Published: July 10, 2008 10:13 am      

YMCA adds personal trainer

By KANDACE MCCOY

kandace.mccoy@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — The YMCA has a new addition to its staff. Woodlawn native Darrell Kehrer has joined the YMCA as a personal trainer, and Kehrer is now one of two trainers available to members.

Having a personal trainer is important, Kehrer says, when it comes to an exercise regime. “During the first year [of a program],” he said, “about 50 percent will drop out. Trainers help make it easier and design programs for individuals.”

Kehrer said he became interested in working as a personal trainer while he was working out at Gold’s Gym in Carbondale. An SIU student majoring in kinesiology — a science which studies how the body moves and reacts to stress — Kehrer was approached by a friend at Gold’s Gym when a personal trainer position became open. Kehrer, who had been working out to compete in body building, decided to take a chance.

“I hadn’t really thought about [being a trainer], but since it was related to my major, I thought it would work. So I took it on and liked it,” he said.

Kehrer began working at the Y last week and said trainers can help members regulate an exercise regime that will be beneficial. A good workout, good cardio program, good diet, hydration supplementation and a trainer, he explained, will help one succeed within a program. He said having a trainer also helps provide accountability.

“A trainer will help you be more dedicated. It’s tough to do [a program] on your own. I don’t miss a workout, but there are times when you think, ‘I don’t want to go in.’ That’s where a trainer can help.”

Kehrer is certified through the American College of Sports Medicine, with a specialization in athletic training. He recently graduated SIUC with his bachelor’s degree. He has experience working with ages as young as 16 up to 80 years old.

And though some may be concerned about the cost of a trainer, Kehrer said there’s a bit of “swapping” that could rectify that worry. “If you go to a fast food place every day for lunch, that’s probably $7 to $8. That probably equals the cost of a trainer [twice a week]. If you take that [fast food] out and replace it with a trainer, you’ve already bettered your life. There’s some swapping of where the money is spent.”

There are also rewards for Kehrer after a successful regime. “It’s very rewarding when people come to see you and had problems [before]. There’s a woman I helped pass a police physical test, and we still stay in touch because she’ll call me for advice.”

The 2004 Woodlawn graduate joins personal trainer Brian Connell at the Y.

If you have questions about personal trainers, you may contact Kehrer at 316-4902 or at the YMCA at 242-5345.