OK so this post is going to be a hard one to write but I think I need to do it. It is hard, because it is about a personal challenge I have dealt with during my adult life. Fat, obesity, out of shape call it whatever you would like; it is a real struggle for some people, one of them being me.
I was not an out of shape or fat kid growing up. I rode my bike all over the place and even did so in my early young adult years. Than I became more sedentary and I also learned to do emotional eating.
I have done Phen Phen, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Nutri-System, Take Shape for Life and worked with many trainers.
I have had successful weight loss and managed to keep it off for a while but sometimes I am just not comfortable with the attention it brings. So eventually I just gain it back because I stop being active or life was just stressful.
When I moved to San Diego in 2011, I vowed to myself I would become more physically active and lose some weight. Well that had to be put on hold because I was notified by my physician that I was seriously anemic and to not work out.
Once that obstacle was over I was too stressed out at work with audits and new responsibilities. Unhealthy meal choices are always readily available and more convenient so I continued to bad choices for convenience and there was not time to exercise.
In early 2013 I had gall bladder issues and soon recovered from that and started to think about making a change. However, the day before Thanksgiving that year I fell down a few steps which was probably due to my ACL going out ( I had been having knee pain and a few seconds before I feel - I thought ok next week I need to have my knee checked. It is a blessing that I didn't fall from the top and that the fall did not result in a serious injury.
As I started my PT after my surgery in 2014 I was excited to be able to ride a stationary bike and enjoyed going to the gym to ride but I was intimidated of really working out. I was at my heaviest and knew how to workout but I lacked confidence because of the weight I had reached. I didn't want people to see me or worse yet be the pun of a joke or a thought - girl, you need to be here all day.
On May 4th I returned to our Torrance site for a new position. I have less responsibilities (but I am willing to step up to the plate when needed) and I am doing a job that I really enjoy.
I decided it was time to put myself and my health first.. A couple of days after I got settled in at my office I kept thinking I needed to get a trainer. I looked at the prices of 24 hour fitness (I donate generously each year without using their services, because one day I will be back) and thought OK I can afford this but not long term and I need a trainer for a long term to keep me accountable. I began doing some research on Yelp and started looking for trainers.near my office. I called a few but I got the best positive feeling about South Bay Trainer. I made an appointment to meet with the owner Josh.
I wont lie, my insecurities kicked in as I went in to meet him but they quickly faded. I met with his wife and she shared with me why he was doing what he did for a living. The way I saw him interacting with his clients he came across as energetic, supportive, compassionate and someone who was doing something he enjoyed - helping others become healthier or more fit.
I have been going there since mid May, my weight loss hasn't been as steady as I would like it to be but I feel better physically. I am the only one to blame for the slow weight loss and maybe that is a topic for another posting. So on the days when I am exhausted and the last thing I want to do is go work out at 7 pm or later, I do it! Yes, there have been times I started driving home and I turn right around to get my work out in.
Why?
Because South Bay Fitness is not your typical gym where an out of shape overweight individual will be intimidated by women who have worked hard at having a fit body and somehow manage to not have a hair out of place or be sweating. Or with buff men grunting and slamming down the weights. Don't get me wrong I am not bashing but just trying to get you to visualize what some of you may have seen and it has kept you from going to the gym. .
What I do see in the evenings (and you will too if you go) is the following. I am cheerfully greeted by Josh and any member of his staff. I smile and sometimes laugh when I hear Tylor dancing or busting out the lyrics to a song. Terrion the MMA fighter is super nice but I have yet had the privilege to work out with him, and Amanda who makes me work on my balance and tells me I will thank her making me do so. Eventually you will see familiar faces that may go around the same days and time as you. You will talk and laugh with each other and encourage each other and moan at how hard they are working us. Basically It is a friendly and healthy community that is made up of all ages, nationalities, and all walks of life. that give South Bay Trainer a positive energy of support and encouragement.
So when you see me check in at South Bay Fitness on Facebook, it is not because I am showing off..It is more to remind myself of my workouts and keep focused of how far I have come in slowly committing myself to working out.
So if you are in the South Bay area and you are looking for a positive place to work out go check it out. If you are like me and are intimidated to take that BIG step to get back in a gym don't be. If you are not in the South Bay area just know that there is another Josh out there who has built a community to help you get in shape.
I was not asked to write this by anyone. It is something I have thought about blogging about and tonight I felt inspired to do so. I don't know why maybe just to give someone a bit of encouragement and hope. Who doesn't want to share something great that they have found in their life. I have found South Bay Trainer and for me it is a great place to go and want people to know about this amazing place.
#southbaytrainer
http://southbaytrainer.com/
