my trainer and friend

I briefly mentioned in my last post that I have a new trainer....I want to start this by saying he is awesome and has made the transition great!

When I first started working out at the gym I had started with Trainer #1...he and I did not mesh AT ALL...his style of motivation was not what I was looking for and instead of just living with it I decided to make a few waves and let them know I wanted to change. Then comes along Joe...my Mom had actually been working out with him so I had talked to him every once in awhile and she really like him. So I decided to give it a try.

My first few workouts with Joe were getting to know each other...me learning his personality and training styles...him learning my limitations and where he could push. I think it was probably only the second week where I felt like we were old friends. He was not only a trainer but a good therapist and friend...supporting not only in terms of working out and food issues but other stresses in my life. We had fun during workouts but we also worked hard and I felt and saw changes in my body. Even when we weren't working out, I would get motivational texts and checking in on my with my food choices. I never felt like I was being yelled at and never saw dissapointment when I made bad choices....just tried to figure out what sparked it.

Even during my foot injury when I was so down on myself, Joe was there to pick me up....he knew what to say and when to make me laugh. In July, Joe got married and took a much deserved week off for a honeymoon. That week made me realize how much he meant as a trainer and friend...needless to say I didn't do much working out that week! About the second time after he got back I came into the gym for a workout and was warming up on the bike. Joe came over and he had a very serious look on his face and seemed like he was struggling to tell me something. It was then that I felt that feeling in my stomach...you know the one..where something is coming...Joe has decided to move to another gym in an effort to improve and gain financially for his family. I of course couldn't be mad at him for that and realized that it was the best thing for him and his family...but boy at that moment my world felt like it was crashing down. I know it may sound dramatic....but I thought about what I would do, who I would workout with, who would be that extra push that I needed oh so much? We didn't work out that day...we sat and tried not to cry...talked about who I could go with. Eventually, I just left the gym and came home and balled my eyes out.

So for the next week I tried to come to terms with what was happening....even though I still miss him and yes we still talk every once in awhile...there were a couple of things I realized. First, even though Joe is at another gym I still have with me everything he taught me...about working out and about choices. I will never ever forget the sound of his laugh (that is really just not possible!!) He has given me foundations that I will take with me to every workout. Second, while having a trainer is awesome and a great privelage I need to learn to be able to motivate myself...to get my butt in the gym and work hard just like I had someone right there telling me to push.

Now it is on to trainer #3, Tom...he is different but still motivating and funny just in a really quiet way! Which is way different for me...lol.