trained...

For about nine months, I have been a loyal gym-goer. And by this, I mean a loyal treadmill run-walker. I stick close to my machine, we are a team. I have a routine - I begin with six minutes of warm-up walking at precisely 3.9, followed by a run of about ten minutes, followed by interchanging runs and walks at increasing intensities until cooldown (I've read intervels are more effective, but I am also far from being a runner naturally). Every workout day - walk, run, stretch, leave.

Until recently, I've always looked down at the open weight room below the cardio floor and dismissed it as a maze of machines that I would never navigate. In fact, now that I actually consider it, I think I subconciously began using one of the 'mills farthest from the view of the weight room. I hadn't the slightest clue of where to start with those mysterious machines. Besides, me and my treadmill were happy and comfortable AND I could watch T.V. which is a delicious treat when I haven't had cable (or basic!) for nearly two years.

Then last week, I thought to myself "why did you never use those personal training sessions offered to you upon joining? You should do that." Running tones my legs, calves and that's about it. My lower half is in great shape while the rest of me is a bit....less shaped. I needed help out of my treadmill box.

So, I capitalized on the never used personal training sessions and had my first today. And train me she did. I thought I was so inshape and so healthy...

au contraire mes amies!

I was shaking like a baby's rattle. Two four-pound dumbbells at once. Yes, I am embarrassed. I struggled through arms while she "spotted" me (aka lifted the bar for me). We moved on to core where I thought I might have some strength, but was again proven wrong as I nearly rolled off the stability ball with every move. They make it look so easy in those magazine pictures! Who are those girls and why are they never sweating?!?

Needless to say, I was challenged, physically and mentally and loved it. My next session is scheduled for Saturday morning (what?) and I cannot wait. Like Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi explains in my current read, Flow, flow (happiness) will never be attained until you challenge yourself to achieve a difficult goal, even if its as simple as learning how to strength train. Getting a little deep on this one, but its a great message.

Ready to be challenged...again.