Health, Fitness and a Healthy Lifestyle – Interview With A Kinesiologist

This Interview with a Kinesiologist and also Clinical Exercise Physiologist is with Alex Burnaru R.Kin, CSEP-CEP, High Performance Specialization (CSEP) where he answers questions about health, fitness, and balancing it all.

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Hi, Alex Thanks so much for taking the time to do this interview. I know our readers will enjoy it.

1.Can you introduce yourself and describe what you do to our readers?

I am a Registered Kinesiologist through the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario and I hold a certification as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CSEP). I work with the Canadian Armed Forces as a Physical Exercise Specialist in a rehabilitation/reconditioning role and I am responsible for supporting ill or injured military members’ return to duty.

Aside from my professional role with the CAF, I offer kinesiology and fitness services through my personal business, Dacian Fitness. Ultimately, I consider myself a registered kinesiologist and a healthcare provider, promoting exercise as medicine each and every day.

2.What does a typical day or week of fitness look like in your life and where do you get inspired from ?

I have long ago prioritized training and fitness in my life, therefore my habits have been solidified by now and I rarely have days when I do not train or do physical activity.

In terms of what I do or how much, it all depends on my short and long-term goals at that point…but typically I enjoy a variety of training modes: strength training whether it’s lifting heavy or working out with my own body weight, cardiovascular training, I particularly enjoy outdoor training, like stair climbing and hill running, yoga, etc.

I have been practicing martial arts like kyokushin karate and kickboxing for 20+ years and I thoroughly enjoy this type of training on a regular basis.

Regarding inspiration, as mentioned initially, I have been training/exercising for most of my life without any significant breaks, therefore I potentially require less daily inspiration than the average person, due to my ingrained habits; but I always strive to set achievable long and short-term goals in order to maintain a certain level of motivation.

My professional role also requires me to be fit and lead by example, which can be inspiring in itself.

I always strive to set achievable long and short-term goals in order to maintain a certain level of motivation.

3.How do you find balance in your teaching, training and personal life ?

Balance is something that I have always emphasized on my journey.

I am lucky and grateful to combine my passion with my career, which allows for a smoother transition from work to my own training and to family life. They all intertwine and complement each other, although I purposefully aim to create healthy boundaries between work time and family time/personal life.

Ultimately, my family’s lifestyle revolves around planning healthy activities together, whether it’s outdoor family runs, long hikes, strength training, etc. My wife is also a kinesiologist and we consistently support each other and our son’s development through physical activity and an overall balanced lifestyle, even if we set performance-oriented goals that require more sacrifice, dedication, and time. Supporting each other is key to achieving success with fitness and health goals.

4.How would you describe your philosophy on health and fitness?

Although my philosophy on health and fitness can be a bit more complex, I usually provide the same message to my clients, which is the essence of my professional recommendation: success in fitness for most people comes down to performing simple, basic, time-tested exercises with acceptable form, but more importantly, CONSISTENTLY.

Ultimately, consistency doesn’t mean doing a 30-day challenge or going to the gym every day for 6 months; real, long-lasting results will come from years and years of consistent work. This is why the word “lifestyle” has so much value and relevance in the context of fitness and wellness goals.

5.What foods would be your favorite picks also pre and post workout meals ?

I do not recommend specific foods as I do not think my professional background or personal interest recommend me for it.
That is not to say that I am not interested in nutrition or I do not think it is important. On the contrary. I simply do not believe in the importance of eating certain prescribed foods, but a variety of foods from all food groups.

I believe in and recommend balance, a healthy relationship with food, not succumbing to extremes but allowing yourself to explore and enjoy while following basic, sound, and evidence-based principles of nutrition: a proper distribution of macro-nutrients which might be slightly different between the average active person and the performance endurance or strength athlete, an understanding of the quality and quantity of caloric requirements for one’s needs, and, most importantly, an emphasis on whole, non-processed foods.

Pre/post workout meals/snacks are important and different depending on one’s goals and type of workout performed for example: aerobic versus anaerobic.

Our bodies are connected and in constant communication with our minds, which requires a holistic approach to bettering the lifestyle habits that make up who we are.

6.Any other thoughts or advice in regards to a healthy lifestyle achieved through your line of work?

Although I briefly discussed my philosophy on health and fitness, highlighting the importance of consistency and simplicity, I do recognize that personal goal specificity requires an individualized approach to exercise prescription, nutrition, sleep, and stress management.

Addressing these four pillars of total health is recommended (and, many times, paramount!) when attempting to achieve fitness, performance, or rehabilitation goals.

Our bodies are connected and in constant communication with our minds, which requires a holistic approach to bettering the lifestyle habits that make up who we are.

Many times, our bodies will improve only if our minds improve (through stress management, meditation, mindfulness, etc.) and vice-versa through better sleep, good food choices and an improved relationship with food, and higher levels of quality physical activity. This is a circular continuum and a feedback loop that can be either positive or negative, depending on our choices.

Ultimately, my recommendation is to set realistic goals, start with simple/manageable changes focused on the four pillars of health mentioned above, commit to a progressive action plan, and stay consistent on your path long-term.

Thank you so much to Alex for taking the time to do this Interview post.

Do you have any additional questions for Alex ? Let us know in the comments below!

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