User:Freddie.Bauer/Gunnar Peterson

Gunnar Peterson is a Swedish American personal trainer and physical fitness expert well known for his work with professional athletes, celebrities and everyday people. Also an author, creator of major fitness programs, and developer of fitness equipment, he is widely recognized for his expertise in functional training and his commitment to developing and implementing innovative fitness techniques.

Early Life
Growing up as a child in Houston, Texas, Gunnar struggled with his weight. At age 10, his mother enrolled him in Weight Watchers and began driving him to weekly meetings. By college, Gunnar had gotten serious about fitness and dropped the extra pounds. Today Gunnar subjects himself to the same punishing training methods as he does his clients – clearly evidenced by his chiseled 5’10” 9.5% body fat frame.

== Career ==

Fitness Expert and Personal Trainer
Gunnar owns and operates a private training facility in Beverly Hills, California where he works out up to 9 clients per day. “My main focus is function”, says Peterson.

"Gunnar Peterson works out up to nine clients a day at his Beverly Hills gym,      and they're often a mix of pro athletes and movie stars.  J-Lo says he's the best       trainer she's ever had, Sly Stallone was so grateful for Peterson's help he cast       the trainer in Rocky VI, and after Pete Sampras won the 2002 U.S. Open       he gave Peterson a racquet signed THANKS FOR EXTENDING MY CAREER." - Sports Illustrated

Gunnar works with each client on an individual basis, focusing on achieving long-term results through challenging and constantly varied workouts. With over 20 years in the fitness industry, Gunnar utilizes a dynamic approach to fitness – which combined with his boundless energy and humor – adds to the effectiveness of the experience his clients enjoy.

Approach to Fitness
Gunnar teaches that exercise does more than benefit the body today. He believes that exercise has the ability to positively affect tomorrow, years and even decades from now. “When you exercise, your endorphins are pumping, your blood is flowing, and your body is changing. In turn, your self-esteem is enhanced, your mood is elevated, and you are kinder to those around you.” Research supports his belief. The benefits of exercise - from improving mental health to tangible aging benefits - have been well documented in studies and statistics published by Harvard University, Duke University, the Mayo Clinic, NIH and more.

According to the Mayo Clinic: “Physical activity helps to bump up the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins. Although this function is often referred to as a runner’s high, a rousing game of tennis or a nature hike also can contribute to this same feeling.”

Gunnar’s approach emphasizes strength training modalities that can be transferred from the gym to daily life, from training camp to championship. Peterson incorporates other elements into client sessions from medicine balls and kettle bells to plyometric moves, cardio interval training, toning, diet and nutrition. To keep the mind and muscles from getting bored, he also integrates items like a climbing wall, a putting green, ladder footwork drills and an outdoor punching bag into his client routines. Peterson creates different workouts for different clients every day. He has clients eat protein early in the day, making breakfast the largest meal and dinner the smallest. "Get on a regular routine. Exercise should be a cornerstone of your life, like brushing your teeth. It's not even an option to blow it off." Gunnar teaches the winning formula behind every fitness success story is tied to motivation, information, variety, and consistency.

Gunnar has long been an advocate of eliminating the misinformation and hype that often surrounds fitness trends in the media. He continually strives to make the correct information regarding fitness and nutrition simple, accessible and easy to apply to daily life for all. Combined with two decades of fitness training experience, his degrees in fitness, psychology and nutrition position him to speak credibly on all aspects of fitness – and he is frequently called upon to give advice in popular television, print and online forums. He also emphasizes the importance of getting enough sleep and the importance of proper nutrition. He recommends that people consume their foods as close to their natural state as possible. For those still seeking motivation he advises “do it for you.”  Ever action oriented, Gunnar tells those still sitting on the sidelines “Don’t make a big deal out of (it). Of the three “D’s” involved — decide, discuss, and do — eliminate “discuss.”

Gunnar’s Core Secrets
Believing fitness is for everyone, Gunnar advises trainers to “Learn as much about health and fitness as you possibly can, then set out to share it with as many people as you possibly can.” As developer of the “Core Secrets” workout, Gunnar created a popular series of home fitness DVDs by the same name designed to deliver comprehensive core conditioning.

Including 18 videos, Gunnar’s Core Secrets is a training program featuring full body and body part specific workouts that focus on strengthening the core of the body while improving muscle tone and assisting with weight loss. “The majority of people can benefit from conditioning of their core muscles as the ‘core’ actually consists of many different muscles that stabilize the spine and pelvis and run the entire length of the torso. These muscles stabilize the spine, pelvis and shoulder and provide a solid foundation for movement in the extremities. Core conditioning exercise programs need to target all these muscle groups to be effective. The muscles of the core make it possible to stand upright and move on two feet. These muscles help control movements, transfer energy, shift body weight and move in any direction. A strong core distributes the stresses of weight bearing and protects the back.”

The Mayo Clinic recommends core training – noting that strong core muscles make it easier to do most physical activities, improves your balance and stability, and can be done at home without a gym membership. "Strong core muscles make it easier to do everything from swinging a golf club to getting a glass from the top shelf or bending down to tie your shoes. Weak core muscles leave you susceptible to poor posture, lower back pain and muscle injuries."

The “Core Secrets” workouts require only one piece of equipment – a swiss exercise ball (also known as a “stability ball” or “fitness ball”) - and offers users a customizable workout depending on their skill and fitness level. The videos were distributed in partnership with Guthy-Renker and co-hosted with Brooke Burke. Also appearing in the videos are Maeve Quinlan, Angie Everhart and Jason Sehorn.

The Gunnar’s Core Secrets series of videos includes the titles: Off the Ball – Legs, Glutes and Abs; Head to Toe in 30 minutes;  Head to Toe Extended Version;  Accelerated Core Training;   Fun-damentals;   Give me 20;   Bun Battle;   Ab Assault;   Training Camp;   Accelerated Training Camp;   Killer Legs, Gluts, Hams and Quads;   A Leg Up on the Competition;   Arms, Legs and Everything In Between;   Gunnar’s Hard Body Challenge;   Full Body Challenge;   Upper Body Challenge;   25 minute Full Body Workout;   and Cardio Strength Interval Mix.

Reduce and Renew, Stronger by Design, and Ready to Go
Gunnar has also created a series of three programs 1) “Reduce and Renew,” which was designed to support your weight loss program; 2) Stronger by Design,” created to strengthen and build muscle mass; and 3) “Ready to Go,” a routine for greater energy and stamina when you’re active throughout your day, as well as 70 exercises from which you can create your own custom workout plan. (downloadable to your ipod for free with video of Gunnar taking you through the workout).

The Alliance for Healthier Pets
Gunnar's fitness efforts extend beyond the gym to reach man's best friend. With statistics showing there are more than 54 million pets in America that are overweight, pet obesity has become an epidemic. Over 44 percent of dogs and 57 percent of cats are now estimated to be overweight or obese according to the latest APOP study. In 2008 Gunnar Peterson teamed with The American Veterinary Medical Association and Hills Pet Nutrition to form the Alliance for Healthier Pets. As a personal trainer, devoted dog owner and animal lover, Gunnar put together some activities for a video series to teach cat and dog owners how they can enjoy a happier, fitter, healthier lifestyle with their pets. Gunnar also teamed up with Molly Sims for the PetFit Challenge.

“The videos, made in partnership with Hills Pet Nutrition, a pet food company, are free and downloadable on Petfit.com. The easy-to-do workouts expand on basic, everyday activities. Power Dog Walk with Intervals combines dog walking with jogging and running. Dog Tag mimics the timeless children's game.”

The pet and pet owner exercise videos include options for dogs and cats and include both new twists on traditional exercises, some new exercises all together and all are designed to be easy to integrate into a hectic lifestyle and maintain. This focus on achieving long-term results makes a difference for pets as well as his clients.

The free exercise videos may be found online at: http://www.petfit.com/Petfit/pfCommonDisplay.hjsp?asst=pfAmericasFittestPetsContest and include the following: People and Dogs: Power Dog Walks with Intervals;  Dog Tag;  Fetch Races;  Fetch Tease for Abs;  Dog Squat Tease;  Dogstacle Course;  Dog Stairs People and Cats: "Light" Cardio;  "Light" Abs;  Curious Cat Curls

Author
Gunnar Peterson released his first book, G-Force, in January 2005 (Regan Books). Now out in paperback as The Workout (Harper Collins), the book is about training, making it a part of your life, creating and maintaining a positive mindset, and improvising to keep workouts effective and interesting. As outlined in his book G-Force, underlying Gunnar’s approach to fitness are what he calls the four "F-words" – Function, Foundation, Freedom and Focus – which are grounded in 13 classic exercises. He refers to these 13 classic exercises as the "Lucky 13" – a mixture of the best overall muscle developing exercises with the most versatility. Gunnar explains at least 85 percent of all flashy exercises come down to "spin-offs" of these 13 classic movements that cover every body part—legs, glutes, chest, back, shoulders, triceps, biceps, and abdominals. Gunnar Peterson's expertise in functional training has helped transform the lives of celebrities, professional athletes and countless others.

The Workout: Core Secrets from Hollywood's #1 Trainer ISBN: 9780060738068; ISBN10: 0060738065; Imprint: Harper Paperbacks

G-Force: The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Body Ever Tap into the secret weapon responsible for the world's most coveted and sculpted bodies – from Hollywood A–listers to pro athletes – and let fitness guru Gunnar Peterson map out your optimal get–in–shape strategy. ISBN: 9780060738051; ISBN10: 0060738057

Gunnar also serves as an editor and writes a regular column for Muscle and Fitness magazine, is on the advisory board for Fitness (magazine), and has been a contributing editor for Glamour magazine as well as a contributor for Clean Eating magazine.

Gunnar is also regularly featured in Allure, Elle, InStyle, In Touch, US Weekly, Men's Health, Women's Health, Self and other magazines. His television appearances include The Today Show, Fox & Friends, CNN, CNN Headline News, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, Extra, shows for E! and VH1, and as a fitness expert on reality television shows.

Education
Gunnar Peterson is a graduate of Duke University (class of 1985) in Durham, NC with degrees in Physical Fitness, Psychology and Nutrition. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), a National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), and is certified by the American Council on Exercise.

Clientele
Gunnar is well known for his work with athletes from the NBA, NHL, NFL, USTA, professional boxing and various NCAA sports. Many film and television celebrities have also sought Gunnar's guidance in preparing for roles and have stayed on to become devoted clients, making him a part of their regular fitness regimen.

Partnerships
Gunnar's innovative approach and his devotion to pursuing and communicating only the most credible and effective fitness information have resulted in several corporate partnerships and business opportunities. Gunnar currently enjoys relationships with Adidas, Gatorade, LPG, Hill's Pet Nutrition and others.

Business Ventures
Through his own fitness product development company, Outside Shot, Gunnar has created The Bottom Line™, a total body exercise machine, The RAC™, an accessory that incorporates weighted upper body work with Spinning®, and Hoop Hands™, a basketball-specific resistance training aid. Gunnar owns and operates a private gym in Beverly Hills, CA.