FAQ

Why is Functional Training at Pongo Power Different from Working Out at the Gym?

Sedentary exercise and machines in the gym automatically seat you in the proper position to perform weight training. A seated machine helps you to isolate muscles, but does not necessarily resemble the movements people make during regular activities and sports. Functional training incorporates exercise and movements that train the lower abs and back, so that you can lead an active life and participate in “real-world” physical activities.

Pongo Power personal trainers will teach you how to break bad habits, improve your posture, and how to create new patterns of movement in your body. Functional training helps the body function efficiently. Through utilizing the right muscle groups and motor units at the right times – you will have more energy throughout the course of your life!

What is a Pongo?

A Pongo is anyone who likes to move around. A Pongo is often an athlete! Here is one example of a Pongo: our founder – Elizabeth Pongo! Elizabeth Pongo learned about sports from her father, László Pongo. László spent many an evening after work, “playing sports,” with Elizabeth. He taught her how to ride a bike, throw a ball, go roller skating, and fence! As a result, Elizabeth loves sharing that spirit of adventure with her clients.

László Pongo was a world-class fencer. He was a member of the National Champion Sabre Fencing Team in 1961, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1967, and 1970. He competed at the U.S. Team World Championship in 1958, in Warsaw, 1961; the Hungaria Cup, Budapest, 1964; the World Championship, Paris 1965; the North Atlantic Sabre Championship, 1966, and in 1968.

László was also a United States Fencing Official in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. He became an international diplomat in fencing. He traveled to Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and many other countries during his time as an official, communicating the importance of the strategy, and classical principals of fencing. From age 70 to 78 László took up teaching and coaching fencing, before he passed away in 2005 at the age of 80.

As a result, Elizabeth and her team at Pongo Power love sharing the classical principals of sports science with their clients!

Should I do strength training or cardiovascular exercise first?

You should alternate your routine. If you always do cardio first, you will be a little tired going into your weights and vice versa. So change up your workouts, alternating the order of cardio and weights.

How long before I see results?

Generally speaking, after 6-8 weeks of being on a regular program the body will begin to show results. However, if you train frequently you may see physical changes after just 4-5 weeks. Individual experiences will vary.

Am I going to “bulk up” if I lift weights?

In order to obtain large muscular size, an individual must train 4 to 5 times a week, lifting very heavy weights for several sets. Bulking up also requires a high calorie diet. You will not bulk up lifting 2 to 3 times a week using moderately heavy weights.

What is the best exercise for weight loss?

Cardiovascular exercise expends the largest amount of calories, while strength training can change the body’s physique and increase muscle metabolism. A combination of both cardio and weights is the best type of exercise for weight loss.

How can I meet with a personal trainer if I don't have a gym membership, and I don't have a gym set up in my home?

You can meet with a personal trainer at Pongo Power. The fact is that you don't need a gym to exercise effectively. What you do need is an open space about 6 feet wide by 6 feet long. The trainers at Pongo Power will meet with you in our private fitness studio and teach you what you can do at home, or at the gym.

What will I learn from a personal trainer?

Your trainer will help you with the most important things: motivation, physical form, and technique! Learning how to exercise without risking injury is the primary goal. Your certified personal trainer will not only motivate you, but also teach you about the principles of strength and cardiovascular training. Together you will work on abdominal exercises to strengthen your torso and improve posture; exercises for the shoulders, back, and arms; resistance training with elastic bands or dumbbells and weight training. Finally, in order to avoid any stress injuries, trainers teach clients about stretching! They perform assisted stretches that lengthen ligaments and tendons.

What about cardiovascular fitness, if I don't have a treadmill?

Going up and down steps, jumping jacks, jogging in place, and jumping rope are a few old favorites.

I know my parents would really benefit from physical activity, but I can't imagine my mother jumping rope at her stage. What kind of things would she do with a Personal Trainer?

Some of the most important exercises focus on muscle tone, balance, coordination, and flexibility. Using free weights (ranging anywhere from 1 pound on up...) muscles involved in posture and alignment are strengthened. Movements such as the weight lifting "squat" are important for getting in and out of chairs, and climbing steps. People over the age of 55 are at greater risk for heart disease, as well as other degenerative illness—exercise increases blood flow to the internal organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, so that the entire body functions better.

When I watch my father walk, it looks like he might fall sometimes, I'm afraid he might break his hip—could working with a Certified Personal Trainer help?

Yes! By performing specific exercises with resistance training (free weights, and rubber bands) muscle fiber builds, and grows. Muscle fiber protects bones much more effectively than fat. Also, it is proven that bone density increases with strength training.