I just finished another few weeks of sessions with the perky personal trainer.
This is not us. I don't wear zip-up mock turtlenecks.
It was a great investment in body and mind, and it's time to make a go of it on my own.
These are the 6 things I learned from hiring a personal trainer.
1. You're not that special.
I first heard that sentiment from my mom. I also heard it from the woman who does bra fittings in hard-to-fit-sizes when she told me that I was not hard to fit because God didn't make me special. Again I heard it from the trainer.
It's good to hear that your experience is like everyone else's. Certain moves make can make your hamstring cramp up, 100 crunches hurt you just like they hurt everyone else, exposing your weaknesses can make you cry. Typical. Congratulations, you're normal.
2. You are stronger than you think you are.
I did things I never imagined I'd be able to do and pushed myself further then I thought I could go. I thought my head or heart would explode, I felt like my legs were going to give out. But instead I got stronger.
3. Knowing that you just completed something regarded as difficult is a real ego boost.
When I'd finish a workout and the trainer would say "That was a hard circuit I just put you through, you handled it really well" I'd be all proud of myself. Glowing.
4. Music makes everything better.
Working out in silence with a trainer counting down your planks sucks. I need music to ease the pain. I need my Peaches, or Robyn, or Madonna, or Gaga in my ears.
5. Get a new pair of shoes every 6 months.
That's what "they" say, to help ease knee pain. I tried using Dr. Scholl's orthotics in my sneakers but that was more annoying than helpful. I think it's time for some new New Balances already.
6. You can work out with the buff boys.
I no longer avoid the pulleys, weights and heavy plates room. I'm not self-conscious standing there with my 10-lb. dumbbells next to the big kids. I do dips and pull-ups with a line of treadmill runners in front of me.
I stopped wearing big floppy t-shirts when I saw myself in the full length mirror trying to do rigorous movements in them. I care more about myself than how others might see me. And realistically I know nobody cares what I'm doing, but the point is, I'm more confident now.
And that's kinda cool.
I still hate going to the gym, don't get me wrong. But I'm making it work.
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