The First Two Weeks 6/8 - 6/18

The first two weeks 6/8-6/18

I thought I would get everyone up-to-date with the first two weeks of my workouts with Jesse. I’m hoping to then add lots more details in my weekly posts.

Testing Session:

When I first met Jesse, my trainer, I wasn’t sure what to expect. My initial impression was a no nonsense person who lives in the moment and doesn’t take “I can’t “ or “no” for an answer. This is just the type of person I need to guide me as I focus on improving my physical fitness and losing weight.

Jesse informed me that he would be conducting a number of tests to evaluate my current strength, abilities, and attitude. Yikes!!! As a person who is proud of his abilities I would soon be humbled. These tests included the amount of push-ups, sit-ups, and the time I could plank. All of my results are to embarrassing to publish.

After completing another cardio test Jesse explained the general structure of an appointment and talked about my diet a bit. I need to arrive at the gym at least 15 minutes prior to the appointment for warm-up, dynamic stretching, and static stretching.

Week 1:

For the first week I was only able to fit two workouts into my schedule. The cool thing about scheduling with Jesse is that he does all his appointments online, so it is easy to set up times. The frustration I had with both my appointments is that I arrived right before my scheduled time. This meant that I had to spend some of my time doing my warm-up routines in order to prevent injuries.

The first workout consisted of a number of dumbbell activities focused on my shoulders. The second workout involved doing a number of core strengthening activities. Both workouts started with the plank. Although, I’m still not confident enough to write down how long it has taken me, I do feel that I’m improving.

Week 2:

Although this is technically my second week I really view it as my first. I was excited because my schedule allowed me to workout three times. The first workout on Monday was really tough. I didn’t step into the gym with the right attitude and Jesse really let me know it. I need to be ready to work hard and give it my all from the first to the last minute. The workouts themselves are extremely tough but fun and challenging. The activities and exercises that I have been doing with medicine balls, boso balls, free weights, and other random equipment are fun and engaging.

My goal is to lose two pounds per week. So far I have lost two pounds but I really want to start losing more. Jesse advised me to eating more of the good stuff (complex carbs + protein) and less of the bad stuff (bread, pasta). (my wife advised me to stop eating her Oreos!)

I hope to continue to make progress and learn these practices as I go through this program.

Here we go...

Well, this is the first time I've done anything like this before (blogging or working with a personal trainer) I am really excited to get started with both. I don't really know what to expect but I've reached a point in my life where I need to try something new when it comes to my health. My life over the last five years has really been moving fast and I've developed some really bad habits when it comes to eating and working out.

A little about me...

I just turned 33 recently and am extremely out-of-shape. I work as an administrator at an area middle school,I'm working on my PhD at UW-Madison and my wife and I have a 14 month old little girl, so I've fallen into a pretty stressful but sedentary lifestyle over the last few years. Even though I'm out of shape I enjoy working out and physical activity. I I enjoy lifting free weights, running, doing "boot camp" type activities, biking, playing tennis, and other cardio type activities, etc

My goals...

My main goal is to lose weigh and develop a regular physical fitness routine and healthy eatting plan that is manageable with my hectic schedule. I need to lose close to 60-70 pounds to be at my ideal weight. If I just think about losing it all it stresses me out, so I'm just thinking about two pounds per week.

My plan....

I'm excited to work with Jesse, a Harbor Athletic Club personal trainer. He will be working with me 2-3 times per week. I'm also hoping to add 2-3 more sessions of either boot camp type classes or individual cardio workouts per week. Another crucial part of the plan is my eating habits. I'm hoping to use Jesse's expertise as well as several other weight loss specialists at HAC to help me achieve my goal of 2 pounds per week.

**That all for now! I've worked out with Jesse three times already so over the next few days I'll post updates on those past workouts and what I'm currently doing. **

Be Well!!

Follow Pete's Fitness Pursuit Starting This Week!

Check back to see what Pete's trainer, Jesse, has him doing at Harbor. Fee free to add comments and ask questions!