STARS: Choosing a Workout Instructor/Trainer

This is to continue on last week's post.

We now want to focus on the person or persons that can help you reach your summertime goals, as well as the remainder of the year. Often this is an instructor or a trainer.  Often they are one in the same but the process is similar.

Find out what style of teaching you like and the intensity level you want. If it's HIIT or body pump/RIP, then go with someone that specializes there for example. Try out some classes, go off of recommendations and reviews, see results.

Also, see the instructor's style. How hard do they drive the class? Do they greet you and notice they are there? How is the music selection? Everyone learns differently, and often you need to see for yourself.

Next, see how flexible your schedule/wallet is with the instructor/trainer. This is often the most difficult process. There are several classes and trainers I want to work with, but scheduling conflicts interfere.

Finally, see who you are getting the best results from after about two months and you may have an instructor that can take you to greater heights.

Instructors can be the greatest people in our fitness journey or the worst.  Obviously one would want the former.

STARS: Revamping Your Workout Plan/Regime

I am currently in this process as I fine tune for summer.

Your workouts may be stagnant or nonexistent so here's how you can breathe some life back into them.

First off, keep doing what works. This includes days, location, hours, certain workouts.

Next, add in extra sessions and workouts where necessary to shock the body and routine up some.

Look at your work and social schedule and see where it would be best to work out and get up. If you are devoted to movie and taco night, then you will have to readjust.

Keep a journal of your weigh ins (weekly), food consumed, and your actual workout sessions.

Finally, get help from a trainer and class, even virtual.  There are so many great ones out there you would have to do your research to see what works best for your body type, schedule and regimen.  Perhaps that can be next week's STAR format.

Good luck, you can do it!

STARS: Closing a Controversial Social Media Post

You have just posted something to social media that has stirred the pot and has a lot of people's emotions on 10. You could just delete it but you really believe in what you posted. The timing or wording just might not have been proper.

First, make sure everyone stays on topic and there is no bashing.  After about the 30th comment, it gets more notice in the algorithm, allowing almost 3 times as many folks to see it.

You then have a mediator or two that has your back and can make trolls and keyboard warriors go away. I call these conversation closers.

Next, delete the comments that are irrelevant, ridiculous and disrespectful. The same goes with the people. Some should be hidden, others deleted, the rest blocked. One thing about posts like this is you discovered who shouldn't be allowed to troll your postings.

After this, the post tends to die down and you have made your point. Continue posting what you believe and filter out the folk that just wanna be difficult.

STARS: making a successful delivery

Last week's post focused on customer service and getting what you deserve from a company that you pay monies to. Well this comes from a negative customer experience I had recently. This also stems from my experience with delivery companies and working for Amazon and doing rideshare.

Alright if your newspaper company did not deliver your paper successfully to your house, here is the best way they can get it to you.

They need to find out your address, and phone number in case they cannot find said address or could not get there. Utilize a GPS app such as Google Maps or Waze. It's safe to say most people have a smartphone that will support either app.

You then embark on your trip with the best route, looking for delays and even shortcuts. If the paper is successfully delivered, no confirmation is necessary.  If it wasn't, that customer should be contacted.  The same applies if the delivery person gets lost or cannot find the residence. When I drove rideshare, we were required to call the person if we could not find them(happens more than you know). The same principle should apply here. This way, the person receives their goods and/or products. 

I figured this scenario and solution would fit good into the STAR format. It really is not rocket science to make a successful delivery. Most times some party (the company, USPS, etc) dropped the ball. It's not enough to give the customer a credit or a refund, they want their product. Otherwise, you will lose business.

STARS: getting what you deserve from a company with bad customer service

I hear all the time about people getting screwed over by companies and even bullied. I'm unsure why anyone would tolerate this nonsense.

Bullying and social exclusion are being discussed on www.imjustdrew.com in preparation for my second book. However this is moreso how to get what you rightly deserve from a company that isn't quite giving you the Chick Fil-A treatment.

Alright well first of all demand to speak to the immediate management of the company you're dealing with. Many of them can handle stuff onsite, no problem.

If you don't get results that way, go to their higher ups and corporate. Pro tip: if it's a cell phone and/or cable/satellite provider, contact the FCC. Their information is published on their website and they take complaints very seriously. 

Additionally, ask to be forwarded to a retention/rewards department.  You can get your bills lowered; reduced, and often even comped.  Some companies have been known to give extra perks when a customer is angry. It's a competitive market and they are not trying to lose customers. 

In the past, I have recieved phone calls from corporate reps and even CEOs, free service, discounts, deals, prizes, handwritten apologies.  And honestly I'm not much different from much.  I just wasn't scared to speak my mind and called these places on their mistakes. 

We have to hold certain companies accountable.  This year alone, more than 10 retail companies have went belly up. The hundreds of others are definitely minding their Ps and Qs.

Therefore fight for your money, entertainment and what you believe in!

STARS: Preparing for a cookout/BBQ

It's that season! The weather is again warm, the grass is growing and time to fire the grill up.

I actually fire mine up year round but it's time to go to cookouts and BBQs. Some of you don't know where to start when planning to host your first one. Well I'm here to help.

First, clean up your yard/house/area that you plan where your guests are gonna be. 

Next, have a grill, doesn't have to be big or extravagant, just adequate for the meats you are grilling.

Then buy the meats. I would suggest a good butcher shop or Sunnydales. I know it's expensive and borderline bougie but the meat simply tastes better. Allow your guests to bring sides and drinks, you can provide a few. But the meats are usually on the host.

Have games and music ready, a date and time, and let your people know. Also, alert the neighbors in case of parking and noise ordinances.

Finally, have fun, eat good food and make memories!

STARS: Preparing For Your First Race

Spring race season is beginning for many runners: novice and experienced. For many, that race is the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston, SC. It's a fine race for all levels.

First off, you need the proper equipment.  Basics first, then other extras as your training and preferences see fit. Have a good pair of running shoes. These need not break the bank, but brands such as Asics, Brooks, and Hokas have been popular among runners. You also want comfortable running gear. If you're already actively working out, you more than likely have this stuff already. Comfortable socks, shirts, shorts and even caps.

Then there's the extras. Music works for some folks and not so well for others. Making a nice investment in wireless earphones can be a huge help. Having a fanny pack is a huge help for items such as your phone, keys, wallet, etc. You can also buy a holder for your phone that fits on your wrist or arm. I'm not a fan personally of that. Next, you can choose to use one of the many running apps on your phone such as RunKeeper, Nike Running or Strava. Or you can utilize the fitness portion of your smartwatch or Garmin or Fitbit device.  Also, if you run in the dark, have headlamps, reflective clothing and even bands.

You generally want to start training for a race at least two months in advance, especially a 5K or a 10K. Start slowly, running a couple of miles at a time. Have your route carefully mapped out and run at a time where traffic is light and the weather isn't so cold or hot. You want to ensure you're capable of running the distance of your upcoming race. Build up to your desired level and maintain it.

Next, practice nuances and scenarios. Race morning can be crazy and you want to set a certain routine (this includes even the layering of your clothing) so when the day comes, all you need to focus on is running the race, being safe and having fun.

So hit the pavement or trail and happy running!