Personal Training... yes, it is worth the money!

In the last 6 months, my physical shape has much improved. I am running again (and loving it!), working out on a regular basis, and dominating the elliptical machine. I was doing dumbbell exercises for my arms to get them toned, but found it was not really doing anything. After talking with my friend, Eric after he sent me this article as motivation, Powerlifting, I decided to get motivated and start doing some real strength training, not this pussy 5-8 lb dumbbell scheisse anymore. 

I decided to get a personal trainer at my gym because I didn't know what the hell to do and none of my guy friends belong to the same gym to help me out. So in the middle of June, I made the decision to buckle down and get a personal trainer. I was introduced to the awesomest trainer in the world, Mike (the same Mike that I make hilarious Facebook statuses about!) to work on a fitness plan. I told him straight off that I didn't want a pussy workout, that I was serious about strength training and not to go easy on me. I think he was a little taken aback by my intensity, but oh well, that's who I am. I met with him for my "free" consultation to go over what I wanted from the sessions, demonstrated what I was doing, and talking about nutrition. I'm glad that I got Mike as my trainer because right off the bat, told me what I was doing wrong and started me off on the first day with barbell training (woot!). 

These are the goals I have for myself during my personal training

General:

1) Lose about 25 lbs. This will bring me down to my freshmen year of college weight. It's scary but completely manageable.

2) Lose about 8% body fat. This is the most scary thing I think. That's a lot of fat!

3) Work on my posture! I have horrible posture from working at a bench and at a computer all the time! I find myself standing and sitting up straighter when I start slouching. It's really hard to get those muscles stretched out and it hurts, but worth it!

Cardio:

1 hour of cardio, 5 times a week. So far, I am doing really well with this. I wish that it was cooler outside because I prefer to run outdoors. Mostly, I am doing the elliptical trainer right now. I am going to try spin class and Turbo Kick to switch it up sometimes!

Weights:

1) Working on shoulders, back, and legs mostly. Mike identified these as my problematic areas that need strengthening. I am working on a combination of dumbbell (surprisingly not pussy, even if some are using 3 lbs weights!), barbell, and cable exercises. I am enjoying the barbell exercises the most. Plus, guys kind of check girls out when they are doing barbells, which is a huge plus.

2) Weights 3 times a week. I work with Mike twice a week and then do my own routine another day of the week.

Nutrition:

1) Need to start eating breakfast as my largest meal of the day. That way I have the rest of the day to burn off those calories. This is pretty hard for me since I like to eat smaller breakfasts. It's been hard working myself up to eating more early in the day. I'm getting there. Right now, I am switching between a) Egg whites and turkey sausage with a fruit smoothie b) Greek Yogurt with fresh fruit, honey and granola or c) Oatmeal with fresh fruit and milk.

2) Eating smaller meals throughout the day. I find myself eating something about every two hours. I have my typical breakfast, lunch and dinner, but eat fresh fruit, protein bars, smoothies intermixed throughout the day.

3) Cutting down on carbs and bulking up on protein. I love carbs, so this was hard to do at first, but now that I am not used to eating carbs it has been so hard. I do miss an occasional cupcake, but it's for the better. I am suppose to be eating a protein:carb ratio of 3:1. It's also been hard to increase the protein since I don't really like to eat that much meat, but I am coping.

4) Keeping a food log. It's been really good. I actually feel guilty when I eat bad things (with a few minor exceptions, like that mini DQ blizzard a couple weeks ago).

A few people have asked me to take "Before and After" pictures. I've actually decided not to for a couple of reasons. 1) I am doing this for myself, not other people. The people that know me will be able to tell a difference. 2) No one wants to see a picture of my fatty belly and ass. 

Progress thus far:

1) I can tell that I am getting more toned, especially in my triceps, shoulders, and calves. It feels good man!

2) Not as hungry or overindulge in food as much now that I am spacing out my snacks and meals.

3) Not missing carbs (bread, pasta, rice) as much as thought I would. It just sucks that I like to bake a lot and not eat the goods.

4) My energy level is up.

5) Losing inches on my waist!

6) Posture is getting way better! I didn't realize how bad it was until someone pointed it out to me!

7) Learning new core exercises. Didn't realize how ineffective crunches were until I tried some alternative exercises... holy balls, they hurt!
8) Down 2 sizes in both dress and jean sizes! Unfortunately, the change in dress size is due to my boobs shrinking... I don't think I will get much smaller in jean sizes because I have a thing called hips.

Right now, I am working on a "stabilization" phase of weight training, versus "bodybuilding". Mike and I will mix up the routine in a couple weeks and go from there.

So, if you want an awesome trainer and you go to 24 Hour Fitness in Lowry, ask for Mike Antalek. He kicks my ass every training session, pushes me to finish all my exercises, and is hilarious! I think I tell him that "I f'ing hate him" every session, but he still puts up with my scheisse!