DAIVA’S BACKGROUND AND TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

I am a native of Lithuania. In my early years, I was involved in ballet, gymnastics, basketball and piano which shaped my values and for this, I shall always be grateful to my parents.

In 1982, I graduated Vilnius University with a Master’s degree in education and then spent the next 12 years as an instructor in the Medical College teaching medical terminology in English.

Since arriving in America with my son Nerijus in 1994, I studied computer assisted small business management for two years, but after completing the course, I realized that I had no particular passion for this profession.

In spite of raising my son, teaching in college and privately at home, I stayed active in Lithuania. I regularly jogged, walked or cross-country skied in the woods and performed various mat exercises. So, after settling down in America, introducing free weights to compliment my routine, seemed like a brilliant idea to me. I was approaching my forties and preserving/ improving my muscle mass as well as speeding up my metabolism was essential to me. My son was very encouraging too! We both studied for personal trainer’s certifications and both trained clients at the same gym in Kingston for a while.

I absolutely enjoyed training my clients. It combined my love for both teaching and helping people stay healthy and fit. I took pride in working out very hard myself. Besides having sessions with my clients, I taught spinning and muscle toning classes as I had become certified as a group fitness instructor as well. (New Paltz College)

After a year I realized, though, that there are people who love the quick-paced atmosphere of the gym and there are others who would rather be trained in a more quiet and intimate environment. Encouraged by some of my clients, I pursued the path of a small studio and/or visiting my clients in the comfort of their own home as well as working as a private contractor with another area gym.

The time spent studying was always the most enjoyable and rewarding for me. I attended seminars, conferences, workshops, completed numerous courses, received different certificates from Exercise Etc. Inc. and obtained a second personal training certification with National Academy of Sports Medicine. I chose this certification because it offered the cutting-edge concepts and applications in the areas of fitness training. NASM taught me an integrated approach toward a lifestyle I believe in and have been applying since. Acquiring new skills, keeping up with new approaches in fitness training, as well as experience contributed to creating my own training method.

During the course of life, our bodies create different muscular imbalances due to poor posture, work or home stress, bad sitting or sleeping positions, etc. In order to correct these imbalances, stretching the tight muscles and strengthening the opposing weak muscles is of utter importance. I apply static and manual stretching as well as myofacial tissue release to build neuromuscular flexibility. To gain muscular endurance, strength and definition, I combine free weights, cables and manual resistance. I also introduce concepts of core training, stabilization/balance training, Pilates and yoga with a variety of functional exercises. I sincerely believe that increasing the functional level of activities will make my clients' lives more enjoyable and prevent them from getting injured. I add the gym ball and the BOSU Balance Trainer in my routines to challenge the nervous system. Light or medium calisthenics can be included to burn more calories, depending on my clients' goals. The training routine needs to be varied regularly to achieve results.

By no means can the same routine be applied to all! We are individuals with different goals and potentials, that is why the fitness training program needs to be individualized. People might have requirements that make me adjust their routines on the spot and I always apply this approach to help my clients achieve their objectives.

In order to be healthy and trim, feel young and energized, we need regular challenge. I firmly believe in consistency, passion and hard work to accomplish the goals we set in front of us.