Essential fatty acids, or (EFA’s), are the “good” fats we need.  They are called essential because our bodies cannot produce them from scratch.  Because of this, EFA’s must be obtained through the diet. 

They are important because in addition to providing support for the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems, they help our bodies combat damage done by too much saturated fat or Trans fatty acids.  Omega-3’s and omega-6’s are essential fatty acids.  Omega-9’s are beneficial fatty acids that can be produced by the body in limited amounts, but only with the presence of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

As I watch the Olympics this year, I find myself drawn to the track and field events, specifically, the sprinting.  It brings back fond memories of training for a show, when I incorporated sprinting into my workout routine twice a week.  I felt powerful, and in great shape. 

Last week, I saw Usain Bolt set a new record for the 100 meter - 9.65 seconds!  And I looked up the women’s world record for the 100 meter.  Flo Jo still holds the record at 10.49 seconds.  Below, you can see footage of me sprinting.  It amuses me that when you compare me to an Olympic runner, it looks like I'm jogging.  I was nowhere near peak condition on that day, but still.

Lately, I’ve had a few people ask me how to become a personal trainer.  I remember asking that same question when I was getting started.  I worked out at Bally Total Fitness and also a much smaller gym run by bodybuilders.  (Incidentally, that’s when I was eventually introduced to bodybuilding shows, but this was before the “Figure” category existed).  It was after working out at this smaller gym that I asked one of the trainers how to become a personal trainer.  “Get certified,” he said. 

“How do I do that?”

“Take a test.”