Thursday, August 15, 2013

Training - My Life's Hobby



Hi everyone... I'm sorry I've been MIA lately... I've been studying for my board exam for my major and I recently went back to the gym to train once again, so I haven't had much time to blog.  It's almost 2AM now and I figured I'd update on a nice post for you all.

I remember being a flabby person back in 2007 because of the Freshman 15 which carried on through Sophomore year, having a toxic relationship which led me to constantly eat, and having a low self-esteem.  I was fat, heavy, and very upset I let myself go.  Stress was eating me away, as well as a horrible ex-boyfriend who made me feel insignificant.  I guess you can say it was a rough patch in my life.  I had a great friend who tried so hard to motivate me to move past the hurt and pain, but I couldn't wrap my head around feeling good about myself.  After two years of feeling overweight, I finally took the initiative to join a gym.  Weighing at 145 lbs. with no muscle tone, I was ready to find some peace of mind.  I didn't know anyone and I didn't have any friends who came with me, so this new place would be my sanctuary, known as XSport Fitness.  I worked out for a week and a half, trying to run on the treadmill and use the machines, but I could tell you I was a real "noobie" who didn't know the first thing about getting fit.  It didn't matter if I was a health science major... I didn't understand what to do and why to do it.  I then decided to seek professional help.

The person who initially signed me up for a gym was a personal trainer (who I am still good friends with to this very day).  He told me to try a training session out to see if I would enjoy it or not and I knew it was an easy sales pitch to get me to buy a package, but it worked.  The first session was grueling.  It consisted of planks, plyometric push ups, and crunches.  I was winded by the time the first 5 minutes were over.  It was at that time I knew I was out of shape, so I bought a package of 26 sessions, ranging from $45 a piece per hour.  I paid for every two sessions and I worked out with him once a week, while trying to do my own thing on the side.  The sessions consisted of circuit training, running, plyometrics, core, and whatever else he could conjure... oh, and I forgot - BURPEES.  I have never heard of a burpee in my life... but I was acquainted and we had a love/hate relationship for quite some time, up until recently.  I've learned to embrace the pain and how much they suck because they also bring me strength and muscle tone.  I went from doing 10 a day to about 40.  Big change, right?

I began to feel better after working out because it made such a difference in my stamina, my self-esteem, and my well-being.  I told myself my $35 would be worth it because I would force myself to go to the gym at least 4-5 days a week, so I wouldn't be losing my money.  The gradual body change became a constant once because I started taking classes on top of the training.  The different classes ranged from Zumba, kickboxing (which easily became a favorite), muscle max, ball conditioning, pilates, etc... you name it.  If I wanted it, my gym had it.  I got to know the instructors and I met a few other members who became close friends.  After a few months, I realized I really loved exercise.  From then, I trained hard and worked for what was most important - my body.  I lost 20 lbs. that month and I got rid of all the insecurities about myself, as well as the toxic people around me.  It was the best cleanse of my life!


After improving myself, I wanted to learn how I can improve others.  I dedicated half my time to schoolwork and the other half to the gym and everything paid off.  I made the decision to become a personal trainer, took the AFAA licensing exam, and passed.  I made sure I knew the muscle groups and how they worked and operated.  I took the time to learn each exercise in order to help my clients exercise effectively and safely, under my supervision.  I got a job working through the Fit Fem as an in home personal trainer, owned by my friend and fellow trainer Sylvia Nasser.  She and a few other amazing trainers taught me everything I know today.  I teach my clients the way I've been taught and I always give them positive energy so they can succeed and feel empowered after a training session.  I've learned to love training and seeing how each person I help progresses.  It's motivating to both my client and myself.

In recent days, I switched to a new gym and started working out every night after a three month long hiatus.  My old gym wasn't giving me the motivation I needed anymore, so it was time for something new.  As a plus, my boyfriend and a few other friends joined us as well to add to the motivation of the new place.  I actually love the place and my clients give me an incentive to work out and better myself. I'm happier when I go to the gym and I'd like to continue on pursuing my goals to become a great trainer.  So... as they say, you have to train differently to get where you want to go!

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