How I Lost Focus on Fitness and Got It Back

Fitness is fun.  It can be.  Honest!  But there was a time when I couldn't seem to find the fun in it.  Actually, for the last four years I've faltered.  There have been times when I've gone for long walks with my husband nearly every night and hit 10,000 steps--sometimes more--daily but weight training fell by the wayside.  Then both fell off pretty much completely except for occasional hikes with my husband or walks with friends.  The reasons?  Here's what I think happened.

Got Certified:  I enjoyed fitness so much that I decided to get certified as a personal trainer myself.  I loved the NASM course.  It challenged me.  There was a good bit of anatomy and physiology in the course work, and some chemistry, none of which I had taken before.  I had to work my butt off, and I loved it.  My trainer encouraged me and quizzed me.  Others at the gym were supportive as well.  I passed the test on the first try.  I was thrilled.  Then it came to applying for trainer jobs and...nothing.  Well, not nothing exactly.  I did get a couple interviews.  But I didn't even apply until months after I passed my test because I wanted to wait until after we got back from visiting my mom.  What was that all about?  My brain function was a tad low at the time.  That's the only reason I can think of for why I'd wait so long to apply.  And it may have cost me a job.  I knew a training manager who was enthusiastic and I was pretty sure he'd at least give me a chance to prove myself as a trainer.  Well, by the time I applied he had moved on to different position in another city.  I never got the chance to find out for sure.  I got frustrated.  I had a well-respected certification but no one would hire me.  Was I too old?  Was it because I didn't have experience?  Was it because I walked funny?  Or was I too chunky?  I didn't know.

Trainers Left:  One by one, the trainers who worked at the gym when I first joined left.  I didn't click as well with the new crew.  Some were okay, and all my trainers were decent over the years, but that first crew just couldn't be beat.  Every one of them were friendly and supportive.  I felt at home at the gym when they were  working there.  I felt like I belonged.  But when they left, I got so I was less confident in my abilities, and I no longer felt at home at the gym.  Workouts suffered.  I stopped training with a trainer.  I didn't have any close friends there and knew only a few people by name.  Contract troubles cropped up as well. It all contributed to my decision to stop going to the gym altogether after a 5-year membership.  

Menopause Hit:  When menopause hit, hall hell broke loose.  If it was edible, I ate it.  I could tell myself that it wasn't good for me or that I shouldn't eat so much, but I kept on eating anyway.  My motivation tanked so I stopped exercising for the most part.  I got a bunch of equipment that I could use at home to exercise, thinking that would motivate me to get going again, but I didn't use it much.  My energy level was at rock bottom.  I started gaining the weight back that I'd lost through all that hard work.  And I was furious with myself for doing it.   

Work Increased:  Good things started happening in regards to work around the time I left the gym.  I found myself with three jobs online, all related to fitness and nutrition, including one working for that training manager I spoke about earlier who I thought may have hired me if given the chance.  Well, my hunch was right after all.  :-)    Wow!  I was psyched, but I also was sitting most of the day as everything I did involved computer work.  Since I enjoyed the work, I would sit there for hours researching, writing, answering people's questions, etc.  This inactivity just exacerbated the problem.  But I still loved the work and that I was making more money than I had in quite some time.  Considering my husband had been switched to part-time during this period, my increased work was welcome by us both.  I just hated that I was so inactive and didn't have as much time to exercise.  The thought of exercise just brought me down because I couldn't figure out how I was going to fit it into my schedule.  This made me anxious, which made me eat more.  I find it amazing that I didn't gain 100 lbs. during this time. 

Busy Social Life:  Around the time I started faltering a bit fitness-wise, my husband and I started volunteering--a lot.  We helped out at area animal shelters, charity events, and sporting events.  We had a blast doing it, and most of the time it involved physical movement, so that was great.  But it left little time to actually do a full blown tough workout. We also met more people through our volunteer experiences, so that widened our social circle.  We have more friends now than we've ever had, I think.  It's great.  We get together for football-watch parties, birthdays, holidays, walking, community events.  It's fun.  But it means also that I've had to totally re-work my life.  I used to spend most of my time alone so I just did what I needed to do, whenever.  Well, now with all sorts of commitments, my way of doing things had to change.  How people with a full-time job, friends, community obligations, children and grandchildren do it is beyond me.  I've got it pretty easy in comparison, working at home, but I still find it hard to fit all the responsibilities of life in.  I welcome the challenge, but it did cause workouts to fall by the wayside.  I'm working on that.

Death in the Family:  When my husband's mother passed away late last year, everything kind of stopped.  The nearly daily walks, weekend hikes, volunteering.  We stopped moving, it seemed.  Of course, death is something that has to be worked through.  We need to take the time to mourn and heal.  I understood that.  He needs to take time to explore emotions, reminisce, and work through the stages of grief.  He's doing well, but we still aren't back to volunteering.  It makes sense, though.  I read once that you can't help others until you help yourself through your own issues, troubles, feeling.  This is our time to heal.  There will be plenty of opportunities to be the helper again, in time.  

The Time is Now:  I started back at the gym at the beginning of the year.  I'm working with a trainer again.  I can't say that my progress has been as significant as it was 7 years ago when I first stepped into the gym, but I'm regaining my strength and then some.  For example, when I left the gym I could shoulder press 20-lb. dumbbells, and now 5 months back I'm close to surpassing that personal record.  I used to spend most days of the week at the gym and my workouts took about 2 hours.  I don't have that kind of time anymore.  But I know I don't have to work out for hours each day to be fit.  Everything adds up.  I have learned to fit in fitness where I can.  Weight loss is so hard during menopause, so I'm not going to freak out about that either.  I rarely weigh myself anymore.  As long as I'm moving, exercising, eating healthy, and trying not to eat everything in sight, I'll be satisfied.

Does this sound familiar?  I understand life getting in the way of fitness, believe me.  But it doesn't have to erect a total blockade between you and your fitness routine.  Don't freak out over fitness.  That will only make things worse.  Plan little bouts of fitness in between work and other tasks.  Do as much moving at work as possible.  At least it's something.  Realize you're doing what you can.  You can't put your life on hold for fitness, but you also shouldn't put fitness on hold because of life either.  It's important to find a balance.  And make fitness fun, not a chore.  Think of how good you'll feel when your clothes become looser and your step a little lighter.  It's worth it.  

Let me know what you have done to fit in fitness.  Email me at iwrite41@yahoo.com.  I'd love to hear from you.  Take  care.

About Trainers

Hi all.  After my workout with my current trainer yesterday I got to thinking about all the trainers I've had over the past 7 years.  

The first one was perfect for me.  Tough but flexible.  I have a long medical history (spina bifida) and I needed a trainer who would make me work hard, but within my abilities.  He was spot on.   I actually cried when he said he was leaving after about a year and a half of working with him.  I still talk to him occasionally at the gym when he's there to work out.  My next trainer was totally opposite.  He treated me like I was fragile.  I'm NOT fragile.  I may have certain limitations as far as flexibility and balance go, but that doesn't mean trainers aren't able to kick my butt.  I hardly even broke a sweat when I worked with him.  Huge disappointment.  I only worked with him a short time before I switched again.  He wasn't too happy, but I didn't care.  I was paying for personal training, not to be treated like a cripple.

Well, the next trainer was, again, the total opposite.  He kicked my butt but good and I loved it.  I had a good sweat going within the first 2 minutes of the session!  I loved working with him.  It was when I was training with him that I decided to get my personal training certification.  He took time to quiz me on various topics, which I appreciated, even if some of those quizzes  took place while he was kicking my butt during our sessions.  Seriously, I had a blast.  And I passed my exam, too.  :-)  That's got to be one of the biggest thrills of my life.  I was bummed when I found out this trainer, too, was leaving.  

All the trainers after that were okay, but just not quite right.  They either worked me too easy, didn't show up on time or at all, or seemed more interested in training athletes.  They were professional and kind, no question.  But they didn't seem to be as into the sessions.  Or I just didn't feel as comfortable with them, except maybe one who used to count my reps in Chinese.  He was tough, fair, and funny.  A good combination.  

One trainer was okay, pleasant, and tough, but seemed to key on athletes.  He left after training me a short time. I've seen him now and then, but we haven't spoken. Ah well.  It's no big deal.  I just didn't click with him as much as I did with others.

Anyway, I decided to call it quits at the gym in September 2012.  I wasn't getting anywhere, I wasn't satisfied with the training, I was still stewing over my workout folder with two year's worth of workouts disappearing, I had endless contract and double-billing problems, I had hit menopause a couple years earlier and my mind and body were not anywhere near in sync.  I had no will power, no energy..I was tired of working out.  And I admit that I was none too pleased that I had applied for a trainer position three times and hadn't gotten so much as an interview, yet new trainers came and went all the time. (When I went in one day to update my application, the new training manager found it at the bottom of the pile.  Well, at least they hadn't pitched it.  The former management was supportive of me and encouraged me to apply, but there was a management change at the same time I first applied.) 

I got equipment so I could work out at home.  But there wasn't enough space, the room temperature was too difficult to control, and I missed the energy of the gym.  I had gained back weight, had intense cravings, and was scared that if I didn't do something soon, I'd weigh more than I did the first time I started working out 7 years before--and be on a very bad path heading into my fifties.  

So, after about a year and a half away, I went back--to the same gym.  As miffed as I was over some issues, I still liked the convenient location, the set up, and the price.  It was doable.  I had a talk with the management about the fact that if I experienced anymore BS, I was out the door and would never come back, no matter how convenient and economical the gym was.  They have been nothing but courteous and professional towards me.  So far, so good.  I like my current trainer.  He says hello to me each time I go to the gym and asks me about my workouts whether we have a session that day or not. He was understanding from the beginning that I wanted to take it easy.  I especially was nervous since I had hurt my shoulder recently (for the third time, at least). How I hurt it this time, I didn't know.  Well, after one session of mostly physical-therapy-type exercises on my shoulders, I had no pain whatsoever.  Yep, he's a keeper!  I'm feeling stronger every day, and upping weight consistently now that I've got my confidence back.  And I'm working out 4-5 days a week again.  I'm loving it.  

All these trainers have helped shape me as a trainer.  I've learned from each of they what to do and what not to do.  I make clients work, but I'm sensitive to their health issues and exercise 
preferences.  I'm down to earth, no ego, no attitude.  I'm in business to help people feel better, healthier, fitter.  And, of course, I'm all for helping to make fitness fun.  

When looking into working with a trainer, decide what type of personality with jive best with yours, whether you want to work with a male or female, which trainer can best work around your schedule, and who can help you best toward your goals.  It's a good idea to work with one trainer for a bit, then switch to another, and another until you find the one you feel most comfortable with.  You're paying good money for personal training.  You are the boss.  You need to feel you're getting your money's worth. 

I'd love to hear your feedback.  What type of trainer do you like the most?  Or do you prefer to work out alone or with friends?  Feel free to email me at iwrite41@yahoo.com, or leave a comment below.  Also, to get email notices when a new post is published, enter your email in the space provided and click Submit.  Thanks!  Hope to hear from you.  Take care.
   

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a great time over the holidays.  I also hope you were able to keep the weight gain to a minimum.  

For me, the holidays were crazy busy.  Lots of fun getting together with friends, spending time with my husband and our fur-babies, and volunteering.  I also spent a lot of time eating.  Since menopause kicked in several years ago, my mouth has not listened to sense.  No matter what the trainer in me thought, I just kept shoveling in food.  I've also had little energy for exercise, especially the last couple months of 2013.  

What's the deal?!  Here I am a trainer and I'm stuffing my face, and exercise is no longer a passion.  Menopause is a bear, let me tell you.  It throws all your senses out the window.  I've struggled the last few years and regained a good portion of what I'd lost between 2007-2009.  I'm thankful I'd lost those 25 pounds before I hit menopause big time.  Otherwise I'd weigh considerably more now.  

But there is good news.  I don't know if menopause is waning or I'm just becoming stronger in my ability to fight the cravings, but I've started 2014 with the determination to lose weight, be more active, and live healthier.  It's as if on January 2 a switch was flipped.  I have a totally new outlook on life.  I've recommitted to exercise, working out most days of the week again.  I've also cut out junk food.  Maybe it's because I'm turning 50 soon.  It seems as if 50 is the wake up call of ages.  Although I don't consider 50 old, the older we get, the higher the risk for health problems.  And I don't want being a bit chunky to cause those health issue to crop up.     

I've always eaten quite healthily (I grew up on a farm and my mom grew a huge vegetable garden, plus we had fruit trees, so we always had lots of nutritious foods to eat and I've continued eating in that way through adulthood), but the snacks get me.  Chocolate, and Hershey bars in particular, is a huge weakness.  I could go without pretty much anything else when it comes to snacks, but if chocolate is in the house, I find it, and devour it.  It's crazy!  It doesn't help that my husband has a sweet tooth but can pace himself.  He can save sweets for weeks.  They're sitting there staring me in the face, or hidden on a high shelf--either way, I know they are there. 

Having a treat now and then is fine, so I don't expect to ban chocolate from my diet, but I'm taking a break from it for a couple weeks to get my system back in order and my head on straight.  I intend to treat myself to a bit of my favorites next weekend though.  That's when I turn 50 and, while I'll eat sensibly for the most part, I'm not missing out on my chance to have chocolate and maybe a frozen yogurt sundae.  I'd much rather have that than cake.  But then on the 13th, I'll be back to eating healthy again.  

If you've been waiting for a good time to start getting fit, it's now.  If you've been into fitness in the past but have fallen off track, get back on it now.  Join me in a commitment to fitness in 2014 and beyond.  Let me know what you plan to do in this New Year to live a fitter, healthier life.  Take baby steps and build up to more aggressive workout and meal plans over time.  You've got to start somewhere and it all counts.  And remember, make it fun!  Email me at iwrite41@yahoo.com or comment below.  Here's to a healthy, fit, and happy New Year!  Take care.  

Getting Fitness Back

Hello again!  Today's post is for all of you who were enthusiastic about fitness for awhile, but then something happened.  You're not sure what exactly, but you started skipping workouts and snacking on unhealthy treats you hadn't had in months or years.  You also started gaining back the weight you were so determined to keep off.  I'm there, too.  

Yep, I'm a fitness coach. Coaches just don't do that, right?  Ah, I wish.  We also have our weaknesses.  Some can keep their old habits at bay better than others.  

Menopause is what interfered with my progress.  My appetite ballooned.  I started eating everything in sight, even though I kept telling myself it was not a good idea.  "What are you doing??!  You're a fitness professional, for Pete's sake!"  But that didn't seem to help much.  It seemed as if I had two minds--one that was directly connected to my mouth and out of control and the other that was rational and horrified at what was happening.  I started to find some of those 25 pounds I'd lost.  

Of course, even during this time off the tracks a bit, I have eaten healthy consistently.  I've just been snacking on too many treats and taking extra helpings.  My exercise has suffered too.  Although I've continued to walk and hike, I haven't done much weight training.  I'm not as energetic as I used to be.  I can't seem to get the motivation to do weight training.  I've put together a few different weight training programs to help boost my motivation, but they haven't been that successful.  It doesn't help that I've been injured during weight training over the years more than during cardio.  

But something happened over the past week that made me sit up and take notice.  Actually, I fell down and took notice.  I've had health issues since birth (courtesy of spina bifida), including problems with balance.  When I started working out on a regular basis, my balance was so much better.  I hardly ever fell.  When I tripped, I'd catch myself pretty easily.  That was such an improvement!  Well, in the last week, I've fallen twice.  Once on a walk and again over the weekend at a store.  When it happened on the walk, I was upset.  When it happened at the store, I was livid.  I smacked my nose and it bled quite heavily.  It didn't break, but could have.  

Enough already!  I'm healthy.  I'm strong.  But I can be healthier and stronger with more consistent exercise and better snacking choices.  It just took a nose dive for me to realize that my behavior wasn't acceptable any longer.  Never was.  Yes, menopause is still nagging me, but it's a natural part of my life and not a death sentence.  I'm determined now to stand up to it, realize what is happening to me and why I'm craving everything in sight, and refuse to cave in.  Sure, a treat is fine now and then and a day off from exercise is too, but I've renewed my commitment to consistently healthy choices, for life.  Please join me.

What has caused you to reduce or abandon your fitness routine?  Please share your story with me and what you plan to do to get back on track again.  I'd love to hear from you.  Leave a comment below or email me at iwrite41@yahoo.com.  Thanks!  Take care.