-Amy Knight
This week I scheduled a personal training session with one of the infamous trainers at the Club. They have a reputation, you know as being some of the best in the state, maybe even the country. I must admit, I was a bit nervous, excited and then nervous again. My session was with Michael Cook. I know Michael well because I work with him and watch, on a daily basis, what he does with his clients. I really had no idea what to expect. Was he going to “kick my Butt” extra hard, because he does know me and witnesses what I do every day and knew that would write about him in my blog? Was he going to take it easy on me because he knows what I do every day and was sympathetic?
Well the answer is Yes…and No.
First he tested me for about 15 minutes. No, not mentally. I would have failed immediately as my session was at 2pm and my brain begins to fade about that time.
It was physical testing which included strength, balance, flexibility, coordination. It was performed with a number ranking 0-3. I know we don’t hear this often in the magazine articles about fitness, but if you really want to reach your goals, testing and monitoring are a necessity. Most people have no idea why they are doing the exercises they are doing and what they really should be doing and at what weights or levels. You have to know the weaknesses, the what’s and the why’s to achieve success. I know all of this, but he really enforced it.
Throughout this testing, I was thinking I was failing, but Michael never let me go there. He uses the testing as a tool to guide you to the right kind of workout and the correct exercises. (Hence, the what and why) We all have imbalances and weaknesses and we need to know what they are. I felt like I was pretty good at about ¾ of the testing and I not so good for the other ¼. With that being said, we moved out to the gym.
What do you see on a typical day when you look at the people in the weight room? People sitting on machines, staring into space or people walking around trying to figure out what to do next-usually heading to the water cooler. Am I right?! Well the only sitting I did was on the floor because, I fell off the fitball in exhaustion. And as for machines, we did not use them. Fitballs, weighted balls, free weights, benches, weight plates, agility tools and a heart-rate that never went lower than 140. Yes people, through out this workout I was sweating, breathing hard and euphoric. Most of the exercises included the use of many muscles at the same time. Throughout the whole workout, my core and glutes were engaged. We did a circuit of exercises and we usually did two rounds. Every round brought my heart-rate up to the point, where I was getting cardio benefit as I worked the many muscles involved in the movement. Throughout all of this, Michael Cook was encouraging, but made me want to go that extra step into pain. He explained everything – all the what’s and why’s in a way that enpowered me. The workout had so much variety and moved from one thing to another so I felt like I was really getting an effective and time efficient session. I have worked with some trainers in my time, but I must say that Michael Cook is one of the most professional trainers I have had the opportunity to experience. He made me feel successful, because he believes in his craft and he knows it will work if you are willing to put the time and effort in.
It’s funny how, as a client, you don’t realize how trainers can sneak in some really painful exercises…not super painful while your doing it, but let’s talk the next two days.
He had me focused so much on trying to keep my balance and perform the exercise perfectly, that I did not realize what was happening to my core, arms, shoulders, back, butt, legs, etc., etc., etc… shall I go on!
I think I discovered something as well—never let them know that you feel you can do the exercise pretty well. Always play dumb and have them demonstrate 3 or 4 more times. It gives you more time to rest. Hah.
Anyway. The session ended with me squating and throwing a big weighted ball against the wall – He made it look so easy. It was not easy! Finally I fell to the floor and he gave a great stretch. Little did I know that my left hip and my IT band was the consistancy of a piece of steel. Try bending steel…get my drift?
As I made it home to get my kids off the school bus, I noticed something really great. My core felt like I had a corsett on and the strings were being pulled in all directions and I felt like my shoulders were pulled back and I was standing up really straight. I felt really, really strong. I am thinking, could I have just made a difference in one session? The answer is YES!
As we all know, working out is a balance of hate and love. Pretty much in that order. We all go through it, but it is so much more motivating, effective and achievable if you have a trainer to guide you thorough. At 40, 50, 60…..we can now afford to hire someone to help us and we deserve it. I guarantee you will notice a difference immediately. This is not a luxury, IT’S A NECESSITY!
I will conclude with a fit tip and this is especially important for those of us over 25 years old. Did you know that your body/muscles becomes adapted to your workout routine in approximately 6-8 weeks. When was the last time you changed it up and do you know why you need to change it? You cannot even get away with a little change, you need a big one. If you stop challenging the body, it adapts and slips back. Also as older human beings we need to constantly change our movement patterns. This is the job of a professional personal trainer. Did you know that research indicates a link between adaptive movement patterns and alzhimer’s, dementia, etc.
Do yourself a favor and hire a personal trainer for 3 or 4 sessions or 2-3 sessions a week. The Aspen Club & Spa have a team of very experienced, safe and creative trainers, like Michael Cook.
Be Fit and Fierce!
Amy Knight is the group exercise coordinator and an instructor for the Aspen Club and has worked at the club for 22 years.
