Choose Your Hard

Many of my friends ask about my personal training sessions with Kevin Carlson at Accelerated Fitness in Cromwell. They want to know what sessions are like, what we do, how things work, but the most often asked question can be summed up in three words:

“Is it hard?”

I have mulled that question in my head over and over, because certainly the workouts are challenging. And, I want to answer it honestly, not making anyone think that my workouts are a breeze.

In the end, my response is simple, this is what I do to avoid hard. 

Hard to me is hating to see photographs of myself or panicking as a friend pulls out a camera; hard is catching my reflection in a mirror or shop window and flinching at the sight; hard is walking into a room and feeling like I’m being measured by my physical presentation as opposed to who I really am or my abilities; hard is changing my clothes several times before leaving the house because I’m trying to not “look” fat.

Hard is a word with negative connotations and I don’t use it to describe the work we do in the studio.

My sessions at Accelerated Fitness are challenging, but they are challenging at my level of ability. When I first started, I certainly didn’t do the kind of demanding workout program I do now. I couldn't do pushups on the floor. I did mine with my hands on a raised bench. I was wearing an ankle brace and devoid of muscle. But, I learned that if Kevin says “Go”, it’s because he knows I have the ability to handle a move and I am able to push through it. He makes me laugh while I do whatever the set happens to be and keeps me focused.

If this were a negative experience, a “hard” experience, I would do something else. Who wants to hate what they do or dread the experience? Not me.

Emily Woodward, of Images by Emily, was kind enough to stop at a recent training session to take photos. I see Kevin twice a week in private session. Each session is a different program. After several weeks, both programs change. During the weeks of the programs, the weights may or may not be increased, depending on how I am adapting to the challenges presented.

In my last blog, I commented that while I was smaller, my body is not perfect by any means. It is a work in process, but I have the confidence to show it, to wear form-fitting gym clothing and appreciate it for what it is in this place, at this time. I also mentioned my body is used to my current nutrition plan. The goal with Accelerated Fitness's FirstLine Therapy program is to shake things up a little and I can't wait. I'm looking forward to tightening, toning and dropping body fat.

So, here are a selection of photos from my workout, not my whole program, but glimpses into it and there is my body, a work in progress - it's here for everyone to see, warts and all. You can tell from my facial expressions, that I am indeed "challenged".

Try doing your situps with a weighted bar. And yes, those are 5 toed Vibrams on my feet. I look like a duck, but they provide an excellent balance platform for me. When recovering from my ankle injury, I had terrible problems with balance as my stabilizer muscle was, in effect, absent.

 That's Kevin, being kind enough to pass me the weight.

It's not a lot of weight, but you get tired after a few sets. I get loads of encouragement & lots of laughter to keep going.

Best advice ever? Don't hit yourself in the head with that. 

When he knows I am getting really tired, Kevin moves closer to keep me safe and make sure I can get the job done.

Pull!

 

Baby deads, one legged with a lift - the balance is tricky

Pushups, Kevin style. Hands on medicine balls. 

Sets of weighted squats. Time to grab the bar! We vary the weight depending on how many he wants - higher weight with a few reps, lower weight with higher reps - here I need to get 10 so the weight is lower.

My nemesis. I love the battle ropes. Timed sets of rope slams, guaranteed to raise your heart rate and work your whole body. I've never experienced anything like it. He has baby ropes for beginners. I get the big ones. Loads of fun!