One Step Forward…
We’ve returned from our brief vacation at the ocean, and although I am glad to be home, I really wish we could have stayed longer. We are definitely going to visit the beach again very soon – it really was good for my head, good for our family, and we kept the sunburn to a minimum.
Last week I had what I consider a significant fitness accomplishment – I visited a personal trainer to get information on whether one-on-one training is right for me, and whether it’s something I can afford. As I mentioned in the previous article, I feel as though right now I need a little help with the diet and exercise routines, including a primer on whole foods in moderation, ideas on good substitutes for the simple carbs that I crave, and a workout regimen that will really stick.
Unfortunately, this trainer is not going to “work out” for me (sorry for the bad pun – wait – no I’m not. G’head. Savor it.). Long story short? He charges approximately $68 per session, and would like to see me in the gym 4 times a week.
Folks, as much as I loved the facility and jived with the trainer, I cannot swing $272 a week/$1000+ a month on a trainer, especially since I’m looking at 4-5 months of training easily to lose the weight I want to lose. So I’m looking for alternatives.
However, I am giving myself credit for the effort. Going to a gym is not something I’m very inclined to do – sad to say; particularly in a one-on-one situation. But I did it – I made myself go admit to a chiseled, smooth-skinned, tanned and toned stranger that I’m really overweight, totally out of shape right now (can you say easily winded?), have needed to strengthen my upper body since oh, I don’t know, high school (please God kill me now), and generally need some help from the ranks of the toned-to-the-bone. These are not things I like to talk about with anybody, particularly someone who is my height and in Greek Mythological shape.
Oh, and yes, he had all of his hair. The bastard.
But I got over myself and did it, and I count that as a win.
I am sure that some of us can’t help but think that this would have been more of a win if I’d actually signed up – and I can see the point. But for me, it is that first step that was the hardest. I’ve been fighting it for a long time, and I feel confident that I can walk into another gym or two and be much more open to the possibilities.
I’m still going to check out other training alternatives, but I don’t want to wait for the perfect situation to hit me. So in the meantime, I’m going to check out a fitness workout DVD or two and see how that goes while I continue to investigate. I am also looking into local 5k and 10k races, which are great motivators as well.
At any rate, I am on the move again, and it feels good.
Related posts:
- February: Behind, but finally feeling better
- January health and fitness goals – my two minute warning
- A Quick Story, and What I’ve Been Reading (Hint: it might be your blog)
- 2010: Setting Them Up and Knocking Them Down
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Oh yes, you certainly deserve credit for overcoming your unease. That unease is only natural – we all have it!
In my humble opinion you really don’t need a personal trainer on a continuous basis. It’s nice to have, but few people can afford that! There is so much information about fitness and exercising out there that you needn’t be adrift. For instance, Bob Greene’s book “Total Body Makeover” gives you a program that comprises various types of cardio, strength and functional exercises. There’s a beginners, intermediate and advanced program, so if you’re just starting, you’re sorted for 36 weeks!
Good luck! You’ll figure it out!
While I applaud your effort, it seems to me that you’re fallen into that “all or nothing” mentality that so many people do.
If you really do feel like you need a trainer for a little bit, there’s no reason you can’t find a trainer who will agree to work within your budget. Some of them will agree to meet with you once a week and give you a workout to do on your own the other 3 or 4 days. And just because you need someone NOW to help you figure out a plan, doesn’t mean you’re going to need that person for the entire 4-5 months of your weight loss period. IN fact a good trainer will train you to NOT need him eventually.
Why not talk to him about a once a week session – or maybe 2x a week for the first 2 weeks, so you can build a comfort level with the routines.
I personally met with a trainer for about a month. I did a ton of online research myself, taught myself about nutrition, and had him simply verify what I was learning and help me with form. Once I had that down, I really didn’t need him any more – I was able to continue on my own.
Don’t let an all or nothing mentality become another excuse!
Ok, me again. I skipped back and read the post you made about eating and exercise and so forth.
One thing I’m curious about is how you define “eating seasonally”. It seems that you simply quit eating veggies during the winter. I’m not sure I understand this. A canned tomato or fresh frozen veggies are good for you – why would you avoid them? If this is a case of wanting to eat locally or somewhat organically, I can respect that because it’s what I try to do as well … but one must be sensible within those guidelines.
I’m not entirely sure what the point of “seasonal” eating is when it causes you to become unhealthy.
I’ve often thought about being a trainer – yeah, me! It seemed like a good way to earn money and stay in shape at the same time. But, whatever. I think the most important thing is just to do something physical everyday. For me right now, it’s swimming. It’s something I love to do, and I have easy (and free!) access to a nice pool. In the past, it’s been cycling – also free. I don’t commit a huge chunk of time – I make it as easy as I can on myself. And, more often than not, even a little effort will pay off. Just try to do something everyday; 5, 10, 30 minutes. Before you know it, you’ll be doing an hour, and it won’t be a chore. A DVD can be a good way to go, too. Somewhere around here, I have my old Jane Fonda workout album. It’s yours, if you have a record player!
Good forward step, and yes, take the credit! However, as pointed out, you may not need a trainer all the time, perhaps a few sessions to get you started and make sure you are using good form would be enough. Or, if you needed more regular motivation, it doesn’t have to be four sessions a week! At any rate, don’t give up, not all trainers insist on a certain number of sessions per week! Some trainers are happy to give discounts for multiple sessions, and let you choose when you feel you need the sessions. Or, if you have a friend or relative who is interested, sometimes you can arrange for splitting the cost of a session if the trainer is willing to work with two people at a time.
My husband finally took the step… he was making no progress whatsoever on his own. Yet, he did want to lose weight.
Well, our local gym decided to promote Body For Life, since one of the trainers had done it with some success. And they offered a plan that included 12 sessions for a reasonable sum. Hubby has lost some 40 inches and over 17 pounds in TWO MONTHS! Plus, he had a head cold and wasn’t working out much for two weeks during that! The funny bit is his exercise sessions are shorter than he was doing before! And the trainer keeps things varied, so he’s not in a total rut all the time with exercise like he was. I might add that his trainer is a woman… in fact, all the trainers at our gym are, for some reason. So he’s not facing some muscle head dude and I’m sure that’s less intimidating for him.
His sessions have run out… and he was talking about going it on his own, but he decided that his results were so good with the trainer, he’d continue. Over a stretch of a couple months, the cost really isn’t that bad (around $200) and we feel the investment in his health is well worth it.
Anyway, whether you go it with a trainer or alone, the important thing is to just be active and find something you enjoy doing on a regular basis!
Workout DVDs are a great way to get started in an exercise routine. You can do it from the comfort of your own home at your own pace.
Look for ones that fit what you’re looking for. There are lots out there!
I understand about the financial end of getting a personal trainer because I did it. Am I rich, hell no! This is the thing, I’m 53 years old, used to have a hot body (was a U.S. Marine) and after 20 years of health decline with losing babies and 12 major surgeries later, guess what, I deserve this.
I have a gorgeous 26 yr old man in perfect shape and health as my trainer, funny too, that’s a plus. I work out 3 days a week and I told the gym that I wanted at least 3 months with him and I would pay them $300 at a time, sometimes every two weeks, sometimes once a month, but that I would pay the whole amt by the end of the 3 months, total $1440. I know, I know that does indeed sound outrageous, but if any of you reading this have suffered, really suffered ill health (and I know many of you have), then you’re as sick of being sick as I am. I am willing to do whatever it takes to get back my strength, my health, my figure, my LIFE! My wonderful husband of 30 years agrees with me and supports me (believe me, after looking at the cost, I didn’t even think he would, but he did.) He wants to see me happy too. I’ve had two workouts with him already this week and I can’t tell you what a PROFOUND effect it has had on my desire to eat right, exercise right and take care of myself like never before. So, if you ask me if it was worth the money, if, in fact, I was worth the investment, then the answer is a resounding “YES”! GOOD LUCK TO YOU, I THINK YOU’RE WORTH IT IF YOU CAN FIGURE OUT A WAY TO DO IT TOO. LINDA
I agree with others that four times/week is nowhere near necessary, guy’s trying to fill his schedule. I think classes are awesome, don’t know if your gym has them, I think DVDs would be boring (repeats), but what’s important is to be active, and get some good exercise almost daily.
Try the P90X program. It did wonders for my fiance’s body!
Leigh took my suggestion.
I was going to suggest P90x. Tony Horton is over 50 but he looks like he is in his 30s. The workouts are based on “muscle confusion” and you can mix and match the workout DVDs according to your tastes. The best thing about P90x is that the videos tell you how much time and how many reps are left at all times. You don’t have to guess how long you will be doing something. He also has his ‘minions’ demonstrate the easy, medium and hard way all at the same time and you can choose who you wish to follow.
It’s about $150 including shipping and handling but it is well worth it.
And no, I have no connections with Tony Horton, P90x or anything else. It’s just a great system.