I recently started working out at a health club with a personal trainer. I have never worked with a personal trainer. The truth is I’ve never challenged myself physically like I have pushed myself in other areas of my life. I’m also not naturally comfortable in a fitness club. I don’t understand the equipment and I don’t know what to do with ropes and big plastic balls.
Gym class was not my place to shine as a kid. I dreaded it and I couldn’t wait for it to be over. I didn’t like the outfits or the physical exertion. I also didn’t like doing things I wasn’t good at and I didn’t get any joy out of jumping jacks.
Up until about five years ago my health focus was merely to exercise and eat well enough to stay slim. Lately, the realities of aging are making me much more interested in staying strong – not just slim. These days I’m thinking more about how I want to experience life 10 years from now. I’m thinking about what I’m in control of influencing with my personal health and lifestyle choices.
So here I am now, a mature woman, ready to give the gym another shot. It strikes me that I’m employing all the same strategies I use when I’m ready to learn anything new that’s challenging. First, I don’t hesitate to get help. And I seek help from credible and competent people so I can surrender to their direction.
I know I need guidance to navigate through this new world. I need someone to hold me accountable to show up when the novelty wears off. I need the most help while I’m fumbling along not being that good at something and keep discovering what I don’t know. I also want someone with a sense of humor.
My new trainer Joel fits the bill perfectly. I have to say I’m shocked by how much I am enjoying my 6 a.m. workout. Exercising so intensely that early in the morning doesn’t seem like what “someone like me” would actually like doing. I’m noticing how my identity is shifting toward identifying myself as someone who likes to work out. I’m noticing my beliefs about my own capabilities are changing.
When I started working with Joel he put me through several fitness assessments. The point was to give him information about muscles I needed to strengthen. He needed this information to design a program for me to increase my range of motion. As we began the workouts, I noticed every time Joel demonstrated a new exercise a voice in my head would say “oh – this isn’t me.” I know if I was by myself I wouldn’t even bother trying it.
Now, because Joel is standing over me watching (and I’ve paid him) I don’t resist. What I keep finding out is – “yes indeed I’m capable of that movement” – and it is a revelation. Isn’t it astounding how powerful our beliefs are in shaping how we experience life?
In what areas do you want to get stronger, and increase your range of motion in your work and life? What’s stopping you from trying? Who else, beside you, might benefit if you do?
Happy Thanksgiving!
Jane
PS
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