Trainers, classes get you over hump

Q: My work teaching adolescents consumes most of my willpower and energy. I tell myself I will walk when I get home, but all I want to do when I get home is put my feet up and enjoy the silence. I would like to get in shape to have more energy and better health, yet I cannot make the commitment to do what must be done for myself. I want to know how a trainer could help me and what would be involved in time and money. I’d also like to know how I can find a trainer who can work with me. I am fearful of taking the leap and not succeeding.

— Tired Teacher Taking care of yourself is difficult when you spend your energy and time taking care of others. But if you can find the time to exercise, you will have more energy at the end of the day.

People make time for haircuts, manicures, meals with friends and church outings. These activities require commitments and time but reward you with good feelings that encourage you to do them again. Likewise, exercise lifts your mood, relieves anxiety and rewards you with huge health benefits.

Hiring a personal trainer is a great way to convert your desire into action. Most clubs have a staff member who is responsible for finding the right trainer to work with you. Some clubs offer special packages for training, such as group rates and reduced rates for multiple sessions. You will also be able to choose between hour-long sessions or 30-minute sessions.

Your first session with a personal trainer is important for both of you. The trainer will ask questions to formulate an exercise program suitable for your specific needs. You should express your goals and ask for the help you need. I have had new clients arrive for their first session with a notebook full of questions and lists of goals. This is a welcome sign that they are serious about starting a workout program.

Be honest with your answers. If you dislike swimming, then that would not be the best cardiovascular exercise for you since you would find excuses not to do it. If, on the other hand, you love music and dancing, attending a Zumba

class might be the perfect choice for your cardio activity.

A personal trainer can give you the confidence to navigate a gym on your own. In just a few sessions you can learn how to use the strength-training machines and free weights and how, with guidance, to decide on the cardiovascular exercises that work for you. Together you can discuss your time and budget restraints and devise a workable schedule.

Hiring a personal trainer does not have to be a financial burden. You can pay for a couple of sessions, gain confidence with your new program and then choose to work out on your own. Or you can find a friend to share the cost of the trainer with you, or you can join an existing group. Small group training with two or three people is a great way to lower your cost. You have the guidance of a trainer and the camaraderie of friends with similar goals.

If you need help gaining confidence but can’t afford to hire a trainer, join an exercise class. Most clubs offer a variety of classes at no extra charge for members that are taught by fitness instructors who are certified to teach group classes and who in some cases have special training for the type of class they teach.

I understand feeling nervous about walking into a group class for the first time. After practicing Pilates for years under the watchful eye of an excellent and inspirational instructor, I decided that I wanted the challenge of learning yoga. A year later, I finally found the courage to slink into the back of a yoga class and unroll my mat in a dark corner, hoping no one would notice me.

The gentle yoga instructor helped me feel welcome, and slowly I gained enough confidence to relax and enjoy the class. Now I fly down the stairs at noon, anxious to arrive at the class on time.

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Some are good at inspiring and helping others but then do not have energy left to take care of themselves. The paradox is that finding the time and energy to exercise ultimately will give you more energy throughout the day.

Understanding this reality is one thing, but actually taking the time and energy to work out regularly is a more difficult step. And this is where personal trainers or exercise classes are so helpful: they bring you motivation and specialized knowledge to help you work out more effectively and efficiently.

Tired Teacher, give it a shot. If you are scared about trying and not succeeding, remember that the worst that can happen is that you end up in the same place you are now. But the best that can happen is that you change your life and health.