Interview with Renee Wiggins

 Can I Exercise Sitting Down?
Renee Wiggins
iUniverse (2006)
ISBN 059538647
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (9/06)

Today Juanita Watson, Assistant Editor of Reader Views is talking with author, nutritionist, and fitness professional, Renee Wiggins about her award-winning book “Can I Exercise Sitting Down?”

Renee has over 20 years of experience in the health industry and currently counsels people with Diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesteremia, and for weight management.  She was a trainer at her local YMCA, and now works privately with seniors, children and adults with chronic diseases. She is a member of American Dietetic Associates and American Council on Exercise.  Her book “Can I Exercise Sitting Down?” won first place in the Reader Views Annual Literary Awards 2006 in the Self-help category.

Juanita:  Welcome to Reader Views Renee, we are excited to have the opportunity to talk with you about your book “Can I Exercise Sitting Down?”  Let me start by congratulating you on your first-place win.  How does it feel?

Renee:  I am excited because it proves to me that the career I chose is the right one. I enjoy helping people achieve a healthier lifestyle. When my clients call or e-mail that they have successfully lost weight or have lower their blood glucose levels . I am happy.

Juanita:  Would you tell your readers what “Can I Exercise Sitting Down?” is about?

Renee:  “Can I Exercise Sitting Down is a thirty-day workout book for those persons who worked long hours at their desk or who choose to sit down instead of getting out of the chair and move. I wanted those persons to know that they can still exercise at their desk or from their favorite chair. There is no excuse.

Juanita:  What inspired you to write this book?  Is this your first?

Renee:  My clients inspired me to write this book. My clients will come walking through the door, complaining they were tired and did not feel excited about exercising, so I would have them exercise from their chair. They were surprised they can still get a great workout.

Juanita:  What segment of the population does your book target?

Renee:  This book is targeted for seniors, the population who work at their desk all day long, for those with a broken foot or ankle ( and would use their injury as an excuse to not exercising.), overweight individuals who can not stand too long., Persons with chronic asthma, who have  Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease or any other lung disease.

Juanita:  Is this purely an exercise book?  A weight-loss book?  What type of information do you provide? 

Renee:  No, this is not a weigh-loss book, but a book to get people started. I have pictures to show people what they can do from their desk.

Juanita: How much time do you suggest that someone dedicate to exercise?

Renee:  A person should exercise 5 to 6 times a week for 30 minutes or longer.

Juanita:  Renee, is it really possible for someone to get a beneficial workout on their own, without trainers and a gym?

Renee:  Yes, you can get a good workout without trainers, but you must be a self-motivator. And most people are not. Trainers can push you a little more and watch your form.

Juanita:  Do you address both the cardiovascular and the muscular aspects of exercise?

Renee: I am glad you asked that questions, no, I only address the strength training but there are videos that can show you how to do aerobics from the chair.

Juanita: Exercising while sitting down may be a new concept for many people. What are some examples of exercises that people can do in this position?

Renee:  They can do pilates, yoga, stretching, Just imagine exercising on the train, or plane.

Juanita:  Renee, what type of results can people expect from following your month long plan?

Renee:  The results, I am looking for are to get people motivated, and to let people know that there is no excuse for not exercising.

Juanita:  You offer words of encouragement throughout your book, as well as additional diet and health tips.  Would you comment, as well as elaborate on the need for support when beginning a new exercise program?

Renee:  The support most people need are to set realistic goals - don’t set them to high. Take your time. Look for an exercise buddy. Learn to stick to your plan. Everyday, look at your goals in a different manner.  Don’t look at what you didn’t achieve but look at the small steps you took and achieved.

Juanita:  Renee, what led you into the health field?  Have you always been health conscious?

Renee: I have always participated in team sports, but when I first took my nutrition class, I was spellbound. I thought I knew about nutrition but I didn’t. I went in with zero knowledge and came out with 100 percent knowledge. I was hooked ever since that day. I went to get a degree in nutrition, and on that path, I met a body builder who explained to me that I should learn how to teach exercise in addition to giving nutrition advice.

I took her advice. And got a job at the local YMCA, where I learned about how the machines operated and how they can help people lose weight and build strength. There I met another female body builder, and she told me I should learn how to become a personal trainer. I became obsessed and soon, my body changed from the exercising. I have never looked back. Soon, I was giving speeches and doing fitness demonstrations in the Washington DC area.

Juanita:  Would you tell us a about your professional background?

Renee: I am a Howard University graduate in Clinical Nutrition, board certified RD,  a certified personal trainer, and a certified massage therapist.  I believe in helping people achieve a healthier lifestyle by helping them to develop good eating and exercise habits supplement by a stress management program. I am also an owner of a Medical Lifestyle Spa.

Juanita:  Renee, you have worked with numerous people suffering from chronic disease.  How important is exercise in treating chronic disease?

Renee:  It is very important not to leave out the chronic-ill person, because exercise can help give them a better quality of life.

1. Most of my clients have diabetes; Exercise can lower their high blood glucose levels, and increase their good HDL.
   
2. I have trained persons who had a kidney transplant: Exercise builds up their blood, increases their hemoglobin level, and improves their strength and endurance level.
   
3. For those on dialysis: Exercise increases their hemoglobin level (prevents anemia), builds up their strength and endurance levels, and reduces cramps in their legs when coming off of the dialysis machine.
   
4. I have worked with people who have Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease.

1. Set their goals too high. It takes at least 6 to 8 weeks to see change.
   
2. Looking for quick results.
   
3. Not finding the right exercise.
   
4. A bad trainer
   
5. Location, time and the support.