My fitness cycle. Get excited to start a new workout plan. Get started. Get injured. Stop. Heal. Figure out what is next.
Start. Injure. Stop. Repeat.
Over and over.
Last week, I joined Life Time Athletic in Summerlin. (Amazing facility, but that’s a different post.) I knew that this was my chance to do it right. I wanted a personal trainer.
On my first visit to the gym, I set out to meet my match. The same way I used to choose who was worthy of my shoe commissions. Stand quietly and stare until someone talked to me.
The lucky winner was Bryan Polce. He may have thought he was just answering questions, but he was being thoroughly evaluated to see if he would be able to deal with all of this.
Our initial interview went exceedingly well. He was advised repeatedly that he would be discussed on social media as my entire life is on social media. He was fine with that. (You may see him referred to as Trainer on Twitter, Daily Mile or FB. The name gets tricky with hubs.)
Next, we talked at length about all of my jacked up body parts. This is when the clouds parted, a rainbow formed and the Life Time Unicorn pranced down to let me know that I was where I needed to be.
I discussed:
- My fibro;
- Lengthy periods of recovery/DOMS issues;
- My very weak and problematic ankles;
- My weight loss goals;
- The semi-cooperative state of my thyroid and my super speedy heart rate;
- My overall weakness when it comes to strength training.
In the past, when I’ve talked to many trainers, they’ve not always known what to do with all of the pieces to my fitness puzzle. Most people barely comprehend how sensitive certain parts of my body are to the lightest touch, let alone how frequently my ankles roll.
Bryan took it all in and told me how he’d handle it. It almost seemed too good to be true. I was confident that he’d be able to help me.
I went in a couple of days later for what we were still referring to as the audition session even though he was totally hired. This was to determine what I could do. Ranges, strength, jacked up ankle, etc.
Things I learned:
- I do every exercise in the wrong form in order to accommodate for my bad ankles.
- Squats are not effective on your toes. You’re supposed to put weight on your heels. Want to know what happens? PAIN. [Updated to take out a word that was incorrect. Thanks, Alexandra. This is why I shouldn't write posts at midnight.]
- Lunges are my arch enemy. They require a sturdy ankle. I don’t have those and I do weird little wiggly things in an attempt to pretend that I have control.
- The world’s greatest fitness device, for me, is the Bosu, which made it so that I could do lunges in proper form.
If you are not familiar with Bosu, this is what it looks like.
It was a great session and it left me filled with hope for what was coming the following week. Even though I could barely walk because my quads were on fire for days. I still did my cardio each day. In fact, I’ve exercised each day since.
This week, Bryan and I started our regular bi-weekly training sessions. At the first session, we worked on more squats, arms and core. It was my birthday. I burned over 700 calories. I kicked my birthday’s butt.
Today was my second session of the week. We worked legs and arms. I had a fall earlier in the week because my ankle rolled. Bryan worked in some stability exercises on the Bosu so that we can begin strengthening those muscles. Squats on top of the ball were fun. Also, they were probably comical for anyone who could see them. (You’re welcome, viewers.)
For cardio, I’ve been rocking an arc trainer that I do not think I’m supposed to call a Fancy Gazelle, but that’s my pet name for it. It’s like, if the Gazelle was an higher tech machine that was half elliptical/half arches, it could be this. I’ve also learned proper form on the rowing machine. A lot of my time is still spent on the treadmill. Incline intervals. All to help with increasing strength in my ankles. I think it is working. They are not sore from the incline at all and I pushed my self pretty hard today.
I’ve committed to training for at least three months with Bryan. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I am going to be able to break the start/injure/stop cycle. It’s igniting something in me. I want this. I’m ready. Let’s do it.
While weight loss is one of my goals, it is primarily so that I can reduce any factors that could lead to heart disease which are so prominent in my family. I am not aiming to be a size 2 when this is done. I want to see where my body lands comfortably. My father’s stroke this year was certainly a wake up call for heart health.
Otherwise, my two goals are strong and healthy. Two things that I haven’t felt in a very long time.
Disclaimer: I am the Chief Marketing Officer of FitFluential. Life Time Fitness is a client. I received a complimentary membership in exchange for my honest review. The membership came with 4 free training sessions. I am personally paying for all other training sessions.
You are on your way Danielle! I hear you about lunges. I do not have jacked up ankles, but I do have jacked up knees. Either way, they suck. Rooting you on. You can do this!
Awesome Danielle! Amazing goals to work towards
You got this!
When I first started training, I loved feeling that BUuuuuRN (and I still do)! It made me feel like I finally awoke my muscles from years of unnecessary rest lol
yay! so happy for you! keep working hard, getting stronger and feeling better! that’s what life is all about
I’m so glad you found someone who understands where you’re coming from and is knowledgeable and happy to work with you! I love that you said it ignited something in you, that you want this… that’s what it takes. I am confident you will succeed and exceed your expectations!
I’m so excited for you! I’ve had great experiences with trainers in the past and terrible ones too. It’s great to be able to find one that gets you and your body and knows how to help you move forward. I LOVE the Bosu too. It’s been a huge part of my rehab for my knee and it’s pretty amazing.
You’re rocking it Danielle!!!
I have a whacked right ankle..so feel your pain
Love seeing your Instagrams and Tweets about your workouts – keep it up!!
I’m so glad you found someone that can put all the pieces together!
Sounds like you had a really great session. I’m glad your trainer is knowledgeable enough to know what to do with all that background you gave him. Looking forward to hearing more about your sessions! WTG Danielle!! You rock!
As a trainer myself, I’m always happy to see a trainer who asks the right questions, takes the time to evaluate and create an appropriate program, and keeps their client (you) informed about their progress. Sounds like Bryan is a real winner.
It sounds like you have found a great personal trainer to work with! I am so happy to see that you are finally going to break your fitness cycle. Bryan seems like a great trainer and very knowlegdgeable especially since he has been able to develop methods to overcome the background you gave him! You absolutely going to rock this!!
Way to go! I’m glad you were able to find someone who could take all of your needs into account. It always feels great to find something that works and motivates you even more. Best of luck!
Sounds awesome, Danielle!! I’m seeing a trainer for the first time today. I need to do more strength training & I know it, but I cringe at the sight of weights, so I’m hoping a trainer yelling in my face (& not my hubs) will help ha!
This is a fabulous post. And now, I can say with more seriousness, YOU ARE MY INSPIRATION! With my fibro, I’ve been hesitant to do anything : pain = grouchy me.
I love that this isn’t about fitting into an outfit; it’s all about your overall health.
Okay – You make me feel so normal now. I too Start. Injure. Stop. Repeat. I do not feel al one anymore! I wish we had that gym here in Alaska as I would love something just as good. I am still searching for the perfect match and your blog post has given me another boost in confidence that it will happen!
I’m so proud of you! Particularly when you say you aren’t tied to a specific number when it comes to your healthy weight. I firmly believe the body, when given optimal health conditions, can decide. Glad you found a trainer who can deal with your specific areas of concern. You ROCK!!!
THis is so great Danielle! I can’t wait to hear more about your journey!
Finding a good trainer is so hard with so many wannabes out there. I loved the one I had for a few months, & despite the fact that I don’t use her any more she’s still a great contact. Enjoy!
BTW…We just had a Life Time Fitness open here. It’s a pretty amazing facility, especially if you’re a swimmer. Hoping to figure out how to eventually fit it into my budget.