Lightening Online

Getting Personal

I realised something during my personal training today. You develop quite a personal relationship with your trainer. I’m sure mine already knows more about my body’s abilities (or lack thereof) than I do. Then today I found myself opening up about stuff I probably wouldn’t share with my closest girlfriend.

Once upon a time I would have thought that was down to me being quite an open person. However, I’ve since discovered that I’m not as open as I always believed myself to be. In fact, I usually find it quite hard to talk about myself beyond a very basic level. One of my protective tendencies is to give the appearance of being quite an open person without actually opening up about the more personal things.

So, where am I heading with all this? I guess it’s hit me that it really is a personal relationship you develop with your trainer and one of trust and respect. So who you choose as a personal trainer is quite important.

We’re not exactly spoilt for choice around here but since my trainer is the BEST, well, it’s not a big problem. But perhaps something to consider if you decide to take on a personal trainer at some point in time.

Heart Failure

We did a bit more cardio work this week (so I’m on a cardio high as I write this post) highlighting how unfit I really am. I figure it can only get better from here. At least I HOPE it does - after all, isn’t that the point?

At the other end of the spectrum, I’m also learning how very minimal but carefully focused and controlled movements can make quite a difference to important muscle groups.

To be honest, 3 weeks ago, had you asked me what “fitness” was I would have considered going for a run, riding a bike and doing a few sit-ups and push-ups should pretty much cover it. Okay, so I know I know NOTHING when it comes to this stuff. But I am enjoying LEARNING.

Trainer Envy

I did get up the courage to do the fitness with the netballers last Thursday evening. Piked out when it came to the ball-skills stuff (I’m convinced I’m going to look like a complete klutz) but I guess doing the fitness stuff is a start. I will admit that I very NEARLY piked on that too but I’m glad I didn’t.

What I found interesting though was the tiny pang of envy that crept in. I’m used to having my trainer all to MYSELF. She’s MINE. LOL. So it was interesting to train under her in a large group situation. I wanted her attention. Okay, I probably didn’t - not in front of everyone else. But it was still a bit different.

And the funniest thing? We were doing kind of a circuit. A jog with reps of different exercises in between. And I kept forgetting to count!!!! I’m so used to my personal trainer doing the counting that I’d just start doing whatever the exercise was (eg push ups) and it wasn’t until I’d hear someone nearby say a number out loud that I’d realise I hadn’t been counting. I think that in the end I did more than 10 of each activity so I guess it didn’t really matter (more is better than less right?).

I will admit that I am enjoying that my whole hour of training is completely focused on me. I think that’s good progress too. Once upon a time I would have had some kind of “guilt” about focusing on myself. Now I feel a lot more positive about it and I’m learning that it can have a ripple effect if I feel good about myself and can get myself into a better stage of health.

Other Progress

When I got home today I opened the fridge and had a choice between an apple and a donut (of the “quick to grab foods” variety. I CHOSE the apple. Go me!!!! One thing I’ve noticed is that as my fitness and amount of exercise improves, my inclination to eat junk seems to be decreasing. I can’t say it’s disappeared completely but things they are a changin’.