As you all may recall, a month ago I took the plunge and started a relationship with a personal trainer. The decision to begin was a tough one. It’s like starting a relationship with a bad boy or a new dessert. It’s something you know you shouldn’t do, but you just can’t resist. You know it’s going to be addicting, it’s expensive, and it requires dedication.

Luckily for me, a trainer comes with far better benefits than a new dessert obsession or bad boy.

A month ago, March 30th, Lauren and I met for the first time at the Equinox on 19th and Broadwa. Our first session was a bit awkward, as I was nervous and worried about what the future held. Would I bulk up like Hulk Hogan? Would my body be so exhausted after our sessions that I wouldn’t be able to run? Would she make me cry or push me too hard? Would she be worth the money? What if I embarrassed myself and couldn’t finish a set or an exercise, or looked like a fool completing an exercise. (See example below.)

Luckily, looking back on this first month, I have nothing negative to say. Sure, it’s an expensive addiction, but in my experience, it has been well worth it. I’ve increased my strength, decreased my body fat, and lost weight in the process. In fact, I feel more confident today, than I did the day I finished the NYC Marathon. I think the reason for this is because I feel like the circle is complete. I could run a marathon, with proper training, even better than before since I’m including strength training. In fact, earlier this week, I shared this thought with my Twitter  followers:

Today, during our session, Lauren and I talked about some of the many benefits I’ve enjoyed over the past month. In addition, I took that one step further by making a list which captures these benefits for readers who may be apprehensive or wary.

• A trainer pushes me to attempt exercises I wouldn’t try alone.
• A trainer prevents injury by insuring my form is correct.
• A trainer can push me to lift that last rep when I thought I was done.
• A trainer can point out results that are naked to the common eye such as improved balance, form, or strength.
• A trainer can become a friend and therapist, with whom you can vent, laugh, and bitch.
• A trainer ensures you don’t get bored with the relationship by trying something new every time.
  

Since many people have asked, I wanted to also share a few examples of our workouts. Right now, we are meeting twice a week, for an hour each time. Each session includes 5 minutes of dynamic warm-up, 45 minutes of working out, and 10 minutes of stretching. The stretching has been a very important component, helping ensure that I recover faster and prevent injuries.

  Set/Reps          Exercise
  3×12   Suitcase Dead lift
  3×12   Push Up
  3x30s Decline Hold
  3×12   Reverse Diagonal Lunge
  3×12   Bent Over Row
  3×12   Leg Raises (Decline)
  3×12   Step Up
  3×12  MB Russian Twist
 

  Set/Reps          Exercise
  3×10       Squat
  3×10       Alt Latt Pull Down
  3×10       Alt Lunge
  3×10       DB Reverse Fly
  3×10       DB Fly
  3×15       Straight Leg Sit Up
  3×10       Leg Raise
  3×15       Superhero

  Set/Reps          Exercise
  3×10       Deadlift
  3×10       CG BB Curl to Press
  3×10       F-B Back Lunge
  3×10       Alt Shoulder Press
  3×10       Front DB Squat
  3×12       Cable Rotation
  3×12       Moving   Plank Hold

Feel free to email me any questions you may have about my Equinox personal training experience or any questions you may have for Lauren, my trainer.