Do you suffer from a chronic disease (High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Diabetes, Heart Disease)? If not, kudos to you, but you most likely know someone who does. 6 out of 10 Americans are diagnosed with one chronic disease while 4 out of 10 are diagnosed with two or more.
Most chronic disease develops overtime, as a a result of poor lifestyle choices. The best way to prevent, manage and even reverse chronic disease is to stop smoking, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, eat nutritious foods and exercise daily. Today, we talk with a medical exercise specialist, Selina Hinojosa, whose goal is to help her clients “understand their condition and develop daily habits and practices ” to manage chronic disease, improve overall fitness. and enhance daily function.
PBnJ introduces “LIFT by Selina”. . Selina Hinojosa received her certification for Medical Exercise Specialist from the Medical Exercise Training Institute (METI). She trained as an Advanced Medical Exercise Specialist Resident METI under the instruction of Dr. Michael Jones. Selina is certified as a Master Fitness Trainer with the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). Certifications acquired under Master Trainer include: Corrective Exercise Specialist, Sports Nutrition Coach, Specialist in Fitness Nutrition and Senior Fitness Specialist.
Please tell us about your business and the services you offer.
LIFT by Selina offers safe and effective, structured, protocol-based Medical Exercise & Fitness Training Programs to help manage chronic medical conditions and improve overall fitness.
Service Options:
Medical Exercise Assessment- The first step in developing a Medical Exercise Training (MET) Program. Includes medical history intake, vitals, Musculoskeletal Screening, and special assessments specific to client’s condition .
Private one-on-one Training- Designed for clients who want schedule flexibility and whose condition requires individual attention.
Small Group Training Programs- The most economical option for individuals who enjoy a group exercise atmosphere. Each group consists of up to 5 participants with similar fitness levels and goals. LIFT 22 is our most current small group program, specifically designed for weight loss and toning. Workouts are designed and instructed by Master Trainer, Selina Hinojosa.
What was the biggest challenge starting your business and how have you overcome?
My biggest challenge when I started my business was not knowing how to run a business. It sounds funny, but I jumped into this without much forethought or organized planning. I wouldn’t recommend that route. I don’t have any formal education in business, so I’ve had to learn from experience through the years. In the beginning, I took advantage of local resources, such as the SBA to consult me on the basics. I’ve also hired personal business consultants when I needed to. I think it’s important for upcoming entrepreneurs to know that there are great resources in our Corpus Christi community with people who genuinely want to see your business succeed. Also, educate yourself by asking questions and doing your own research!
How important is the role of exercise in combating chronic disease?
“Exercise is the key to long-term management of most medical conditions.” Dr Michael Jones of Medical Exercise Training Institute According to my Medical Exercise coursework, there have been recent studies that support this statement such as the “Quebec Task Force” study. The study clearly supports the focus on exercise to enhance function after medical care, physical therapy, or chiropractic care. Other studies, further support exercise as a primary modality once the client has moved past the acute and sub-acute stages of medical treatment for chronic diseases and/ or injuries.
How do I qualify as a client and must I have doctor’s orders for your services?
Medical Exercise Training Programs have specific criteria that a potential client must meet to qualify for Medical Exercise. These criteria are one of the more important components of the MET protocols, as a determination of the appropriateness for MET is an important consideration. There criteria for each protocol to establish parameters for the specific condition(s) the client must meet to enter an MET program. A referral from the client’s doctor, therapist, or chiropractor is required. Medical clearance from the client’s physician is mandatory for all MET services.
How often do you talk to your clients about the role of food causing and curing their current conditions?
Nutrition is addressed during the client’s initial assessment and throughout their MET program. I talk to them about how a healthy, balanced diet can keep their body as healthy as possible. It’s important for them to understand the connection between positive lifestyle changes and inflammation throughout their body. I also inform them how proper nutrition can limit flare ups with their condition. (I am not a licensed dietitian, so for clients with chronic diseases that need a specific plan, I will usually refer them to someone who can help them so I can focus my efforts on their exercise program.)
How would you recommend raising general awareness about the important relationship between lifestyle changes (including exercise and diet) in preventing and curing disease?
Love this question! Part of what I do, as a Medical Exercise Specialist, is educate my clients so that they understand their condition and how daily habits and practices can be conducive to the management of their condition. It’s absolutely necessary for clients to assume good habits outside of our exercise sessions. For the general public, I think by making lifestyle education convenient, free or affordable, in a supportive setting is ideal. If they sense that the information is coming from a caring, non-judgmental source, they’re more likely to listen and adhere to the advice. And most importantly, the tips and ideas we share should be practical to their finances and living environment. So many people are struggling right now, and groceries are expensive. I think it’s important for us to keep those issues in mind when addressing the general public regarding lifestyle education.
I’m excited for new opportunities to help educate my community! I will be speaking at a women’s alcohol and drug recovery center very soon. I plan to do more presentations in the future on addiction and mental health issues and how exercise and nutrition is a healthy addition to recovery.
Please share your top tips for someone wanting to transition to a more active lifestyle.
I understand that it can be a daunting task to start an exercise program if you’ve never exercised or if you’ve lived a sedentary lifestyle for a long time, especially when considering a medical condition and/or mental health issues. I recommend starting TODAY. Don’t put it off any longer. Also, keep it simple, and try not to overthink. Getting started on an active lifestyle doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. If you’re ready to start exercising, try walking to the end of their street and back. You can then increase distance or time gradually. If they’re unable to walk, some simple chair exercises are a great start! Find a buddy! Ask your partner, spouse, neighbor, friend, to join you on your exercise journey! It’ll keep you accountable and make it more enjoyable. If possible, I advise consulting a professional to ensure your health and safety.
What would you say is the most difficult hurdle to overcome for your clients when transitioning?
I would say one of the most difficult hurdles for new clients to overcome is developing a new lifestyle and habits. For clients who are just getting started on an exercise program, it’s a big adjustment to transition to an active lifestyle. Helping them to be consistent with their program is important for their progress, but it can be challenging at first. I help them overcome this challenge by helping them to understand how regular exercise will benefit them in so many ways. Usually after a couple of weeks, they’re feeling the positive effects of the exercise program, and they become eager to continue an active lifestyle.
At LIFT by Selina, I will meet you where you are on your health and fitness journey!
Selina Hinojosa
PBnJ knows the benefits of good nutrition. We also know that Exercise and Nutrition together, are the package deal. Exercising regularly decreases your risk of developing inflammation and in turn decreases your risk of developing chronic disease. Make exercise a daily habit and you will feel better, have more energy, add more years to and improve the quality of your life.
The benefits, from the combination of working out and eating nutritious foods, will do wonders for your body and mind, making the two together, a perfect recipe for optimum health.
For more information about “LIFT by Selina”, click the links below.
PBnJ of Corpus Christi 