Change Isn't Bad

Last weekend I went out of town and trained at another Genesis facility. About the same set up, a few different machines, but overall nothing out of the ordinary. It was my leg day and I had 3-4 sets of 20 reps. I warmed up and then got to work. About an hour and a half later my friend and I wrapped up our workout and hit the shower. When I was grabbing my things to shower my legs were still shaking. It was nothing new to me, but the soreness the following day was a surprise! I hadn't been that sore in a while! I was more sore than usual. Then Monday, 48 hours later, I was basically immobile. When it came to demonstrating exercises to my clients at the gym, I looked ridiculous and chose to verbally walk them through what they needed to do. I was stretching and foam rolling like it was my second job. HOW did I make myself this sore?!?!

Then it occurred to me, I didn't talk to anyone while I was working out a the other gym. I didn't know anyone but my one friend that went to the gym with me. So I went in, put heavy weight on, finished each set and rep to my fullest, and walked out. I guess one would say, "I killed that workout"!  I wish this is how all my workouts went, but when you work where you train, one must also be approachable. Last thing I want is one of my new clients having a question and feeling like they can't ask me for help. I remember the feeling of entering a gym setting and not being sure where or what to do. I newbies feeling welcome, as well as other gym goers I'm surrounded by.

So then this last week I saw a woman I was familiar with from outside of the gym. She was working out and I hadn't ever seen her in the gym before. She was doing her thing! Then while my client was getting a drink she walked by me and I asked how her workout was going. Not the typical response, she said, TERRIBLE! I responded with, "oh yea?! Your killing it huh?!"
No... She said, 'this isn't my gym. I miss MY GYM!'

Heck, I have no idea WHERE she had been working out at before... but I sincerely felt bad for her. All night long while I was getting ready for bed, I kept thinking if there was anything I could do as an employee at the gym to better her experience. And I still haven't come to that conclusion.

But here's what I did conclude, we can accept a change... a different environment or we don't. WE have the option to decide how we will respond. From things like diet to things like workouts. So many times we get used to doing the same thing over and over, that we actually back slide. No, change isn't always fun or comfortable, but like I was reminded today at church... There's this refining process that actually makes us better. Diamonds are made out of coal and only through pressure are they made into diamonds. That's how I view fitness. If your tired of the old you, step outside of the comfort zone and try something new. Change things up. Try a new workout. Add more weight (with good form)... Do your workout backwards from how you do it.

I'm no expert, but even as I embark on my journey of making my way to the stage, I've learned that there are other ways of doing things. Sometimes it uncomfortable, but the outcome is better with a little sacrifice. So I ask you, what do you need to change to step up your game? I challenge you to try something new this week...

Happy Training to everyone working towards their goals, #YouGotThis!

BeBlessed
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SPANDEX

A couple weeks ago, a client of mine showed up to train and seemingly shy, said, "Oh hey, I bought a pair of them tight shorts you wear!"
Me: Oh Really? Where are they?
Her: I didn't wear them tonight because they are needing washed, but I think I really like them! They hold everything in when your working out!
Me: (((Laughing))) Well good for you! :)


When I 1st started to workout, I wore the BIGGEST hoodie and the BIGGEST pair of sweat pants I owned. I often would wear my hood up also because I didn't want anyone seeing "the fat girl" working out. I SWORE from top to bottom I'd NEVER wear them "skanky" shorts and yoga pants. I thought that any girl wearing that stuff at the gym was really just wanting attention.

BUT, here's a little lesson learned on my weight loss journey...
1. I realized I needed an ACTUAL sports bra that held everything in. That running and jumping around with a crappy bra is UNCOMFORTABLE.
2. I realized I needed some real underwear when training. Wedgies are NOT cool. When you have to adjust yourself after each burpee, it's time to make an investment in some new undergarments.
3. I realized wearing a hoodie to "train" was BLAZING hot. That came off REAL quickly!
4. I needed some real hair ties and head bands. Nothing is worse than when you have sweat in your eyes and hair in your mouth.
5. I needed a good pair of shoes. You can't wear your 1980's shoes and not have blisters. I've been there, get new shoes and get new shoes often.
6. If you look cute AFTER your workout, you didn't work hard enough... You workout to bust through plateaus and doing easy exercises doesn't get you anywhere!

And #7, wearing SPANDEX isn't a sin.
After a few training sessions of the above issues, I got smart and bought some material that was a little bit tighter, but I was able to move in it. I didn't die sweating to death because the workout material was breathable. So when I hear people tell me, "I wish I could wear them pants... my legs or butt are too big for that!" I get irritated. The mindset I had to get over was that I'm here to workout and have fun. And having fun at my workout means wearing something that I'm 100% comfortable in. If your fine in sweats, cool. Do what works for you. But if your a woman waiting to buy a slimmer fitting pair of pants but are waiting

because you don't weigh 130 pounds or because you have cellulite... I have news for you. Who the heck cares! Love yourself, have confidence, and work to be better than you were yesterday. I think that is why SPANDEX get a bad wrap... people who wear yoga pants have worked their tail off and they really don't care. They want to be comfortable and they want to kill their workout. They have confidence in who they are and what they're about. They're at the gym to be better and hats off to you!

Happy Training to all those working harder each day!

#BeBlessed
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