So about a month and a half ago, my fiance and I joined LA Fitness...still debating whether it's LA (as in Los Angeles) or La Fitness- a french twist. :)
Overall I think it's a nice place. Nice equipment, spacious, great classes, pool, racquetball, basketball, clean and they even have a juice bar with food and stuff. However, I have a bone to pick with LA Fitness...or maybe the whole fitness industry.Who knows???? When we signed up, they had us sit down with a personal trainer. He was 20 years old, and walked us through the LA Fitness work-out/weight loss mantra. Thirty minutes weights, 30 minutes cardio, every other day while alternating upper and lower body. They took our BMI (I cried), and scheduled us for a fitness assessment. We were very clear from the beginning we could not afford a personal training package. I did express I was willing to pay for one training session so someone who I'd like to think knows more about this me, could set me up with a regimen and I could do it for a month, and then get another session to re-assess and alter as I get stronger.
So we go to the fitness assessment. Yes, I realized how out of shape I was in. However, it was supposed to be a 30 minute session, and it lasted 15. And the guy was really arrogant-same guy we sat down with- and was talking to other people or looking around the gym instead of making sure we're at least doing the exercises right. What he doesn't know, it that I worked with a personal trainer for 3 years, 2-3 times a week. I KNOW how to do the exercises. I just don't remember the routines- I played stupid and just did what I was told. I also thought he was making the shit up as he was going along.
When the 'assessment' was done he said the obvious- we were out of shape. DUH. And then proceeded to try to sell us a personal training package. I again expressed what I was looking for...stressing the "we're paying for our own wedding" thing, and then he said if we were serious about loosing weight, we should move the wedding back!!!!!! Are you kidding me?!?!?! I again asked him about doing one session to get a routine, just so I know what to do, and he said they don't offer something like that there. So instead of getting $50 a month, they get nothing. HUH?
Is this how gyms function now? When I was 18, I joined a gym and that's what they did- give a personal training session to teach us how to use the equipment, and gave us a plan to follow. Has it really become an 'all or nothing' industry? How does anyone who's never worked out a day in their life get started then? I'd really like to know how other gyms work when it comes to their personal training packages.
This leads me to my ultimate question that, through research and asking around, I have yet to have answered:
WHAT is the best routine for me to loose weight?
For those of you who might have an answer for me, I'll give you my stats:
I'm 34 years old. I'm 100 over weight. I have no medical conditions or injuries that would prevent me from doing certain exercises. I am MOTIVATED and WILLING to do WHATEVER. I am putty in a hand. The problem is there are so many conflicting ideas out there, how do you weed through all the BS? Some websites say no weights because you'll bulk up under the fat. Some say yes to weights, but not on the stationary machines. WHICH IS IT?!?!?!?!
If you're reading this, and could give insight- please comment on here. I'm sure some people reading this would want to know too.
Overall, it feels AMAZING to be working out again. I especially love the days I'm not working out and my body is sore from the workout the day before. It makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something- almost like the fruit of my labor. I also forgot how the endorphins lift your mood too. I feel so much better!
Why don't you ever ask your sister? I lost 60 in less than a year doing nothing too extreme! I would recommend doing at least 30 min of cardio a day with weights 2-3 times a week. You won't bulk up, you'll tone your muscles and they'll get tighter and smaller even. At first the weight loss will be slow, because your body is getting used to the idea. My first month I barely lost 5 pounds, but I kept going because it was better than losing nothing or gaining more. The harder you start out, the easier it will be once you get used to it. Rest 2 days a week, but pay special care to your diet. No cheats or treats for lost weight! We were unfortunately raised on a reward system that used food... start buying little things like a face mask or new lipstick as your reward.
ReplyDeleteIt'll be hard for awhile, but once you cut out bad habits and stick with it, it becomes so easy. And once the results start showing it gets exciting to see what next week will bring. You'll feel in control, and it'll be amazing. And I'd love to work out together if you ever want <3