NPR

Been going to the gym on and off for years, like to think I know what I am doing and have fallen into a circuit that I have been doing for last 6-9 months. 20-25 mins aerobic (static bike, cross trainer, etc) and then weights, 8 or 9 stations of usual stuff sit ups, chest press, lats pull down, dumbbell curls etc. About 75 minutes in total, working hard. I realised I was becoming very good at doing the circuit, made up of things I like to do, but not making any progress. So invested in some sessions with trainer (ex rugby player) I know in gym, early Xmas pressie to myself. We had a quick intro meeting and then at first session he took me through 2 new circuits. I am doing 4 sessions a week, 75 mins each, and alternate the circuit. What a difference even after only 2-3 weeks! Far more complete workout, better balance to session, real focus on core and stability and I am already feeling a real difference. We have a session every 2 weeks and he will add/change things or increase weights/reps. Initial plan is for a 12 week programme, ending at end of Feb. Made me realise that although I thought I was working hard and knew what I was doing, I wasn't really plus having a session every 2 weeks gives me motivation to work even harder. Big lesson for me was the need to get that expert input even when you think you know what you are doing. 10 weeks to go ...

A couple of questions:

1) You feel safe going to the gym, even with the COVID (the bad kind) going around? I’m in Japan which is supposed to be safer than the UK, but I’ve stopped going to the gym for this reason.

2) Did you consider researching a better routine for yourself using the internets? There’s plenty of resources available, you’d end up feeling more invested in the process, and you’d save yourself a few quid.

3) You mention exercises and lifts you enjoy. How much of those do you still get to do?

FujiKiwi wrote: Thu Dec 17, 2020 11:47 pm A couple of questions:

1) You feel safe going to the gym, even with the COVID (the bad kind) going around? I’m in Japan which is supposed to be safer than the UK, but I’ve stopped going to the gym for this reason.

2) Did you consider researching a better routine for yourself using the internets? There’s plenty of resources available, you’d end up feeling more invested in the process, and you’d save yourself a few quid.

3) You mention exercises and lifts you enjoy. How much of those do you still get to do?

1. Gym is pretty good at all the infection control plus it is very well ventilated. Everyone cleans everything before and after using the kit. I also wear a mask when in the gym and it makes not one iota of a difference to my breathing and I have mild asthma! It is all about balance but if I don't exercise I put on weight and my asthma gets worse.

2. Yeh I did but subconsciously I think we all tend to gravitate to things we are most comfortable with so working with the PT makes me get out of my comfort zone. I like the challenge of someone setting me challenges and pushing me.

3. I still do some of the exercises but with variations. For example I did lots of lateral pull downs but used same bar and wide grip all the time. Now I use a different bar and vary grips - wide, narrow, etc in each circuit. Ditto with seated dumbbell shoulder press - I now do rotated presses. Bicep curls I did usual curls and hammer curls but now am doing bicep 21 curls. Tweaks make a difference. Also it is the overall circuit that is better balanced than I would probably have chosen myself.

Good to hear it’s going well for you. I’ve heard that getting a personal trainer is just the shake up some people need to have a breakthrough.

It also depends on how far along you are on your fitness/strength journey. The further along you are, the harder you have to work for gains. If you were well along anyway, I can see why you might have been in a rut you needed a fresh approach to get out of.