October 10, 2008 – “If you didn’t kill it or pull it out of the ground, don’t eat it!”

 I am 35.  Up until this year – I could spring back from anything.  Today, I learned that just wasn’t so…..

On location in Conshy, just 10 minutes from King of Prussia – the gorgeous Facts Fitness location, sits next to the river in an amazing corporate space.  It is actually 3500 square feet, and it is well-laid out and appointed with a gorgeous locker room.  Tawny met us at the front desk and gave us our marching orders from Ian.

We all hopped on the ellipticals.  Easy.  I never really sweated on an elliptical.  As usual, I’m joking but quickly, it turned to just bad.  I became short of breath, my chest got tight.  I felt horrible.

Meanwhile, Ms. Lori and Dr. Arthur were truckin’ it  -  competing to see who could go faster.  

I had to ask Tawny to get off the machine.  I was embarrassed!!!

I began to think – I feel healthy.  I look healthy.  But dangit! I can’t even go 4 minutes on a level 6 on an elliptical???

So often, we resist exercise.  (and not I see why )  I see this as a major mistake and am amazed that I can’t do this.

The last time I worked out was when I was 3 months pregnant with Nat.  I was in good shape.  

Fast forward to 2008 – just two years – 33 years old to 35 years old, is not a lot of time.

Let me tell you what was different – I couldn’t breathe.  I had chest pain.  I weigh more than 20 lbs. less than the last time I worked out.  From the outside, I APPEAR healthier.

Cardiovascularly – I am not, let me assure you.  I was in agony.

Getting back to my comment – getting your heart rate up and keeping it up is no easy task!  I switched to the bike and sat with my arms over my head, hoping that dying feeling would go away.

Made me think about our practice – and how many people THINK they are healthy, but that has nothing to do with it.    Health is so many facets – STRUCTURAL (that’s us! ) – NUTRITIONAL (eating a diet in whole foods – as Ian says for our current regime – “If you didn’t kill it or pull it out of the ground – don’t eat it!)   Lastly is EMOTIONAL.  This is where personal training is priceless with Ian – his calm confidence pushes you past your own self-imposed blocks!   I thought I was healthy – but there is always room for improvement!

Ian came in and ran us through a creative circuit.  I am amazed at the simplicity of Ian’s training.  I am amazed at how conscious he is about us not getting hurt.  I am amazed at how he knows what we can take.  I am amazed that I push myself much farther than I could without Ian.  

In talking to my patients about personal training – a rare few think it is frivolous – citing, “I can do it myself.”  Meanwhile, they are struggling with excess weight, they may be taking medicine to improve their mood, and they are exhausted and sad.  

Let me tell, you there is something that can help you, help yourself.

The majority can’t and more importantly – WON’T help themselves hit their goals.  

Personal training returns so many benefits.  You can make sure you are doing things right, get great new exercises, and have someone push you beyond what you think you can do!

If your life has hit a stall, or isn’t going the way you planned and your not happy with yourself- think about personal training.  It impacts your structural, nutritional, and emotional health and is a great investment.

It helps with making your adjustments hold better because your core will be firmer and you will be toned and stronger overall.

Today, my heart and lungs reminded me that health is precious and cannot be bought.  It may be the change you need to change your life.