As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, today I wrapped up 3 weeks with Fox Fitness! 

We started our morning with mid-month measurements and a fitness assessment! Since my first workout session on May 27th I’ve lost inches on my hips, upper arms and thighs (<based on both gym & at home measurements)! And as I mentioned yesterday, my ankles and feet feel so much stronger from working out on the squishy martial arts mats without shoes. That’s a BIG plus for me because I’ve struggled with things like Plantar’s Fasciitis in the past and can use all the help I can get with strengthening my feet and ankles! 

Today was my first fitness assessment with Fox Fitness. Assessments are done monthly and give clients a way to measure progress in methods other than the scale. The goal is to challenge ourselves each month to get stronger and more flexible so that we can smash our fitness assessment results each month! Here’s what our assessment looked like this morning:
1) How many push-ups in 1 minute. 
2) How many crunches in 1 minute.
3) How many squat jumps in 1 minute. 
4) How many burpees in 1 minute. 
5) How long can you hold a right side plank. 
6) How long can you hold a left side plank. 

So how did I do? Here’s my baseline data that I hope to improve next month!
1) Push-ups: 26
2) Crunches: 39
3) Squat jumps (I just did squats to tippy toes): 31
4) Burpees: 14
5) Right side plank: 56 seconds
6) Left side plank: 60 seconds

This is also a great assessment to do at home! Give it a try and see what you can accomplish and what you can do to improve each time you complete it! One of the things you might consider is working out with a trainer. It’s a complete myth that hiring a personal trainer will break your bank. There are SO many options out there (one-on-one training, group training, classes, etc) where you can have the ability to work with a fitness professional and stay within your budget. It’s important to do your research, see what you can afford and see what’s available in your area. 

I started working out with a trainer a few years ago and it has been SUCH a great experience for me. Whether it’s small group training at Fox Fitness and Orangetheory Fitness or one-on-one training with a run/triathlon coach, having a fitness professional by my side has been the key to reaching my goals, gaining confidence and enjoying the process. 

5 reasons why working with a trainer works for me

1. Accountability. Working with a trainer is like having “Big Brother” watching you. (In a good way, of course). Especially if you befriend that trainer on Facebook, Twitter and the like (lol!). In all seriousness, having someone on your side, checking in with you and keeping you on your toes has been a great way for me to stay accountable. If you find yourself in a situation where you absolutely can’t work with a trainer, find ways to network with like-minded individuals and put your goals out there. Social media, forums, and blogs can be a great way for you to share your progress, be seen and get the support you need to help you maintain that level of accountability in your quest for better health and wellness.

2. Form correction and injury prevention. Before I started working with a trainer I literally knew nothing about strength training. I’ve learned so much from having someone there teaching me correct form and how to prevent my body from injury. I love having someone constantly modeling and patiently demonstrating the ins and outs of our workouts to ensure that we have a successful and safe experience.

3. Challenge. Like I said before, I had no idea what strength training was or how to even start. Working with a trainer has challenged me to push my body to limits I never thought were possible.  It’s neat to see the transformation in both my physical shape and abilities. I feel challenged every time I start a training session and leave feeling like I did more than I had done the previous workout.

4. Motivation. Even when I’m feeling like I can’t possibly give another rep, burpee or mile, my trainers push me to get it done. That positive reinforcement has really made a difference in my mindset. As a teacher, I know how effective and powerful a little positive motivation can be. It’s the same in the real world, kids, and when we’re feeling tired, down and frustrated, we need it the most!

5. Planning. For me, I’ve found that trainers are experts at “seeing the big picture.” They help me set short and long term goals that help to guide my training. When you’re feeling overwhelmed with your journey to your healthiest self, the process can feel quite daunting and frustrating. A trainer can help keep you on that forward thinking path, celebrate small successes and accomplishments, give hope, courage and the confidence to keep at it.

If you’re in the Tampa, FL area, and want to get a taste of what working out with a trainer is like while helping to raise money and bring awareness to an AMAZING local organization, join us on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 8:45am for a special event! 

We’ll be sweating for the Centre for Girls on Saturday morning during a fun, strengthening and calorie-burning workout! The suggested donation is $15, but any amount will help! Come and meet Becky Fox, learn all about Fox Fitness and help give back to our community! For more details, check out the event on Facebook by clicking here. 

Have you or do you work with a personal trainer? What are your thoughts?
Steph 🙂

Do share!