Personal Training Diary

For the last five weeks, I've embarked on committing to a personal training program that not only provides me motivation but helps me see results in strength, flexibility, balance and of course, less fat.

I've been able to sprint on the treadmill, starting at a 10 minute mile to now an 8 minute mile. I can now do regular pushups (not the modified ones on the knees) and bench press the bar (45lbs). Five weeks ago, I didn't lift anything over 25 lbs and most importantly, I feel better and healthier.

The one hour training sessions are flanked by my personal stretching and sprinting routine for 15 minutes before and after. The 90 minutes flies by as Brett takes me through new agility moves in the aerobics room where he has me sprint forwards, side step and run backwards, repeating it three times.

Earlier this week, I did three rounds of: 10 pushups, 10 upright rows and 10 deep V squats. The workout is challenging and fun at the same time and Brett encourages me to do "two more" so I can push myself. Without someone to tell me this, I could easily quit at my 12 repetitions.

Fitness is a lifestyle so I'm happy to learn that I can do so much more than I had imagined before embarking on the program.

Personal Training Diary

After battling some health issues over the last several months, I was ready to embark on a new exercise program. In the past, I normally ran a couple times a week, biked once a week and swam occasionally but this time, I wanted to get my body in balance and incorporate strength, balance, agility and cardio for a total fitness impact.

Last week, I began the personal training program at Gold's with Brett Nelson. Brett is a certified personal trainer from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and quite knowledgeable about how we need to progress our bodies to achieve a desired fitness level. The first two sessions incorporated a full body assessment which measured my weight, fat percentage, resting heart beat, flexibility, strength, etc. I also learned many new active stretches combined with core balance moves to enhance flexibility and posture.

This week, we began plyometrics, the agility ladder where fancy footwork is required to step in and out of the wrungs splayed on the aerobics room floor, some balance ball exercises and finally, I progressed into weight training. Although my weights are light, I am learning proper technique to minimize any injuries.

For my cardio workout, I took a morning spin class which burned about 530 calories in one session plus I plan to participate in Mieko's mountain bike race on Sunday. Incorporating fun into the fitness routine is key.

I'm excited to see what I'll do next week!

If anyone is interested in the personal training program, please call Brett at 233-4000.