Post by Mary O’Gorman
I’m probably not alone in gathering a fair selection of fitness dvds and equipment, but I have to confess to being a bit of an equipment magpie over the years. I somehow thought that the mere act of buying the latest gadget or workout craze dvd would motivate me enough to get me off my behind. Well, it did – to begin with, anyway. But, when the moves on the dvd seemed way harder in practice my resolve would melt away and I would soon find lots of other things that I ought to be doing instead – not quite cleaning the oven, but close.
The problem was, I still had my problem. I knew I needed to make a change, but I also knew I couldn’t do it on my own. I knew the basic science – eat less and move more. But’s it’s so hard translating that into the actual steps that would make a difference. I wanted to look and feel different while still basically doing the same things. But, wait, isn’t that a definition of madness? Time to call in the experts!
I’ve been working with my fitness trainer for a few months now. The first thing he got me to get real about was my goal – what’s realistic yet challenging? Then he made sure I was committed to that goal by making sure I was up for the work. And he gets me to confirm my commitment through regular reviews of how it’s going. Sometimes in midst workout when I’m really ”hurting” and he’s standing there smiling, I wonder why on earth I’m paying him to put my body through this. But, then I think of the mountain of dvds and equipment I must have bought over the years and realise this, for me, is the only way. He makes me reach for more than I would on my own. He asks more of me than I would myself. And, I’m now seeing – and feeling – the benefits.
He’s not only changed my fitness levels. He’s actually changed my attitude. Now, I find myself making that extra effort rather than holding back to make sure I’ve got enough energy to last the session. Outside of the sessions, I find myself making conscious choices – would eating that take me closer or farther away from my goal? I’m by no means transformed – yet. I still have a long way to go. But I really believe I’ll get there. And, if I’m honest, I didn’t feel that way when I gave my commitment at the beginning.
Sometimes we just need to turn to someone with the experience and know-how to help get us up the mountain.
What mountains are you climbing at the moment?
