***I am not a fitness expert***
My husband has decided to start exercising more regularly. He asked to accompany me to the Y on Friday. He admitted to me that he had no clue what to do. I asked him what his goals are. Basically, he wants to improve his health. At this point, I have no idea what to tell him to do, because I do not have any personal training experience. I became really frustrated, because I am not an expert in this field. I do not want to lead him down a wrong path. I kept thinking that men’s bodies are so different than women’s bodies. Heck, from woman to woman there are differences in what will work.
After stewing about it for a couple of days, I remembered my many attempts at a healthy lifestyle. When we were engaged, I joined the YMCA our community. They had a new member service where you got so many free consultations and a customized work out plan. The trainer I worked with then said she likes to start all the fitness newbies to commit to 30 minute cardio sessions 2-3 times a week. After a month, she will evaluate how you are doing, meet with you, and incorporate strength training to your work out program. I did discuss this with DH. He agreed to do 30 minutes 3 times a week. I encouraged him to meet with a personal trainer at the Y. I should have introduced him to the one I used.
I had a friend as me how I determine what to do when I work out. Well, it has been an evolutionary process. I started just taking classes. I tried all the ones I thought I would like. Even, some that I thought I would not like. If I couldn’t make a class, I would go to the fitness center and use the stationary bike. I didn’t see any progress, so I took advantage of the fitness consultation. I learned how to use more equipment and the weight machines. The trainer showed me how to do new exercises. I stuck to the things she showed me for awhile, as I was intimidated by stepping outside of my comfort zone. Mind you this was only a few months ago. Remembering that time is now helping me see my husband’s point of view. “Slow and steady wins the race,” after all.
Lately, I have been getting exercise inspiration from Pinterest, SparkPeople, and magazines. I set a schedule that I kind of follow.
Monday: 60 minutes of cardio
Tuesday: Water Tabata
Wednesday: Off
Thursdays: 45-60 minutes of cardio/strength training
Friday: 60 minutes of cardio
Saturday: 45 minutes of cardio followed by muscle tiring strength training.
Sunday: 60 minutes of cardio
If I miss a day, I don’t dwell on it and move on. I try to be conscious that I don’t miss too many days in a row, so I don’t regress too much. I have come so far, having muscle definition I never had before, and I don't want to lose it!
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