About

Welcome to my blog!

My name is Crystal Riels-Quintero.

Most of my career as a registered nurse was spent working with those in renal failure. I have witnessed what the complications of diabetes and high blood pressure can do; especially to kidneys. Diabetes and hypertension are the number 1 and 2 reasons respectively, why people end up on dialysis. Dialysis works to cleanse your body of some of the toxins in the absence of a functioning kidney. A treatment lasts anywhere from 3-6 hrs, 3-4 times a week.  Dialysis is not a cure.  It is an aid.  If you have been diagnosed with chronic renal failure and on dialysis–that is where you will stay; unless you receive a kidney transplant.

Diabetes and hypertension are highly treatable, but more to the point—they are preventable in many cases.

Medication is one way–but this means you are working to treat instead of prevent.

 

Why personal training instead of nursing?

First and foremost, I am a nurse.  I don’t really plan on giving that up.  However, I feel traditional nursing is no longer for me.  My calling is aimed towards prevention, instead of “patching up.”  Furthermore, the title of  “personal trainer” doesn’t fully encompass what I hope to accomplish.  That’s the reason behind the name change of my blog–from Personal Training w/Crystal, to “Life Training…”

Because diabetes and hypertension can have far-reaching ramifications, I believe exercise and nutrition based intervention are your most decisive allies.  As a registered nurse, I can monitor and provide feedback unfamiliar to most personal trainers.  However, I also believe you’re not just what you eat, you are what you come to see yourself as; and that can be for better or worse.

Who are my clients?  Just as important—who they are not….

–They are not looking to fit a size 2 bikini

–They are not training for their next mixed martial arts competition, Iron Man/Woman event, or desire hardcore weight lifting expertise

–They are not quitters

THEY ARE:

–Those who desire to extend training beyond cardiac rehab stint

–Those who want to improve flexibility, overall fitness, and gain new perspective on exercise & nutrition

–Active, or looking to become active seniors

–Those who may not believe they can work out—due to need for hip replacement, old injuries, or limited mobility (must have medical clearance to exercise)

–Those who have been told they must lose weight or diagnosed as morbidly obese

–Willing to commit to a lifestyle change; not a short-term fix

Who am I? 

–RN-BSN (registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree)

–18 years experience in nursing field (hospital and chronic dialysis unit based)

–a former instructor for nurses and technicians

–someone who has worked with special populations; ranging from client in need of hip replacement to one with fine motor tremors; both desiring weight loss

–someone who enjoys working with anyone desiring a lifestyle change

–AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SPORTS MEDICINE certified personal trainer

–ASFA CPT

Why would you need a personal trainer; or in my case, a lifestyle trainer?

The simplest answer is—you don’t.  IF you can

–find innovative approaches to exercise, giving targeted results

–can implement nutritional changes sufficient to lose the weight you want AND KEEP IT OFF

–supply sufficient motivation to yourself for yourself—persevering through uncomfortable & discouraging situations

–believe and stick to your plan; reminding yourself that your health and fitness are just as important as family obligations, work, school–or anything worthwhile in life

Why would I need a NURSE personal trainer?

IF

–you would like to continue your rehab beyond “rehab”

–complications of diabetes, hypertension, or cardiac issues are part of your background, but have clearance to exercise

–you would like a complete program; including nutrition & fitness assessment

–you are uncomfortable/and or intimidated by personal trainers in a club atmosphere

— you would like to work with a medical professional who understands vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate) and their impact on your workout

–you have been diagnosed as morbidly obese

–you would like the reassurance of having a medical professional as well as a personal trainer

Need more info?  Contact me at serrenity.c@gmail.com