Three-time triathlete and yoga instructor out swims sharks to join Tony and Michelle on Totally Fit Radio

Totally Fit Radio, Saturday mornings on AM 560 WIND, is one of the best resources in the area for information that will help people get and stay fit. Each week, hosts Tony and Michelle Myatt, who also provide personal fitness training through their sister company, Total-U-Fitness in Ringwood, invite interesting and informed guests to speak on the air.

With a wide range of fitness experts as guests, the program provides listeners with an opportunity to listen in as the Myatts and their guests engage in discussions that are enhanced by the expertise of everyone at the table. The variety of guests also ensures that their show fits perfectly with the Myatt’s total approach to fitness.

One such guest who was recently on the air is Rachel Sierminski, a yoga instructor and triathlete. Sierminski has a long list of credentials. She teaches yoga in the Chicago neighborhoods of Logan Square and Ravenswood. She also teaches yoga at Chicago Endurance Sports. At the latter, she manages their marathon and triathlon programs. She also offers her expertise at Fleet Feet Sports, a runner’s specialty store.

“At Fleet Feet Sports, we do gate analysis and fit people for proper shoes,” Sierminski said. “It’s a retail store but there is a big community aspect to it – fun runs and other events.”

Her cumulative experience and knowledge made her an excellent choice for Totally Fit Radio. When Sierminski called in to the radio program, the trio discussed how to prepare and warm up before triathlons. However, they also pointed out that the knowledge shared that morning translates, in many ways, to other types of competitions and even for purely fitness activities.

They discussed how and when to hydrate, when to stretch, what and when to eat as you prepare for a competition. For the purposes of a triathlon, everything was down to the minute. Sierminski also pointed out the importance of having the correct equipment – clothing, water bottles and, especially, good fitting shoes.

The focus was on maximizing the fitness and competition experience while minimizing the possibility of injury. That includes taking care not to over train. She said a good coach helps with motivation but also with keeping an athlete or runner in check.

Sierminski then shared her personal experience in competitions, which made it clear she knows what she’s talking about.

“I’ve done three ironman triathlons, a bunch of half triathlons … and qualified for the Boston Marathon,” she said. “I’ve caught the sickness. It becomes more of a lifestyle than a hobby.”

Sierminski recalled how, when competing in a triathlon in Panama City, she was aware that the swimming leg of the competition was in the ocean.

“Panama City – it’s the shark capital of the continental U.S.,” she said, adding that she has a rather rational fear of sharks. However, she calmed herself with the knowledge that she’s only five-feet tall and “there are taller people (in the race) who are more enticing” to a shark.

Along with sharing interesting anecdotes from her competitions, Sierminski also spoke of the motivation required to compete, as well as for general fitness. She said she got started when she was 15 using a yoga tape produced with Ali MacGraw, the actress who starred in the film “Love Story.”

“I used that tape until I was about 20 and then I started going to classes,” Sierminski said. “I think there was a part of it that I didn’t enjoy at the beginning but I knew it would be good for me.” Eventually, she learned to love the training and fitness.

Whatever someone’s goal for working out, she said everyone is unique and their program needs to be tailored to their personal needs. As a coach, she helps people adjust their workouts for optimal and yet safe effect.

“You have to take training and fit it to the person rather than the other way around,” she said.

One method of adjusting a training program, such as for someone getting started in triathlons, is to use time trials. Once you’ve determined a person’s base time, you can move things around.

She said she’s noticed that some people who compete in races, such as triathlons, are very modest about what they’re doing.

“Some people come in and say, ‘I’m not a runner. I just run a couple times a week,’ or, ‘I’m training for this triathlon but I’m not a triathlete,” Sierminski said. “And I say, ‘Yes, you are a runner’ or ‘you’re in a triathlon, you are a triathlete.’ When they start believing then they’re empowered.”

She doesn’t take credit for that empowerment, however. They may hear it from several people but, ultimately, it’s up to them.

Though the program has already aired, it’s still available through podcast at: http://www.totallyfitradio.com/main/index.php/podcasts. You can catch current Totally Fit Radio programs at 5 a.m. on AM 560 WIND.

To contact Tony and Michelle, visit Total-U-Fitness by calling (800) 559-UFIT (8348) or by visiting http://www.totalufit.com.