Doug Murphy

Fitness Training and Consulting
Making Healthy Lifestyles

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Common Questions

1. What Takes Place In My First Training Session?
Your first training session will consist of fitness testing followed by a brief workout.
I have each client fill out a health history questionnaire/activity history, so that I am aware of any limiting conditions and can create a safe and effective routine (in some cases a doctor’s release is required to start an exercise program).

This is followed by fitness testing, consisting of:

  • Taking your blood pressure and resting heart rate
  • Bodyfat testing
  • Treadmill test to determine aerobic conditioning and capacity
  • Height, weight, and body measurements
  • Fitness testing provides a starting point for your program, as well as a way to measure progress toward your goals. Following the workout, I give each client a meal diary to fill out for 3-4 days. This will help in ensuring that your nutritional intake will support your efforts in the gym or your home.

    2. Why Should I Engage In Regular Exercise? What Are The Benefits?
    That's an easy one:

  • Lower your blood pressure and resting heart rate
  • Increase lean muscle mass and lose bodyfat
  • Improve flexibility, posture, balance and coordination
  • Reduce and relieve stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety
  • Increase strength, energy and endurance
  • Increase bone density
  • Improve physical appearance and self-esteem
  • Improve athletic performance
  • Helps Type II diabetes, back pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, etc
  • Help prevent injury
  • Boost metabolism
  • Improved overall health!
  • 3. Why Should I Use A Trainer? What Sets You Apart From Other Trainers?
    Having a trainer takes the guesswork out of exercise and diet and ensures that you will reach your goals safely and effectively in the shortest possible time. Constant monitoring and adjusting of your program, as well as providing supervision and motivation, leads to attaining your goals much more quickly.

    Having said that, a good trainer does not:

  • Talk on his/her cellphone during your appointment
  • Arrive late for sessions
  • Show up unprepared
  • Cancel sessions at the last minute
  • Fail to keep good records and measure progress


  • I pride myself on giving my clients superior service and support, and my constant undivided attention. I attend many seminars, classes and conferences each year in order to stay on top of the latest research and training methods. With over 15 years of experience and a real passion to help others realize their potential, my clients get measurable results!

    4. How Do You Stay In Shape?
    My personal program consists of 3-4 days of strength training with cardio work, and a weekly session of power yoga or pilates for flexibility and stress relief. I recommend that all my clients try a pilates or yoga class-I incorporate elements of both in my client’s programs. It does wonders for your core, flexibility, and general well-being.

    I receive many questions and inquiries through this website. Although I can’t answer each question individually, this page will be updated from time to time with answers to those most commonly asked.



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    DC Personal Training Blog!
    Check out my personal training blog at: dcpersonaltrainer.blogspot.com
    I will be posting my personal trainer tips, fitness routines and diet information. You can also post your thoughts, questions, and ideas on various fitness topics. See you there!


    Copyright 2008 by Doug Murphy, Washington, D.C. 20001. All rights reserved.
    No part of the contents of this website may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.