RE/MAX Hallmark Blog

Quit Whining

Life is so simple sometimes.

Since early December of 05, I have been working out usually a couple of days a week with my trainer, Sabine. For the most part I have gone through the motions of the workouts. Sure I would do what I was told to do, often feigning fatigue to get me out of reps early, or gasping for air on the treadmill when I really knew I had some left in me. I was very good at whining as well. "Why do I have to do this ?" Do you really know what you are doing Sabine ?? (of course she always did) or this one, "All you do is count for me, I am the one who does all the work!!!"

Then for some strange reason it hit me. Not only is Sabine's time valuable and expensive, but my time was as well. What was the sense for me going through the motions of having a physical trainer if I wasn't intent on getting everything out of her? How many times did I have to hear Sabine yell at me to quit whining and just do it, until I actually did?

About three workouts ago the light bulb went off in my thick skull. Just dig down, work out hard for the 60 minutes that I was there and QUIT MY WHINING.

Something amazing happened. I got more out of my workouts, stretched myself without giving myself a heart attack, and I quit whining -consciously.

My first whineless workout was amazing, followed by another and another. I know Sabine loves my new intentions around my workouts and I do as well. Funny thing happened, with just a little more focus and consistency I am now enjoying my training much more. I am sure Sabine feels better about training someone who is more focused as well.

Now if I could just get Sabine to stop slapping my head when I do a great set, my workouts would be pretty good!!!

You can contact the best trainer in the world - Sabine - by going to her website, www.fitbean.com

A Beginner's Guide to Working Out, by Sabine Stojanovich

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed starting a workout program. It seems more of a hassle to put on your workout gear and head out the door. You probably feel that you have more important things to do than to waste an hour at the gym. Where do you start? What should you do first?

Here is a step by step guide to ease you into it.

The number one thing to do is to set some short-term goals before you even think about the long-term goals of losing 20 pounds or running a marathon. If you focus on those long-term goals, which take time to achieve, you will get frustrated and quit your program. Set some realistic goals that you know you can achieve now and focus on accomplishing those. An example, did you make it to the gym 3 times this week like you had planed? If you followed through on that, that is something to feel good about. Focus on the small things. How did you feel after your workout? Probably better than you did before you started. Use that hour as your time. Time spent looking after you.

Are you having a hard time getting motivated to get to the gym? Throw some workout gear on and crank some tunes. That will help you get into the mindset of getting moving.

Remember that exercise does not have to be logged at the gym. Active living counts as physical exercise. A game of tennis, a hike with a friend or a bike ride is a good way to get you going.

Do you feel overwhelmed with all that equipment at the gym? Just know it is standard policy for gyms to offer a complimentary fitness assessment and program design to their members. Book an appointment with a fitness consultant to have them show you how the equipment works. If you are still not comfortable with the use of the equipment, consider hiring a personal trainer to take you through a few sessions. Relying on their expertise can take your fitness to a new level.

Gyms also offer a variety of complimentary classes of all different levels. You will find spinning, aerobics, body sculpting, yoga, boot camp, core conditioning and many others. It’s a great way to ease into working out. You will find motivating instructors within a group setting that will provide an efficient workout. You don’t have to spend hours upon hours at the gym. Try to ease into it slowly and keep in mind that some exercise is better than none. The more frequently you do it, the easier it will become, and the better you will feel.

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress, and feel good about yourself. Physical activity helps you tone up, lose fat, improve posture, prevent osteoporosis, and improves your general health and well being.

It’s almost summertime. Get out there and play!

Sabine Stojanovich

CPTN, ACE, BOSU, POST-REHAB

Certified Personal Trainer

[email protected]

www.FitBean.com