Tales of a (Recovering) Disordered Eater

Last night was my first official training session with Christi, my trainer for the next couple of weeks.

I’ve been lifiting on and off since freshman year of high school, so I went into this with some knowledge … but it didn’t prepare me for the arse-whooping I got!!

We’re dividing my sessions into body parts, and last night was purely legs. I don’t think I’ve ever worked so hard in all my life!! She pushed me, and I felt the burn and loved it. I’ve missed it; that empowering “Yes I can!” sensation.

When I was off-form, she corrected me. Likewise, when I had excellent form, she praised me. It was good for me to have someone pushing me; it reminds me of running with my husband, who always sticks with me, but pushes me along when I’m feeling exhausted. Some people hate the pressure; I thrive off it.

We did two sets of 15 reps of each exercise; going forward it will be three sets of 12 reps. Through working with ankle weights, I learned my right leg is TONS stronger than my left leg, and that I have strong glutes and weak abductor muscles — which we’ll work on.

On her recommendation, I had done some cardio beforehand, and so I wore my heart rate monitor throughout the session and would peek down every now and then at my watch’s readings. Let me just say — the super-sets she had me doing, the types of muscles I was working … it was a cardio session all its own!

That said, she did suggest doing some resistance-free cardio to cool down/loosen up, and to STRETCH. Wondering how bad I’m going to feel by tonight … but I know it’s worth it.

We’re on for Thursday for abs, and then next week I hope to squeeze in one of the two remaining sessions (chest, back, arms and then legs and shoulders or something, I forget) before we leave for Mexico next Wednesday.

I am super-thankful for this opportunity to work with a trainer. I really think it’s going to make a world of difference in how I see my fitness experience — as something with a goal, versus just something I do. If I can maximize my gym time, I think the obsession/fixation will naturally subside — as practicality and time management efficiencies dominate my mind.

Once I have my full schedule planned out, I’ll share it here. For now, let’s just say, Christi kicked my bum! But I didn’t give up. And that, my dear readers, rocks.

How about you? Was your first training experience a good one?