My first personal training experience with Baker Unified Fitness
I’m not really one for being put on the spot. You may think otherwise with this old blog of mine and the lifestyle that comes with it. Ask my friends, though. They’ll tell you I hide behind them when everyone sings me happy birthday. They’ll tell you I’ve never once sang karaoke. They’ll tell you I don’t even like sitting front row at a show. Good bless all the photographers I work with, too. They make me look like a natural instead of the true clown that I am. The thought of working one-on-one with a personal trainer never quite interested me.
My friend Rich of Baker Unified Fitness insisted I give it a try. This year is going to be big for me. It’s definitely the time to get a little uncomfortable with my health and fitness routine. I’m hoping to not only stay fit for the camera, but for my overall health and prosperity. I want to know I look good without question. I also want to go on adventures and take on the day without getting tired. So, I gave it a try for the past month. Turns out, it’s a really good fit for me. Here are a few things I learned along the way:
It’s actually more laid back.
Rich planned rigorous workouts for me, but was there to support me when he saw me hitting the limit. He made sure I finished each push up, even if he had to help me get back up every time. That left me feeling more upbeat and accomplished, rather than defeated. Sometimes you feel that way in a group setting when you can’t keep up with the crowd. Also, he adjusted when I needed him to. If I was feeling under the weather or went out too hard the night before, I told him, and he worked with me. It was better than missing a workout. I never left feeling like a failure.
It’s custom, like it should be.
We each have different bodies and limits. We also each have different goals for our fitness routines. There’s no reason why I should be working out like Donna who is 5’9″ and wants to hike across Ireland for two months. I’m a curvy 5’2″ gal and I want to look good in my clothes and be able to handle a day of skiing or hiking (maybe a night of dancing). Rich designed workouts that cut me where I wanted and pushed me when I needed it.
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It’s a better workout.
Though Rich customized my workouts so they weren’t past my limit, he still made sure I came right up to my limit each time. He gave me positive encouragement when I normally would have taken a break in a group class. He made sure my posture was right so I got the most out of every move. He was watching and confirming when I wasn’t sure if I’d hit my goal for the rep or if I was unsure of the movement. I didn’t waste a moment.
You can still do other workouts.
A personal trainer like Rich can get you the high intensity you need to make the quickest impact for your personal body. That doesn’t mean you have to only go there. You just make sure you get in there a couple times a week to stay on track. I still went to yoga and dropped into other workout classes with friends. It’s part of the holistic approach I like to take with fitness. At the end of the day, I know I’m on the right track if I at least make it to 3 workouts a week in general.
You can still be part of a community.
Some people really enjoy connecting with others at their local gym, barre studio, yoga class, etc. As my friend Dave at GS Nation talks about often. When you workout with people who hold you accountable, encourage you, and make you feel loved, you are more likely to live longer. Working with a one-on-one trainer might seem against this philosophy, but Baker Unified Fitness also offers group classes, which I attend sometimes. It’s nice to enjoy a workout in the same space that’s usually all mine for an hour when I come in. It’s nice to see others who chose your trainer. You’re connected, still.
Sound like fun?
I’m giving away two personal training sessions with me and Rich for one of my followers on Instagram! Go follow me now to enter.
Speaking of Community
Baker is growing! Rich has big dreams to grow his business and space. He’s raising $10,000 to support his expansion. He started a GoFundMe Page that make sit easy to support a community project like this! Learn more and donate here.
