Monday’s Personal Trainer Update August 20, 2009

Current Goal: 1) Fill out UGA application, 2) Set PT appointment for knowledge and routine (August 17 @ 11 a.m.), 3) Change childrens time to Saturday and Sunday, 4) Adjust ‘me’ schedule for children in school, and 5) Continue my positive inner conversations.

Current Struggle: I have set up a new schedule for exercising since my children are back in school.  Lillian, I can’t wait to meet you at 10 a.m. on Friday.  : )

Current Weight: 161.4 (according to Julie’s scale August 5th)

Current Mood: Adjusting well to my new routine : )

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Okay, here is the scoop on my meeting with a Personal Trainer on Monday.  We met at 11 a.m. and started with a discussion, as we warmed up on the eliptical machine, on where I was at physically thus far and what I wanted to accomplish with strength training.  I told him I wanted to do full body strength training.

After our discussion, we started working…okay, he started instructing and I started working : )  First, I held 5 pound dumbbells and did sidelunges while doing bicep curls.  I went to the left for a count of 12, rested a minute, to the right for a count of 12, rested a minute, and then repeated the sequence for two sets.  Then, I got water and moved to a step exercise.

He put the step up 4 platforms high, which I thought was really high for a beginner and we kept the dumbbells from the first exercise.  I did a right step up, and while I lifted my left knee up for a high knee, I lifted the dumbbells up above my head.  Then, I lowered the dumbbells, while I stepped down with my left foot and then my right foot.  I then repeated this stepping with the left foot first for a count of 12.  I did two sets of this exercise, got water, rested for 5 minutes and moved on to my next challenge.

For my third exercise in my full body workout, we kept the dumbbells and moved to what looked like a 2 inch rubber balance beam.  He had me place my left foot on the rubber balance beam, while I kept my right foot suspended.  When I was balanced, he had me lift the dumbbells from in front of me out to my sides (forming a T) making sure I did not lock my elbows.  I then lowered the dumbbells to my sides, and as I slowly lifted my right leg up behind me, he had me bring the dumbbells to my front making sure I kept my elbows bent.  Then, I lowered my arms to my side and lowered my foot to beside my left foot for a count of one.  He had me do 12 balancing on my left leg and 12 balancing on my right leg.  I again did two sets, got water, rested 5 minutes and moved to my next challenge.

For my fourth strength training exercise, we moved to a machine that held a barbell.  He adjusted the weight (no, I didn’t ask him how much he put on it…sometimes it is best not to know those things), put a cushion that looked like a pipe insulator on it and showed me how to work it.  I opted to work the barbell across my shoulders while I stood in front of the machine.  I had to place my feet about even with the front of the machine, lift and roll the bar to keep it from locking on me as I lowered my body into an almost sitting position, then squeezed my glutes and exhaled while I lifted the bar back up.  I did 12 reps and two sets of this exercise, also.  Then, I got water, rested for 5 minutes and moved to my next challenge.

My last exercise was on another machine.  It worked my biceps, triceps, pects, and various muscles in my shoulders and upper back.  Once again, the weight was set for me…didn’t ask…and I was told to climb up onto the platform with my knees resting in the middle.  I grabbed the first of three handles and proceeded to raise my body with my arms until I could just see above the machine, then lowered my body until my elbows were almost straight.  I did 12 reps and rested one minute.  Then, I grabbed the third of three handles and repeated the process for 12 reps.   I finished the reps, got water and then we begin my stretching/cool down.  For my cool down, he had me do a lot of yoga stretches that felt good.

I was hot, sweating, tired and I felt absolutely wonderful…until we discussed his PT fee.  I would really love to have someone standing beside me when I enter the gym to show me what to do and the correct way to do it; however, I cannot afford $60 per session for 24 sessions ($1,440 for 8 weeks meeting 3 times a week).  When I told him I couldn’t do that…he dropped it to $55 per session for 24 sessions ($1,320 for 8 weeks meeting 3 times a week).  Don’t get me wrong, I fully believe I AM TOTALLY WORTH IT…I just can’t afford it…There is a difference.  As a single momma living on a limited income (until I finish school), I know where my financial priorities are.  So, I have decided to use the one fullbody workout that I was given for free and hope that I run into some very knowledgable gym ’regulars’ who will show me how to use other machines and do other strength exercises.  I also went to the Library (my favorite exercise DVD place) and borrowed some strength training books.  Maybe, I can create my own workout routine.

Anywho, back to my workout.  It was awesome.  I was surprised I didn’t feel it Monday night.  I was a little sore on Tuesday morning and I got a little more sore by Tuesday night; however, it was only enough to make me realize I had gotten a really good workout…not the kind of sore that makes you not want to move for about a month : )

PS:  Oh, I just remembered something about Carolyn using her ‘bonus’ money for a personal trainer.  I will email her for more information.

Well, that’s my PT update…take care of yourselves and MOVE!