I Am Still On My Journey

Where has the time gone?

As 2014 nears it's end, I am now thinking, "it's been a full year of training" at a gym.  At the beginning of this year, I met with my Personal Trainer and we discussed our plan of action for this year. We didn't consider the whole year, but just six months at a time.  It makes it much less ominous to take baby steps to get results.  Well, I'm afraid I have disappointed my Trainer as he suggested where I should be by June, and here it is November and I am still no further along. 

No, I am not blaming my Trainer.  He's been nothing but kind and patient.  The frustration lies with me.  As patient as I am as a Realtor, I have little patience for myself.  So, what do I do...I drive my body harder when I'm working out on my own to the point where it's not my mind that tells me to stop, but actually my body stops. 

When I started a year and a half ago, the purpose of this process was to lose weight (like everyone else) and to get physically fit (like everyone else).  I have learned much along the way.  The biggest lesson was 'commitment'.  I became motivated when I found the trainer that would help me.  He has forced me to maintain a positive mindset over my plateaus (of which there have been many and this last one I haven't been able to get past yet).  He adjusts my routines to keep me motivated and to build momentum.  That was the key.  Someone was there to make sure that I am motivated  at every step of the way.  I have stopped getting frazzeled over things that I cannot control.  I have learned that it's not a matter of time "IF" I screw up, but when.  I'm not perfect.  I have never claimed to be.  I have a lot of bad weeks (even more bad days).  It's how I have overcome some of those 'bad' issues.  I have a long way to go.  It's all those years of trying to be perfect and not succeeding that I have to overcome.  The idea is to not give up.  Understand that we will stumble, to get up...dust yourself off and focus on what we did right and continue on.

I remember the first day I walked through those doors at Life Time Athletic in Mississauga and was faced with a facility that truly believes in physical fitness for the WHOLE family.  I know the look on the faces of those who are lost in the weight training areas and then moving around the club and watching what others are doing (some know what they're doing; others are just winging it).  It's the look of fear because they don't know who to ask, what questions to ask, and then at the same time wondering if anyone else is feeling the same.  My biggest hurdle was mental, not so much physical.  Yes, there are "watchers" in this gym too.  Those who want to watch and learn while training is being done to someone and not sign up to learn and get a lesson on their own.  It is their loss because there is nothing like getting a few lessons to make sure that you are not going to hurt yourself.

I used every excuse: I felt I needed to get into shape before I started with a Personal Trainer because I didn't want to be judged; I had failed in the past and why was this going to be any different; I didn't enjoy working out; I might as well do it on my own.  All of these were EXCUSES.  I found out you have to connect with the trainer that you can get along with.  Not one that will let you get away with nonsense.  If you start out with someone and you don't get some results that you are looking for, for heavens sakes...change trainers.  There are plenty to go around.  It took me a while before I found one on my own.  I assessed him for months to see how he worked, watched his attitude, and what kind of results was he getting.  I was too new at the gym to ask anyone because we were all new and we didn't know any better.

My biggest lesson - I can't do it on my own.  I needed someone to teach me the proper techniques for the machines and the weights.  Also, there are plenty of machines that are there to fill space to make things easy.  If it's really that easy, why do you not see trainers using them with their clients?  Makes you think.

Since the last time I shared my journey, there hasn't been much change except to my attitude.  I stopped 'discussing/negotiating' what exercise I will, or will not, try.  Well, not so much anyway!  There are still exercises that I, stubbornly, will not do.  My Trainer has been professional enough and has worked with me long enough to know when not to push me.  He doesn't give up and he doesn't let me give up either.  I would like to add to the administrative staff at Life Time Athletic in Mississauga...you are very fortunate to have a Personal Trainer such as Alwin Mascoll on your staff and I feel privileged to have found someone that truly does care on the success of each and every one of his clients.

Where do I go from here?  Well, I think I just keep working at what I'm doing trying to perfect what I set out to do on Day 1 a year and a half ago.  I think it will be time for a pow-wow with my Personal Trainer, Alwin (I think I've known him long enough and you have probably heard me speak of him often) to get his thoughts (possibly in the New Year to start the year out fresh).  We discuss a lot of things while I'm training and he is constantly throwing something new into the mix so that I don't get into a rut. 

If you see me at Life Time Athletics, feel free to say "Hi"!  If I'm working out, I will apologize in advance for not stopping.  I will nod and give you a smile.  You will have to be patient and wait until I'm done what I'm doing.  I would love to hear your story and how you are doing.  I have seen a few that have started working with a trainer and I have noticed some fantastic results.  Keep up the good work.  It's so great to see success.  Thank you to those Trainers who actually do care about their clients.

I continue to wish all of you luck with your journey.  It certainly has not been as easy as everyone thinks it is.  But, if I can persevere, so can you!!!  DON'T GIVE UP!!!!  No more excuses!!!  If you truly want to change how you look and how you feel, then do something...anything.  Don't take on more than you can as this can sabotage what you are trying to achieve...hire a Professional Trainer...this is what they do!  It doesn't matter what other people think how you look, get past it!!!  You will be smiling and enjoying yourself before you know it!  I still try to blend into the woodwork and not stand out in the crowd.  But this is MY choice.

Again, this is just for something different.  I'm not just a Realtor, but I do enjoy life outside my job.

Until next time...

Betty
416 427 1875

 

My Journey Continues

I am late, again, in reporting on my journey towards Physical Fitness.  I haven’t been writing about it, but I have continued to go to the gym 5 days a week and STILL working out as best as I can.   Some days have been more difficult than others, but a little push and support from many of my friends, I get to the gym.  That’s a big step.  Once you’re there, well, you might as well work out.  Right?  At least that's what I tell myself!

I can’t believe that it’s been a year already!  That’s a year of working out with my Personal Trainer.  Actually, it was a year at the beginning of June.  What changes have I noticed?  Well, there’s a whole list.  First though, I would like to thank Alwin for sticking with me and helping me to keep going.  Has it been easy?  By no means.  Has it been worth it?  Absolutely.  There’s still a ways to go.  There has been some ‘sailor’ type language, some tears, and a lot of frustration on my part.  I guess the frustration is that at times I feel that I have disappointed my Trainer, and myself a little bit.  Alwin is very supportive and tries to push the boundaries but my stubborn streak in me has prevailed.  I have even managed to get Alwin angry a couple of times.  YUP!!!  The young man that has been nothing but kind I have managed to frustrate.  (Alwin, I truly am sorry for those days).

I have learned what exercises do the most good for me and which are just a fad.  I have a lot of fun most days, and I truly enjoy working out.  I think that this is extremely important.  If you can’t have a little bit of fun and enjoy it, you won’t stay with the workout.  For me, routine is very important.  I can give myself an hour early enough in the morning where it doesn’t interrupt any work for my clients.  I put in my ear plugs for my iPod and away I go.  Except on the days when I have a trainer, then it’s thinking cap on…ears on alert….and I display as many listening skills that I can muster up.  I continue to have a lot of questions.

I have learned that free weights, or resistance training, is the routine that has worked best for me.  It challenges my muscular endurance and builds tone, proper from, posture, and coordination.  Now, the next step, to look a little leaner, I have to increase the weight (which I have done) to push my muscles to failure under heavier loads (which I have also done).

How important is this journey?  Well, for me…it’s no longer tedious, but it has become a way of life.  There have been a few times that I don’t last an hour, but even getting there for 45 minutes is still more than most of us accomplish.  I have allowed myself some ‘me’ time.  That was huge.  I still am not comfortable exposing myself and my emotions but I am working on that.  I still shy away from compliments and feel like an oompa loompa many days.  I still shy away from a camera and just want to blend in with my surroundings.  Compliments are very difficult for me to accept.  I am able to walk up the stairs with clients without huffing and puffing.  I don’t get tired as quickly. I think my mental sharpness is much better.

I will continue to work at this, but I will not be posting on a regular basis.  It will become a small note that I write about when there is a significant change.  Yes, I have stalled, or reached a plateau as some may say, and am trying to find something that will trigger the next progression.

If you see me at Life Time Athletics in Mississauga, feel free to say ‘hello’.  If I’m working out, I will apologize in advance for not stopping.  I will nod and give you a smile.  You will have to be patient and wait until I’m done the exercise I am doing.  I would love to hear your story and how you are doing.  I see a lot of successful journeys in that gym.   

I continue to wish all of you luck with your journey.  It certainly has not been as easy as everyone thinks it is.  But, if I can persevere, so can you.  Don’t give up!!!  I haven’t.  Congratulations to those who have achieved a change…and it doesn’t matter how much.

Again, this is just for something different.  I’m not just a Realtor but I enjoy life outside my job.

Until next time…let’s see what results I can tell you about.

Betty Bart416 427 1875

I Haven't Quit, YET!!!!

With 2 months into the New Year of 2014, I haven't quit my journey towards good health!  How many times have you heard, "Strong is the new skinny"?  Do you really care?  Do you care more about being 'skinny' than about being 'strong'?  If you're getting strong, you are getting leaner and more fit - healthier.  The mind is a beautiful thing...if you're getting leaner it says, "Hey, Betty, you're getting thinner and you look a little younger".  And I do laugh at this because I haven't noticed much of a change, yet!

I have never liked the compliments that I get, when mentioning that I am looking thinner.  (These coming from those at the gym)  I don't care.  In my mind, I know how I look and depending on who says it, I take it with a grain of salt.  I am one who is very hard on myself.  The people that I care about and those who have taken a piece of my heart are the ones that do not notice changes (or are smart enough not to say anything because they have seen my reaction).  And I believe that's because they didn't notice, or didn't comment on, when my body image started to change a good 8 years ago.  So if they don't notice....(and I'm not going to finish the sentence)

I have been on diets all my life and then I joined a gym.  If you have read my last 2 Blogs, then you will know that I worked at 'getting fit' on my own for a while.  I was not one who enjoyed Strength and ResistanceTraining.  I am now doing more of this and have noticed that, yes, my muscles ache after ALMOST each session.  My daughter is the one that mentioned to me:  Mom, if you're not sweating just a little bit or if you do not feel that you are working out, then you MUST increase the weights.  My Trainer is a believer somewhat in what she says.  He is adamant that your form and technique are #1 in achieving the most notable changes in health benefits.  He chooses my weights that work for me.  He makes me lift heavy enough to put forth that same effort on successive days.  Yup, there are days where I am a little sore and then I cannot match that same weight on another day. 

Studies have shown that once you achieve decent nutritional habits, then the next item on your list should not be to jump on the treadmill for long sessions, but to pick up the barbell.  Remember one thing...if you are going to work strength training then make sure you get a good Personal Trainer, one who knows what he/she is doing, before you injure yourself and all that work that you put in is for naught. 

Dieting will reduce that number on the scales, but if you are looking to have a leaner, muscular look...then Strength training is a must. 

I have been very fortunate to have a Personal Trainer that actually is passionate about what he does.  And, he actually knows what's going on.  I know I frustrate him at times and I will 'negotiate', or at least try to, to lessen the workout.  My famous sentence, 'FIND ME SOMETHING ELSE TO DO"!  But, after these months of working together he has learned not to let me get away with too much.  The fluttering of the eye lashes and the complaint that I am 'too old to do this' is not working any more.

Maybe next time you see me, you may think that my image has changed.  Please, don't say anything to me about how I look.  I just walk away because I have a lot farther to go before I will allow myself to accept the compliment.  If you see me at Life Time Gym at Hwy 403 and Winston Churchill, and you recognize me, come on over and say hello.  I can introduce you to my Personal Trainer, Alwin Mascoll.  Perhaps you will even consider taking a few Training Sessions with him.  Your decision!

My energy levels have increased to get my work done.  I still have a little bit of a stubborn streak in me (ask my Trainer) but I don't think that will ever go away.

 I wish all of you luck in this voyage.  It's not easy.  But if I can persevere, so can you.  Just don't give up if you don't get immediate results.

This is just for something different - I am not just a Realtor.  But now, I'm a much happier Realtor.

Until next month

Betty Bart

The Continuing Saga

It's been a month of a brand New Year, 2014.  We have endured an extremely cold month of January and, for a lot of us, our resolutions for the New Year are now a distant memory.  We tend to forget what we strive for when we open a new door in our lives.

My journey through physical training continues.  I was reading another story this morning about an elderly, perhaps the correct word would be 'mature', gentleman in his own journey.  He hasn't quit!  Why have you? 

I know there are days when I drag myself to the gym and watch all these young things having a social morning and I arrive in my baggy t-shirt ready to try to get my muscles to wake the rest of my body up.  After my warm-up the heart is pumping and blood starts to flow.  On those days when I do free weights, my mind fights my body in achieving what I feel it should be able to do.  Body Wins!!!

Most days I leave the gym feeling better than when I walk in, but there are those other days.  When I leave the gym on a good day, I'm ready to tackle anything my clients/customers throw at me.  Remember, I am not a body builder nor do I have time (or the patience) to spend hours at the gym.  I go in...get my work out under my belt...and get out there to continue my day.

After about half a year with a Personal Trainer (you have heard me talk of him often - Alwin Mascoll at Life Time Gym), I have noticed that I walk taller, I have more energy than I have had in a very long time.  I'm not looking for compliments on how I look.  I KNOW the changes that are taking place.  I am able to concentrate without any effort and those stairs that I climb to show homes to clients, have become less of a task.  I am human (some may disagree).  Given the chance, I will take the easy road to complete a workout.

I cannot stress on getting the professional help in getting this done.  As it says in the article: "If you have the self-motivation, you can do it on your own.  But it's always advisable to have help at first so you're doing what's appropriate and doing it correctly." 

There must be a few of you who are reading this that belong to Life Time in Mississauga at Hwy #403 and Winston Churchill!  I'm there 5 mornings a week.  If you see me, come on over and say hello.  We have something in common - we are working out for our health and happiness. 

Let's see what the next month brings!

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative  ASA
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
416 427 1857

Getting Into Shape in 2014

Some of you may have been following my escapades at Life Time Gym for the past few months.  I have been trying, and at times I feel succeeding, my journey to get into shape for the spring/summer of 2014.  AND, it hasn't been easy.

When I first joined the gym, I thought I knew what I was doing so for a few months I tackled an exercise routine on my own.  I was fortunate that the Gym provided support for new members with a Personal Trainer.  Well, it so happens that this old broad was a little more stubborn that these young Trainers could handle.  The first young lady -- very nice and polite as all begone -- just told me what she would have her mother do.  Well, she was just too kind and I took advantage of this.  After a couple of sessions with her I realized that I wasn't getting anywhere.  So, found Personal Trainer number 2.  This one was recommended to me by my hubby.  I will insert something here - my hubby and I are polar opposites.  He did fine, and once again, I had a Trainer that was uncomfortable in pushing me do something that he KNEW was good for me.  And my subborn streak would show up and it was once again "NO".  Before I got to really know this young man, he left the gym.  (And, no, I don't think it was my fault) 

Now, I continued my journey.  Because I have been in the 'people' field for most of my life I decided that I was going to watch the Trainers that were already working with Clients.  I felt that maybe I could find someone that would be a good fit for my personality.  Now, that's not an easy task.  One young man always stood out in the crowd.  Not only is about 6 feet 5 inches tall, but built like a Mac Truck.  I watched him closely, almost like I was stalking him, for about 2 months and then I decided that I had had enough of not producing results and approached Alwin (maybe I should call him Mr. Mascoll - ah, heck no) and requested an appointment.  Well, the rest is history.  I still have not achieved what I thought I would to this day, but I'm hoping that he has it in him to keep pushing me.  As an addendum, I must say I have the utmost respect for this young man.  He has put up with a lot of "stuff" from me.  I congratulate him for lasting this long.

What brought this blog on?  Well, I was reading in the paper this morning about becoming stronger physically and mentally, perhaps losing a few of those nasty pounds that have been creeping up in the past few years of my life.  The Personal Trainers that have contributed to the article all started with a cardio workout.  Yes, I do cardio.  I will NOT use the treadmill and therefore, Alwin has introduced me to an elyptical machine that I have learned to like.  We started out, and remain, having sessions together twice a week but he has introduced me to core training.  He is adamant that I use proper form.  He is an athlete (semi-pro football) and therefore knows about this stuff.  We have gone to weight training and are now introducing different exercises to wake some more of my muscles up.  The article in the paper gives you a list of how to introduce yourself to exercise.  After a few months of 'going it alone' they all recommend a Personal Trainer to make sure you're using proper form.  Get one before you do damage to your body.  This I have repeated to many...even my own family...hubby and son are both getting Training from Alwin.  I cannot stress how important it is to have a professional trainer guide you towards your goals.

I go to the gym for sure 4 times a week (it's only an hour out of my day) and truly strive for that 5th day.

Those who know me, when next time you see me you may not recognize me.  I have found I do have a lot more energy to get my work as a Realtor accomplished.  I am not as stressed as I used to be, but I still have a little bit of a stubborn streak in me (ask my Trainer). 

If you're ever around at Life Time Gym in the mornings, look for me and come up and say hello.  I wish all of you luck in this voyage.  It's not easy.  But if I can persevere, so can you. 

This is just for something different - I am not just a Realtor.  But now, I'm a much happier Realtor.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
416 427 1875