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.

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 to adapt and function better in daily life through utilizing the right muscle groups and motor units.

What is a Pongo?
Our founder – Elizabeth Pongo! Elizabeth Pongo learned about sports from her father, Laszlo Pongo. Laszlo 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.

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

Laszlo was also a United States Fencing Official in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. He became in 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. László took up teaching and coaching fencing as well.

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 around 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. 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 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?
Many people meet with Certified Personal Trainers in their own homes. 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 and 7 feet long.

What kind of exercise can I do with a Trainer in my own home if I don't have a home gym?
Your Trainer will help you with the most important things—motivaton, physical form, and technique! In order to acheive results 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 stregthen your torso and improve posture; exercises for the shoulders, back, and arms; and resistance training with elastic bands or dumbbells and weights. Finally, in order to avoid any stress injuries, Personal Trainers teach clients about stretching and 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.