Nail your training with Gunnar's do's & don'ts

Starting a new training program can be an uncertainty minefield: How do I do it? How often? How do I know it’s working? If you need a bit more fitness guidance, don’t worry – you’re in Gunnar’s gym now.

Celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson is Director of Strength and Endurance for the LA Lakers and trainer of choice for some of the biggest stars in the world. Now he’s joined Chris Hemsworth’s team to help you lose weight and fast-track your results with his four-week program for women, Gunnar X Centr.

After 30 years helping celebrities and everyday people transform their bodies, Gunnar knows all the do’s and don’ts of getting the job done. Whether you’re a beginner or just ready to level up, Gunnar has the tried and tested knowledge to get you on board and up to speed.

But while Gunnar brings the expertise to guide you through every step of Gunnar X Centr, the core motivation is up to you.

“You know why you want to do this – ultimately it’s on you,” Gunnar says. “But I will not let you down.” So, before you start, ask yourself not how you’ll do this, but why? Set a clear, ‘smart’ goal and find the focus that will power you through.

Once you have your motivation and strategy, all you have to do is stick with the plan, trust the process and follow Gunnar’s Do’s & Don’ts:

1. DON’T let the wall stop you
“If you hit a wall, you can work around it, work over it or work through it – but don’t stop! If you need to, try slowing the pace of a workout and concentrating on form, modifying movements to remove the explosive element or using lower weights. With simple regressions and by playing with angles and nuances you can often find a way to do things you thought you couldn't.”

DON'T get off track, DO get motivated!

2. DO get more sleep
“If you are feeling sluggish, weak or on the cusp of an illness, pull back on your workout, but don’t stop moving altogether. Do fewer rounds or work out at a lower intensity and treat yourself to the extra ZZZs. After a good sleep, you'll come back stronger, better and faster.”

3. DO make sure there is gas in the tank
“You make sure a car has fuel before you drive it, right? Do the same with yourself before you start! Training with any kind of intensity or for any duration (including the workouts you are doing on Centr) will be tough to complete regularly if you don't fuel properly pre- and post-workout. If in doubt, the meal plan for Gunnar X Centr is designed to make sure you get all the nutrition you need while maximizing results.”

4. DO make your resistance training challenging!
“If you are knocking out the reps with ease, it is time to add resistance: heavier weights, a steeper incline, etc. You know who you are…”

5. DO seek support
“Let’s get through these four weeks together. Find some training buddies to tackle the program with you or reach out for help by connecting with other members in the Centr Facebook community. I might drop by to check in on you, too!”

6. DON'T forget what the 'H' in HIIT/HIRT stands for
“I can assure you it’s definitely not ‘hardly ever,’ ‘haphazard’ or ‘half-hearted.’ It’s ‘high’, people – as in high intensity! So push yourself during our sessions.”

7. DO follow through
“Whether you’re just getting back into exercising or you’re taking your fitness to new heights, don’t let it end with Gunnar X Centr. Maintain those results and make progress. Centr has plenty of training options for your next fitness goals, as well as other new programs and workouts coming soon!”