you can do it
John W joined me at the gym yesterday because he wanted some pointers on working out. Mind you, he works the reception desk at a gym, but, for some strange reason, he doesn't feel comfortable asking for advice from any of the personal trainers who work with him.
I asked him what his goals were and he indicated them by pointing to his stomach and to his chest. I told him I could help him with the chest, but he was on his own for the stomach (I’m not a miracle worker).
I had him sign an indemnity waiver before starting just in case I broke him or damaged him beyond repair. Everything I know about weight training I learned on my own (after carefully studying the personal trainers as they worked).
We started out with some cardio. We set the timers for a mere twelve minutes and at the nine minute mark he was ready to quit.
John W’s Training Tip Number 1 – “Don’t be such a pussy. You only have three minutes left. Finish what you started.”
Then we headed down to the weight room where the big boys play (and the little boys who want to be big boys). We started on the barbell bench and I asked John W how much weight he normally lifts. “Just the bar,” he replied. Okay ... we had a lot of mental hurdles to overcome.
John W’s Training Tip Number 2 – “You lift less weight than that 5’2” woman. You’re a lot stronger than you think you are and should be able to lift way more than the freaking bar.”
We started with 65lbs then 85lbs and then worked all the way up to 95lbs. He was wiped and you should have seen the look on his face when I told him we had 20 more sets to do. We did some sets at the decline and incline benches, then moved over to the flat benches to work with dumbbells, and finished up doing flys on the crossover pulleys. I adjusted his form, coached him on his breathing, and gave him the most important tip of all ...
John W’s Training Tip Number 3 – “The mirror is your friend. Use it to adjust your form, check your balance, and to scope out hot guys.”
By the time we finished the 19th set we called it a day since John W’s balance was off, his arms were wobbly, and his face was flushed. We both enjoyed the session and made plans to work out later in the week. I guess I wasn’t tough enough on him.
We needed to get moving because my Honey was cooking dinner for us. We climbed to the men’s room where I stripped and walked toward the showers while John W just grabbed his bag and walked toward the exit. “Where are you going,” I asked. “I don’t want to get undressed in front of all these good looking guys,” he replied.
John W’s Training Tip Number 4 – “Hey, get undressed and go clean your stank ass because there’s no way you’re stepping in my house smelling like that.”
I asked him what his goals were and he indicated them by pointing to his stomach and to his chest. I told him I could help him with the chest, but he was on his own for the stomach (I’m not a miracle worker).
I had him sign an indemnity waiver before starting just in case I broke him or damaged him beyond repair. Everything I know about weight training I learned on my own (after carefully studying the personal trainers as they worked).
We started out with some cardio. We set the timers for a mere twelve minutes and at the nine minute mark he was ready to quit.
John W’s Training Tip Number 1 – “Don’t be such a pussy. You only have three minutes left. Finish what you started.”
Then we headed down to the weight room where the big boys play (and the little boys who want to be big boys). We started on the barbell bench and I asked John W how much weight he normally lifts. “Just the bar,” he replied. Okay ... we had a lot of mental hurdles to overcome.
John W’s Training Tip Number 2 – “You lift less weight than that 5’2” woman. You’re a lot stronger than you think you are and should be able to lift way more than the freaking bar.”
We started with 65lbs then 85lbs and then worked all the way up to 95lbs. He was wiped and you should have seen the look on his face when I told him we had 20 more sets to do. We did some sets at the decline and incline benches, then moved over to the flat benches to work with dumbbells, and finished up doing flys on the crossover pulleys. I adjusted his form, coached him on his breathing, and gave him the most important tip of all ...
By the time we finished the 19th set we called it a day since John W’s balance was off, his arms were wobbly, and his face was flushed. We both enjoyed the session and made plans to work out later in the week. I guess I wasn’t tough enough on him.
We needed to get moving because my Honey was cooking dinner for us. We climbed to the men’s room where I stripped and walked toward the showers while John W just grabbed his bag and walked toward the exit. “Where are you going,” I asked. “I don’t want to get undressed in front of all these good looking guys,” he replied.
John W’s Training Tip Number 4 – “Hey, get undressed and go clean your stank ass because there’s no way you’re stepping in my house smelling like that.”
My Honey thinks I should take some classes and get certified for training, but I’m not sure that it’s for me. I'm kinda moody and know I wouldn't be cheery every day. I asked Ben, a trainer at my gym, if he’s ever had a client that he didn’t enjoy working with. He said that there were a few, but, at the end of the day, their money was as green as the clients he liked. I think it may be too much like working in retail, and I’ve done that for far too long. I've used up all my "being fake."
1 comment:
You mean you didn't show John W the magic "perfect body" trick? LOL.
Hard work in, results out.
He's got lots of mental hurdles to clear and thankfully you've gotten him through some of them.
John W's going to be sore. Personally I love that feeling. It's the feeling of accomplishment. Hope he understands that. That and nobody started out perfect.
I've toyed with the idea of a career change to personal training. The prospect of working out all day is a great thought. I'd be able to help someone, but yeah, my fakeness is awful.
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