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Giving in to the Gym

Still reeling from the five consecutive games I rolled out this week, I managed to find my way to the gym yesterday.  I have said it many a times that I have an aversion for the gym.  There’s just nothing motivating about working out within four walls when you’re used to running freely outdoors; half the time I’m thinking, I wish I was on the road instead.

But, yesterday, I forced myself to take on a new mindset.  I decided to give importance to gym work in order to provide my muscles, especially those in the legs, the much needed strengthening exercises that they’ve been asking for.  I figured that if I don’t do it know then I’m setting myself up for more injuries in the future.  Gotta nip this in the bud before I get any fractures or major problems.

I met with a gym trainer yesterday for an initial assessment before we start on regular one-on-one sessions for the next 1.5 months.  I chose this trainer after a “comprehensive” interview the day before, which he passed with flying colors by the way.  This is how it went:

ME: Can I possibly get one-on-one training with an instructor?

Instructor: Yes, of course.

ME: Okay. I want an instructor who runs since I want a program geared towards improving my performance in running.  Do you run?

Instructor: Yes, I do.  But right now I can’t. I have ITBS…

ME: You do?!  Great!  (Should I have said that?!)  You’re my instructor!  When do we meet?

So, I did get an assessment yesterday, which was partly disturbing and partly encouraging.  Bad news: my perenially injured left leg—the thigh to be exact—is half an inch smaller than the right thigh, I still haven’t lost the excess Christmas weight (as if I didn’t know that hehe), and I looked so much chubbier as I did my step test in front of the mirror (haha!)  Good news: my body fat percentage is ideal for my height (but I still aim for a runner’s lean body…don’t we all?) and my heart rate recovers fast (perhaps a sign that I haven’t completely lost fitness.)

With the results of the initial assessment, the gym instructor will now create a program and present it to me later this afternoon.  I’m pretty confident that the new program will provide good results, but I just have to remind myself to be patient.  I can’t count how many times Annie, my running buddy, told me that results from strength training don’t happen overnight; in fact, it usually takes over two months.  For now, I just hope this new program will motivate me to head for the gym even if my mind is on the road.

Posted on 05.07.09 to 01 Bullish Insights, 05 Training. Tags: , . Subscribe to follow comments on this post. 15 comments. Add your thoughts or trackback from your own site.

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15 Responses to “Giving in to the Gym”

  1. You got Sir Peter Didnt You??

    paolo Sauler said on May 07 09 at 1:31 PM Reply

  2. goodluck! :-) Millan of Fitness First Rob Summit in Makati is a tri-athlete as well. although i don’t go for 1:1 PT w/ him, i think he’s a good PT for runners.

    iandmac said on May 07 09 at 1:43 PM Reply

  3. The first step is always usually hard and painful. But knowing it will help you better, go for it! Hhmm would you mind if you tell how much is the cost to have a one-on-one gym instructor to help you specifically develop your leg muscles or free to?

    Sam
    The Running Ninja
    http://www.therunningninja.com

    The Running Ninja said on May 07 09 at 3:17 PM Reply

  4. everybody at one time even the elite runners will be injure, alot of runners suggest weight training to correct the inbalance of your muscle. Do weight training really help you correct the inbalance ,maybe! the true is our body will always have inbalance and we will continue to get injured,the important is to recognized it and nurse it. We try to add more work out and find more work for our body,but nerve find time to take a rest the only time we take a rest is when we get injured. Remember rest is also part of training. I think if you give time and go slow on your running and not to rush on your progress your running muscle will slowly get stronger.

    Raffy said on May 08 09 at 7:09 AM Reply

    • You’re right, Raffy! I think as runners we’re so proactive about searching for the cure. We forget that rest is all we need. I’m so guilty of that. Takes for the reminder.

      thebullrunner said on May 14 09 at 8:53 AM Reply

  5. Last year I signed up for 5 sessions with a trainer. I needed to get off the exercise machines and more into the free weights and core intensive workouts. She was also a runner and at the end of the 5 sessions gave me a comprehensive two page list of exercises routines I could do on my own. It has really paid off, my core is stronger which really helps stabilize me more on the trail runs. I signed up for 5 more sessions in February. Lately I haven’t been because I had two big races within two weeks of each other, between the taper and recovery I haven’t been able to lift. I’m with you, I really, really, hate it. My trainer totally knows I hate it too but it’s been a big help. I’m faster and stronger. As you know I do a lot of the ultra stuff and all that endurance activity was breaking me down. The strength training is going to keep me strong throughout the whole season and help prevent injuries. Now if I can only discipline myself to stretch more!

    rick gaston said on May 09 09 at 5:34 AM Reply

    • thanks for this Rick. You know what, I hate to admit it, but after 2 sessions, I’m actually starting to enjoy the gym! Is that good? Uh oh.

      thebullrunner said on May 14 09 at 8:54 AM Reply

  6. hi jaymie. i think i know the trainer that you chose. is it peter? he is a seasoned and experienced trainer. may it be running, srength training, and other sports-specific program. you’re in good hands. keep training.

    rico said on May 09 09 at 9:58 AM Reply

  7. Good choice on PT and am sure you will be in expert hands. Sir Peter has handled my program for the past 3years and has played a big role to my njury free running for the past 1.5 years. Live near makati but brave the traffic to get to Alabang..there can only be one sir peter.

    Carlo F. said on May 09 09 at 12:06 PM Reply

    • We were just talking about you Carlo. He said that you’ve improved a lot. Congratulations! It’s not just about how great the trainer is, but also how motivated and hard working you are!

      thebullrunner said on May 14 09 at 8:56 AM Reply

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