare professional they work with in order to verify that this trainer is the most suitable person for you to work with. Rest assured that you are not putting anyone out by doing this; you’re simply showing you’re a serious client and a serious trainer will respect you more for doing FEELING blue? Get off the sofa! Just one hour of exercise a week is all we need to avoid depression, it is claimed.

An Australian study of more than 30,000 people found that 12 per cent of cases of depression could have been prevented through exercise because of the ‘feelgood’ so. Be sure to spend some time getting to know the person. After all, you’re going to need to like each other, and respect each other’s views and objectives.

Finally, does the person represent what you perceive as ‘healthy’? If your ideals are different, you aren’t going to get what you want. Just remember – you might need to kiss a few frogs along the way before you find your prince!

QHOW can I lose weight when I have an underactive thyroid? It seems virtually impossible, which is very frustrating.

AHAVING an underactive thyroid can make you feel tired, achy and depressed – and cause weight gain. And it’s for all these reasons that exercising is so vital – to keep you energised and to maintain a healthy weight. Yes, it is harder, but any form of strength work will help to increase your metabolism and burn fat, while cardiovascular exercise will raise your metabolism and boost circulation, which in turn may help alleviate some of the muscle and joint aches.

By strength work, I mean anything that involves resistance, or overloading the muscles, such as squats, weights, bicep curls, lunges, etc.

It may be worth avoiding high-impact activities if you suffer particularly bad joint pain, however you can pretty much follow your normal exercise regime if you don’t.

Providing you’re on the right dose of thyroxine medication, there’s no reason why your exercise efforts can’t be rewarded – it will just take a little patience. endorphins that are released into the brain. Researchers said even small amounts of exercise can protect against depression, with benefits seen in all ages.

I never fail to be amazed by the transformation in people when they become more physically active. Confidence grows and they look and feel so much better. (For the record, try to do more than an hour a week if you can.)

Exercise also lowers the level of cortisol, a stress hormone, meaning we’re calmer.

I guarantee you’ll notice a difference within two weeks of getting active. So, what are you waiting for?