T minus 2 days until my 21 Day Challenge

I had the brilliant idea to join a gym as part of my challenge plan because I know I wont get off the couch otherwise. On Wednesday I went to LA Fitness to see what they had to offer and before I knew it I had a membership. I found it amazing what kind of "deals" they throw at you...I didn't buy it for a second, I know you give everyone this sales pitch and try to make everyone think they are getting something for nothing, what a crock! Just give me the basic rate please! One of these "freebies" they give out is a 1-hour consultation with a personal trainer. I planned on starting at the gym on Monday, but they talked me into coming today (Saturday, 2 days before I begin my 21 day challenge). This is how it went today...

I bought sneakers (I didn't own any) and put on a pair of shorts and t-shirt and headed to the gym. First things first, I had to get my Body Fat Measured. This involved me sharing my height (5'9"), my weight (145?), and my age (27) with the personal trainer. Then I squeezed this gigantic video game controller until the magic number 24% popped up. This 24% puts me in the fair category for body fat...and I'm okay with that. The trainer then proceeds to tell me that to get to the excellent category I have to be at 18% which will take 6-12 months.

Now, at this point, I don't care about my body fat percentage. I just want to move on a regular basis to prevent weight gain and help heal my lungs. I don't need to loose weight, I am, for once in my life, comfortable with my weight and clothing size. I wouldn't mind firming up, but that is not my priority right now.

We then proceed to the workout portion of the appointment which consisted of the following:

• 3 minutes jogging up and down a flight of stairs - I was fine for the first minute, then my legs started to burn followed by my lungs.
• 4 sets of alternating 25 jumping jacks and 10 push ups - I didn't think I could do push ups, but I did...all of them.
• 3 sets of 30 second 'mountain climbers' - hate these!
• 4 sets of 10 reps using 5 lbs. weights for my arms
• 3 sets of 30 second wall squats using a balance ball - I could hardly walk up the stairs after
• Then I got a little break while he went to grab the 15 pound weight for the next activity
• 10 lengths of the wall side stepping in a squat while holding the weight straight out in front of me
• 3 sets of 30 second TORTURE! On the floor resting on my forearms and toes holding myself up

It was suppose to be a 45 minute session, but I think he got the hint that I was ready to be done when I told him I might vomit at the 30 minute mark!

The workout was followed by a little sit down where he tried to sell me personal trainer sessions. I already knew going in that this was why they offer the free 1-hour consultation...they make you feel as out-of-shape as possible so you think you need help getting fit. Well, I didn't buy it. I told him 1.) I need to do this on my own and self motivate otherwise it wont work, 2.) Too expensive *it was $39-$59 per session and, 3.) If I got a personal trainer I would quit because I did not enjoy this workout. I want to enjoy the gym, not be afraid of it.

So, part of my goal is to prove to them (the personal trainers) that I can do it on my own. I am committed to going to the gym 4 times a week and working at my own pace. My pace might be slow at first, but at least I'm doing it.

I deserve a bowl of ice cream and a nap now! Please join me on Monday as I start my 21-Day Challenge!

Thank you to everyone who left comments and kind words of support, I thought about you  today and it helped!