It’s A GoodLife If You Don’t Weaken…*
Greetings and Happy Monday!
I’d meant to post this on Friday, but was quite busy getting my bake-and-slideshow on for B-rad’s Dad’s 60th birthday soiree, which took place on Saturday (and I make a mean iMovie, if I do say so myself). The party was awesome and thankfully the weather held out all day so that everyone could have a great time. And a rainy Sunday just gave us all an excuse to hang out and revel in our cake-induced laziness.
But back to Friday. At 9 a.m., yours truly had an appointment with a personal trainer at the gym. Ah yes,the gym—that magical land of fitness and exercise that up until now, I have skillfully avoided like Amy Winehouse avoids rehab. Should I go? Yes. Did I want to? No, no, no.
And then, much to my own surprise, I decided it was time to get serious. So I headed to GoodLife for Women and became a member. Yes, Alicia McAuley is now a card-carrying member of a gym. (But fear not—as far as I know, this is not actually a sign of the apocalypse. However, if I spot any horsemen on the treadmill, I’ll let you all know ASAP.)
Friday morning I sat down with Magda, my trainer, and worked out my Personal Health Profile. Let me tell you, I was in for a shock. While I like to believe that I am comprised solely of “win” and “awesome,” it turns out that there is a significant amount of body fat in the mix. And when Magda held up a bright yellow hunk of something completely gross looking, I almost passed out when she told me just how much of it was lurking under my skin (and sadly, it’s not all located in my killer rack, as I have asserted in the past).
For about an hour, we talked about my goals, analyzed my fitness level (which wasn’t too bad, I’m happy to say) and worked out a long-term plan. It’s going to involve a significant amount of work, some major commitment, and a boatload of sweat… And while I know it’s definitely not going to be easy, I am certain that it’s going to be more than worth it when I try on The Dress for the first time. Weddings are a great motivator, no?
So, let’s talk actual weight vs. goal weight, shall we? Drum roll, please…
Current weight: 183 lbs (Srsly.)
Goal weight: 140 lbs
Time frame for reaching goal weight: One year.
All I need now is a major lifestyle change, and I’ll be good to go! (Heh… Just kidding. Baby steps.)
In addition to a little card with my name on it, the good people at GoodLife have gifted me with a new gym bag. But aside from water and runners, I have no idea what to put in it. And that brings me to my big Question of the Day: Gym-savvy ladies and gents, what are your gym bag “must haves”? Suggestions and comments are greatly appreciated!
(*Yes, I went there. Bonus points if you can guess the musical reference! )
June 29th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Aren’t personal trainers fun? I just went on Friday too. Apparently I have a weak butt.
As for gym gear, cute clothes are always a good motivator. I’m a bit of a Lululemon junkie, especially for working out outdoors as their clothes have lots of clever little pockets and such. They also have these awesome headbands with a silicone strip to keep them from sliding off, key if you have slippery hair like mine. You should also invest in a nice water bottle – I love my Sigg. I recommend locks with designs so you can find yours easily. Extra hair elastics/clips because you’ll always leave them somewhere else. And an iPod full of awesome music!
June 29th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Hoorah for you!! I am still with Amy when it comes to gym avoidance…
June 29th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Haven’t heard that saying for a long while…goes with “better days” Look forward to the updates. You can do it!!
June 29th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
It’s the Hip, of course. I strongly advise a towel in that gym bag. Especially if you’re gross like me and sweat a lot. A towel while working is a must must have, and an ipod. You have my respect for attending a gym, I still hide out in the basement when I work out to avoid the eyes of others. Also, if they have a Hot Yoga class at your gym I cannot recommend this enough! I’ve been doing one in Whitby for about 2 months once a week and it’s awesome.
June 29th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Good for you Alicia! Yay for lifestyle changes. I must commend your courage for posting this for the world to see.
June 29th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
good for you, alicia! writing it down is the first step. i lost weight on weight watchers and have gained a few pounds in what i’m hoping is most muscle since reaching my goal. i’m much happier on the whole with my body and thought my eating habits still aren’t the greatest (i’ve got a crazy sweet tooth), i’m much more aware and comfortable in my own skin! good luck!
July 1st, 2009 at 5:27 pm
First off, congrats! Personal training is a feat (which I am currently conqeuring as well!). I love it. I find if you complain in a funny voice, they get annoyed and just want it to be over (rather than make you work harder)…sadly, my personal trainer is a good looking guy who knows me better than he should and ALWAYS makes me work harder than I’d like
Secondly, depends if you are showering at the gym…which I recommend. The longer you sit in your sweat, the more pimples you accumulate (watch for boob/back/shoulder/sensitive area pimples). Plus, if there’s a pool (definitely do some laps with a swim cap and goggles) and/or hot tub and/or sauna, it is DEFINITELY worth it to relax before going home! In that case, bring swim gear (most public gyms don’t want you going naked in the hot tub), towel, little bottles of shampoo and body wash…and one I ALWAYS forget – moisturizer!
Definitely agree with Kat – get a lock you recognize and will not forget the number for – don’t get one with a key (too annoying to hold). Or just put a sticker on it – mine’s a pink happy face!
I think that’s all I got…oh wait, DEFINITELY do some classes. Embarrassing at first (cause you will be like I am, and totally laugh at how dumb you think you look) but works you to the bone. Hot yoga and SPINNING are the BEST! Try it! And let me know
GOOD LUCK! and welcome to the club