Cannon's Journal

Well...when was the last time I talked about insecurities? Its been awhile I know. I went to the gym today at 11:10 and I saw a room full of in shape people--not a bad thing for a gym. I talked with one of the personal trainers (There are 3) and I could tell this one would be oil and water for me so I'm not going to use her. I was a bit disapointed to see a lack of male personal trainers, but not a deal breaker. The facility itself was fairly basic, but nice. Its full of machines. I have an insecurity that I know I share with some people here that I've gotten much better at and that is working out around other people. I reallized I was really serious about getting my weight down when I found myself going out for walks during daylight hours when people were around. Going to the gym is going to push those insecurities to the edge for me. Now, that being said I'm doing it. I'm facing those insecurities and not letting them stand in my way. However, it was interesting to see them there. I picked up cards for their 3 trainers and I can look up the other two before I figure who I'm going to use to help me get started.
 
Way to go. It is a common fear for a lot of people(myself included) Its not biggie once you've gone a couple times though. Good luck with the trainer.
 
Hey, you're doing well! I'm also full of insecurities when I go to the gym. Every time I go, there are these petite little women running around doing cardio, weights, etc. Never in my life have a I been petite and I've always felt like a bit of an over-sized monster. :(
I think there's nothing wrong with preferring a male trainer. As a female, I'd rather have a male help me and only because I feel like I'm being judged less. I think that probably ties back into my insecurities about being around spry and petite ladies.
 
Wow Cannon Congrats on facing the gym fear,thats one thats hard for me.
There is a fitworks gym in the shopping center close to my house and everytime I go by the window and kind of glance up there are these perfect shaped women on the treadmills and elipticals and I would feel out of place.
I guess I will never know until I actually go into one and give it a shot.

Your doing great and music definatley helps with the workouts.Have a gr8
day Tammy
 
I remember feeling very daunted previously at the idea of mingling with gym patrons who I saw as trim and fit and knowledgeable. The payoff for moving past that can be huge though, and I'm so glad you're staying steady on your path, Cannon.

I'm sure stuco is right about the insecurities feeling less after you have been to the gym a couple of times. Hopefully the excitement will also be there but be more lasting.
 
I guess most of us have felt those insecurities at one point or another. It's fine to feel them, as long as they don't stand in your way! I find that once you get to the gym and start getting into your workout, you get into "the zone" and start to not care what the others are thinking.
 
I am getting into that zone and I do think having 80+ pounds behind me helps. It shows that I'm serious. I tried researching the trainers, but didn't find much. I'm going to write a very long introductory letter and email it to the one I'm giving a try to. The reason I do prefer a male trainer is not that I don't think a woman could do the job. Its just that sight unseen they push things coded for women "Stronger bones, toner muscles, losing dress sizes". Obviously, they advertise what brings them business and while I don't wear dresses, in principle losing dress sizes would be good for me. A big part of what I want is to learn the proper techniques for using free weights and I think that tends to be the "males only" section of the gym. Frankly, a woman can do all these things. I just need to make sure the trainer I pick will.

The problem I had with the trainer that I met was that she kept talking about how she would teach me all about nutrition. Now I admit, the first thing you'll notice about me looking at my body and seeing what I need to work on is the weight. I just felt she was going to be pretty useless for what I needed.
 
good work choosing a gym, you will soon begin to feel more comfortable after a few visits. Good luck choosing a trainer that will match your needs.
 
Too bad about that trainer. I think when a person joins a gym, staff automatically assume that person is a beginner in the fitness/weight loss department. People sometimes fail to realize how much that person has already accomplished. You, with your 80 lb accomplishment, are a perfect example. :)
 
Here is the letter I just wrote to one of the trainers. See what you think? Hopefully, this gets over some of the initial problems you were just talking about Dee.


Hi,

My name is Joe Linehan and I just signed up at Cardinal Fitness today. I am interested in working with a personal trainer and I saw that you were certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine and I was impressed with that so I thought I'd contact you first.
I figured I would tell you a little about myself. I'm 38 years old and I weigh 385 pounds. Over the past year and one month I have lost 80 pounds and I have gone from the point of being unable to walk a mile without effort to walking 2-3 miles every morning. I am continuing to work on the nutritional aspect of things, but I believe to take my health to the next level, I need to move to a more intense workout regimen.
A few weeks ago I joined the gym at St. Francis Hospital, but I grew frustrated by the lack of personal training and lack of free weights. During my initiation there my heart was monitored and at its highest my blood pressure only got to 155/80. Despite my weight, my heart is in excellent shape.
I am looking to develop a routine that continues to focus on aerobic exercise (At St. Francis I was doing the rowing machine, eliptical, treadmill, and recumbant bike at 8 minutes each) as well as including free weights in the workout. I obviously have a long way to go, but I personally have come very far in the last 13 months and I have no intention of easing up now.
I would like to know if you are willing an able to take me on as a client and would like to know a bit more about your background and philosphy as well as your rates. I am leaving for a short trip on Wednesday morning and I will be gone until Monday of next week. I would be interested in starting with a trainer shortly after I return.

Thanks,
Joe
 
Thanks Tom. There are things I can't do that fit people can do. Face it you put me in any semi-intense aerobic activity and ask me to go 20 minutes straight and it won't be a pretty sight. However, like anybody working out I'm trying to improve myself and I'm also not a total novice. I don't want to hear how eating Big Macs and Snickers isn't a good lunch. If we both know where each other stands, I think it'll be better for both of us.
 
I think everyhitng you said is great and makes sence...knowing what you want and obtaining is the greatest way to accomplish your goal...

We all have insecurities...Im still insecure about a few things regarding my journey but i overcome them every day :D:D:D

Good for you for having the courage to join and gym and leave a gym and find another one better equipted for you - Im really looking forward to your progress now :D:D:D

 
cannon your about to enter a highway now and your going to be moving fast!

can't wait to see the progress a trainer brings you!
 
Update:

I just heard back from the trainer and she said some right things in here reply. Of course she wants to set up a personal consultation and that's a good thing. She said her rate is $440 per month which is a bit more than I wanted, but I suppose when I break it down its not too horrendous. $440 per month at 10 sessions per month is less than $50 an hour. I also don't think this has to be a long term relationship either as much as somebody to get me started.
 
You hit the nail on the head:D:D:DGo to her long enough to get comfortable and learn the routines t hen drop her and do it yourself. For now however if you have the money and want this - I t hink it is well worth it and under 50 a sessions doesnt sound bad at all:):):)

As always you are in my thoughts!!!
 
Cannon 2006 said:
I'm facing those insecurities and not letting them stand in my way.
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:jump: Yay! That's the spirit! :jump:​

Cannon 2006 said:
Frankly, a woman can do all these things. I just need to make sure the trainer I pick will.

The problem I had with the trainer that I met was that she kept talking about how she would teach me all about nutrition. Now I admit, the first thing you'll notice about me looking at my body and seeing what I need to work on is the weight. I just felt she was going to be pretty useless for what I needed.
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Yeah you need to go with what is most comfortable, and I think personally I would prefer a male trainer too.....

Cannon 2006 said:
Hi,

My name is Joe Linehan
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WOW this is the first time I noticed your name!! (btw geat letter!)
 
Cannon 2006 said:
She said her rate is $440 per month which is a bit more than I wanted, but I suppose when I break it down its not too horrendous. $440 per month at 10 sessions per month is less than $50 an hour. I also don't think this has to be a long term relationship either as much as somebody to get me started.
Click to expand...

K, but I think that is a little expensive....maybe you should keep looking?
 
Howdy Cannon!!
Well your heading in a good direction.Do you have
a YMCA close by? The one here charges like for parent and 1 child
$54 month and that includes a trainer and also a 12 week start up
program it would be cheaper in looking into 1 of those?
Well your doing great Have a nice day Tammy
 
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