Stop The Wedgies.
For the first time since joining the gym a month ago, I faced self doubt this afternoon. I had a session with a trainer, who pretty much gave me another assessment and told me what I needed to adjust or change. Not *how* to do it, just what needed to be done. The reason I went to the trainer in the first place was to learn new exercises. Guess I'm going to have to learn them another way. I can't possibly expect Hubs to cough up 75 bucks/hour session. The thought of spending that much money on this stuff blows my mind. Yet, people do it. If I had the cash, I'd be doing it too.
I understand that she is a salesperson- let's face it, the more people she sees, the more money the company makes. I walked in thinking it was going to be an hour of empowerment, and left feeling deflated. It's a long story, but I was told that I'm not using the gym to it's fullest potential (I knew that) and I'd basically plateau in about 6 months if I don't see her.
Hmmm. Harsh, yes- but she has a point. I didn't lose any weight last week...I feel like I'm plateau-ing already.
She was very hands on and managed to stretch me better than anyone ever has. My hamstrings feel normal again, not bunched up like they've been for the last week.
I asked her what workout clothes I should buy- I'm wearing my nighttime nursing bras, a tshirt, and shorts or pants. I get wedgies from my undies or my shorts ride up while running. She told me that I was there to sweat. And I could buy the most expensive clothes in the world and I'd still be unhealthy, that I should save my money and see her. It made me chuckle. I am blunt to a fault and so is she. I loved it....but it won't stop the wedgies.
ETA: I did not pay for this session. It was complimentary with the purchase of the gym membership. The NH SnB girls questioned me on that last night. Trust me, if I had paid for it, she would have had a different attitude.
Tomorrow, the Boy and I are off to the Big E. Think we'll find diet-friendly food there??
I understand that she is a salesperson- let's face it, the more people she sees, the more money the company makes. I walked in thinking it was going to be an hour of empowerment, and left feeling deflated. It's a long story, but I was told that I'm not using the gym to it's fullest potential (I knew that) and I'd basically plateau in about 6 months if I don't see her.
Hmmm. Harsh, yes- but she has a point. I didn't lose any weight last week...I feel like I'm plateau-ing already.
She was very hands on and managed to stretch me better than anyone ever has. My hamstrings feel normal again, not bunched up like they've been for the last week.
I asked her what workout clothes I should buy- I'm wearing my nighttime nursing bras, a tshirt, and shorts or pants. I get wedgies from my undies or my shorts ride up while running. She told me that I was there to sweat. And I could buy the most expensive clothes in the world and I'd still be unhealthy, that I should save my money and see her. It made me chuckle. I am blunt to a fault and so is she. I loved it....but it won't stop the wedgies.
ETA: I did not pay for this session. It was complimentary with the purchase of the gym membership. The NH SnB girls questioned me on that last night. Trust me, if I had paid for it, she would have had a different attitude.
Tomorrow, the Boy and I are off to the Big E. Think we'll find diet-friendly food there??
posted by Sunflowerfairy at 10:56 PM
12 Comments:
Screw the diet and get a bag of maple cotton candy. They usually have it in the Vermont building. ;)
Holy Moly! That's quite a lot of money!
Big-E sounds fun! We were suppose to go couple weekends ago but it didn't happen. We will be going this Sunday :)
Wear thongs! When I took spinning classes in college, that's what the professor requested we do to prevent rashes from the sweat. I did and loved it!
As for the trainer, she should show you new exercises, which is why she's charging $75. Ask her to show you. If you're stuck at a certain weight, you do need to change your routine. Make sure you're doing at least 45 minutes 5 days a week of cardio.
Take up a class. You burn tons of calories and get to know other people that might help you out.
Huh. I think I'm going to have to call bullsh*t. I appreciate that the personal trainer is a working woman, and is trying to make money, but anyone who says "paying me is the only way to achieve your goals" is full of sh*t. There are countless people out there who lose weight and get fit without paying anyone a dime.
Don't let her intimidate you. If you feel you need help and direction (I know I do), find another trainer who is willing to look out for your best interests and not his/her pocketbook. You might try your local rec center (I know ours offers low-price sessions with personal trainers) or ask your doctor for a referral to a physical therapist. Physical therapists a great for suggesting safe stretches and exercises for your specific goals and limitations.
Sorry, I'll step down off my soapbox now.... :)
The Maine baked potatoes are yummy and relatively healthy, depending on what you get on top.
New York magazine just did a story on "Why We Believe Exercise Makes Us Thinner -- and Why We're Wrong":
http://nymag.com/news/sports/38001/
It says a Yalie is to blame.
I used to see a trainer on a weekly basis when I was going to Fitness Edge (yes it was way too much money and yes I probably shouldn't have spent it there) but he was amazing! Not only did he motivate me to go and show me how to excercize but he also put me on a "diet" plan...although it really didn't feel like a diet at all! Unfortunely I couldn't keep paying to see him so I had to stop and now I've gained all the weight back and then some. :(
Good luck!
You paid her to show you how to exercise...the way she's acting it's as if she's the end all be all! You shouldn't feel bad going to the gym...you should feel powerful and like you are the best person you can be! I honestly think that you should talk to the gym manager. Her attitude would totally make me want to discontinue my membership! A trainer should train you on the way to get the most out of your time...I wouldn't want to feel obligated to work out with one every time!
I agree-speak with the manager. What a biotch. The whole point of you paying her is for her to teach you new things to do, while motivating you to do them. I'm sure they know you are new and they should really treat you better so that you continue to go and then tell other people about how great they are and blah blah blah. grr This made me mad! :\
I've heard it's good to change your workout routine to "confuse" your body a bit when you get into a plateau. You probably haven't reached that plateau yet, but it was probably going to happen soon. No worries, chin up! It'll keep you from getting too bored anyways.
You are rockin' on this whole gym thing, aren't you!? Go on with your bad self!
And eat and be merry; I'm with Lilith. Food was meant for loving!
That's funny--I would have voted for better clothes, rather than a trainer. I always feel like a fake getting clothes meant for working out (like I'm not sporty enough, or something?) but it really does make a difference in how comfortable you are, and therefore in how likely you are to work out.
Technical fiber t-shirts (Target has them in the workout section) make the biggest difference for me--they really do wick away sweat. And there are shorts with built-in underwear that's longer (like bike shorts), which might stay in place better (the outside layer is still loose), but I can't remember where I've seen them.
Wow. I think I'd pay a woman like that to just GO AWAY. I believe what really inspires people to continue to go to a gym is NOT how bad they feel or how bad they look (although that might motivate them to start). What keeps me going to the gym 5 days a week is the empowered feeling I get from knowing I'm doing something wonderful for myself. I do it for me, no one else. Certainly not for a trainer intent on making me feel bad about myself.
I pay very little for my gym membership, but I USE it. That is the key. Jut GO. And while you're there don't waste your time. If you are going to read magazines as stroll along at a leisurely pace you might as well stay home. Work out and work out as hard as you are able each and every time that you go. You're not trying to outdo anyone else who is there, you are trying for YOUR personal best, and that might vary from day to day.
I quite frequently have people come up to me at the gym and tell me what an inspiration I am to them. You know how I do it? By example. They see me there Monday to Friday almost without fail and they see me sweat and work hard and with focus. And I smile. I focus my mind on the joy of life and life becomes a joy.
One more thing. The trainer is wrong. Clothes do make a difference and it's worth it to spend the $$ to find something that makes you feel as good as possible and you are comfortable in. I work out hard so I get to hot for pants. I wear short (but respectable) cotton "running" shorts with cotton underwear. The two cottons "grip" each other so I don't get wedgies. I also wear a very supportive sports bra and a cotton tank top. Nothing high end or fancy here, just practical, comfortable clothes.
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