I’m proud to be a part of the #teamNFC program at National Fitness Center, which offers special access to try fitness facilities and services.
“Good job!”
“Looking strong!”
“You’ve got this!”
I wish I had a coach beside me, cheering me on like this when I’m struggling to get my house cleaned or family dinner on the table or write an article on deadline.
Those encouraging phrases were what carried me through nearly an hour of personal training with Julie Smith at National Fitness Center. Here are five things I learned about myself during this #teamNFC experience:
- I thrive on encouraging words. Being around a positive, uplifting individual means the world to me. That’s essentially what I got when I agreed to try a complimentary personal training session at the club. Julie’s demeanor and language gave me every reason to believe I am strong and can accomplish something. If only I had a trainer like her to encourage me in other areas, who knows what I could accomplish?
- I can’t do this on my own. “We set goals and we help you reach those goals!” shared Julie enthusiastically. She starts off clients with a fitness assessment that involves measuring body mass index and doing a functional movement screening. She uses metrics to help her clients understand where they are and what it will take to reach the goals they set for themselves. While I have more energy and strength since working out on my own, I can tell by talking with her that I’ve meandered on my path toward weight loss, in great part because I haven’t had the structure that she gives her clients through a personalized fitness program.
- I have to take the nutrition component just as seriously as the physical activity. Julie said part of the structure she can help with is access to the online meal planning tool via NFC. She can create an overall plan that directs clients toward this, but she reminded me that it’s up to the individual to take full advantage of how the right nutritional approach can help create good results.
- I can do really difficult, seemingly impossible things, if I’m in a positive setting like NFC. I’ll be honest. I’ve tried lots of at-home workouts, things I could do in my own living room, and I rarely felt I could continue for an entire hour. I find it rather torturous. Somehow, kettlebells, squats, ropes and sit-ups all seemed very doable with a trainer there by my side. It was downright fun challenging myself to do everything she asked of me.
- I am stronger than I realize. One small measure for me is that I could previously barely complete a single “real” pushup before getting started this winter at NFC. Now, I’m proud that I can do 20 and have perhaps the beginnings of some arm strength. During personal training, Julie asked me to do high intensity intervals that involved weights and various muscle groups. In every instance, I could do what she asked. Sure, it’s all a gradual process…and next time, she’d ask me to lift even more. But a couple of days after our session, when the soreness was subsiding, I could tell myself confidently that I must be getting stronger.
Whatever you choose to do on your fitness journey, it has to be what works for you. Looking at even minimal government recommended guidelines, even going casually on a fitness journey does some good when getting in a few workouts each week. However, if you’re looking for specific results like I am in losing weight and getting more fit, especially over the age of 40, I would highly recommend giving personal training a try. If you don’t think that fits your budget, you might check into team training with some of the same advantages in a small group setting.
I’ve had a lot of fun workouts through the years. What was different with Julie helping me with personal training was that she knew just how to guide me through getting my heart rate up, working at correct intervals, challenging me without causing injury, and customizing to meet my needs. She’s an expert at helping people get results, she truly cares about each client, and I think I could use this kind of guidance every day to help me reach my goals.
You can contact Julie here through her Facebook page or via the NFC website. Please let them know that Anne sent you. You can also see fun snapshots from Julie’s team training classes here on Instagram and get the latest here from NFC on Instagram.
Don’t just take my word for it about personal training. Hear what #teamNFC’s Kate at Southern Belle Simple discovered during her experience.
Be sure to follow NFC on Twitter and join the #teamNFC chat on Mondays at 11 am Eastern time.
This post is in conjunction with National Fitness Center. My opinions are always my own.
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Sounds like an awesome place to get in shape!
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Way to go Anne! I end up doing most workouts on my own but when I’ve used a personal trainer in the past, the encouragement has been SO helpful. Yeah, I wish I had someone cheering me on every day at home – I could use it!
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Get it girl! Let’s hit up a CrossFit gym at ShiftCon!!
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I read this article over the weekend Anne and really admire what you’ve been doing in and outside the gym. I agree with so much of what you said, working out on my own is always different than if I have a trainer by my side. Same holds true for workout classes, or yoga class, I like to be surrounded by people who are going to inspire and push me. I think positive feedback always keeps me going. Keep up the good work Anne, you’re inspiring many to be healthy and HAPPY!
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