For many years, I wanted to be toned and physically fit. I was part of the general perception that deemed that cardio workouts were best for women and that weight training was best for men.
I honestly thought that if I lifted weights, I would have huge, bulky, and manly muscles. I did a whole variety of cardio workouts: things like Pilates, running on the treadmill, and the elliptical machine.
I never played any organized sports; however, I did engage in solo sports like snowboarding, rollerblading, and more.
I did research on the internet and even tried a few “diets”. Despite all of these dedicated attempts and an active lifestyle, I never got anywhere close to the fitness results or goals that I wanted.
It was not that I was grossly overweight, it was just that I never embodied that athletic body type that I was seeking.
In November, I was busy with my job as a Nursing Instructor. I was also registered to start my first Master’s course in January of 2014.
Despite being overworked and over-committed, I made a decision to start training 1 to 2 times per week. My trainer challenged me and said that to reach my goals, I would need to train a minimum of three times per week and to implement nutritional coaching as well.
I said again that I could commit for sure to 1 to 2 weight training sessions per week. Knowing me fairly well, they challenged me again and said, “Well then perhaps now is not the right time for you to do this”.
I thought about it and almost immediately got revved up and even more committed to achieving my fitness goals!
I rock my own training with a dedicated consistency – that’s my secret; Ivanco Fitness shows me my weight training routine and I do the workouts on my own.
In addition, the basic changes I’m implementing to my nutrition are giving me a steady flow of energy even in the toughest times.
I’m seeing muscles forming and my strength keeps on increasing!
I now feel wonderful both inside and out.
My new-found abilities are also great for daily functional activities. For instance, I can carry many more grocery bags at one time now with my significantly improved arm strength.
I notice now that I have a lot more stamina than I used to, as I am now able to hike without getting fatigued.
I am so thankful for what personal training has allowed me to achieve! I am going to do my first triathlon in August of this year—something I never thought would be possible for me—and I plan on doing many more hiking adventures this summer.
I am grateful for embarking on this fitness journey and cannot wait to see what the future holds!