It’s January 31st. How many of you resolved to get fit in 2011? Did you make a New Year’s resolution that has gone by the wayside already?
This post marks Part 1 in an ongoing series on weight loss. This series will not be in continuous posts, rather I’ll re-visit it occasionally because of the broad range of info I’d like to cover.
So why in the world has it taken me over a year to write on this topic? Weight loss, overall look and fit of clothing works in so well with what I’m trying to teach women.
It’s a rather lofty goal and difficult to do justice to this topic in a series of blog posts. There is a great deal of info out there. Nearly every woman I know wants to lose weight/inches or feel more fit. So here we go.
Rather than hit all the diet programs on the market, we’re going to start with one of the basic components we all know: If you want to be fit, you must move! I know, the dreaded E word: EXERCISE!! Research tells us that exercise and caloric intake are the keys to weight loss. Strength training–even lifting light weights can fight against osteoporosis and heart disease. Muscle burns fat. But are all the facts we’ve read in recent years enough to get you off the couch?
I’d like to introduce personal trainer, Connie Oljar. I’ve worked out with Connie off and on for a number of years. I first met her at Bally’s Fitness where she worked with clients. A good friend introduced us and together we worked in a group. I’ve worked with a group of 2 and 3 and also individually.
Our local Bally’s closed and Connie moved to her home where she converted her garage into a work-out facility.
Why a personal trainer? I hear women say… “I know what I need to do.” I’m famous for saying that myself. But the bottom line is, I don’t. If you’re like me, I need a push. I need someone to think of different things for me to do so I don’t become bored. I have worked with other trainers, but quite honestly I got tired of doing the same things. Connie is VERY creative with workout routines. I rarely remember doing the same thing twice. She always puts a different twist on it and she has a knack for coming up with exercises with the Bosu ball that work so many muscle groups simultaneously. You will work hard, but you will feel and see the results. I took a break from training for a while and got “talked” into the Pilates reformer class. While I still believe this has merit, I kept saying, “I need more resistance. It has to be harder!” Simply said, I was used to Connie’s work outs. It seemed too easy and I didn’t really feel like I was working certain muscle groups.
I wish I could say that was ME in the photos. It is NOT. A big thanks to Connie’s client Charli for being a good sport about being photographed.
If you are local, you do not want to miss out on this great Giveaway. Make a comment and you will be entered for FOUR FREE SESSIONS! ($120 value) Contest ends Thursday, February 3 at 9 PM PST
Our lucky winner will be announced in my Friday post ALONG with a special for all Style by Karen readers. If you would like more details on Connie’s location, open training times and any other info, please contact her at oljar@comcast.net
When the timing is right, I will be back and I can’t wait. Even if you are not interested in this Giveaway right now, I would still love to hear your experiences with exercise and training. Is it hard to even fit a walk in a couple of times a week? Does the sight of a weight bench make you cringe? Remember, your comment may be helpful and encouraging to someone else.
I’ve been walking; however, feeling like I need something more to help me firm things up. Hard to find the time! I’d love this.
I’ve worked with personal trainers a couple different times and was surprised that it was afordable. I always thought personal trainers were expensive and out of my budget and wanted to share that they don’t have to be and it’s less intimidating to work one on one, or have a couple friends to join you, than in a large group and less chance for injury as you have someone right there to make sure your form is correct.
A comment for Mollie above – add a little running to your walking. You can just run from one driveway to a couple driveways down, just a few intervals and it revs up the workout.
thank you, Karen, for taking on this topic that we all dread but want to do something about.
I do love a good workout and have been thinking about looking into a personal trainer and I do love to get the motivation and the drive that a trainer can provide. I have over 300+ workout DVD’s – but I feel I am needing the interaction and accountability you can get from a trainer.
I like personal trainers … they not only add variety to your program… they keep you focused! Often when you are working out with a friend, workout partner, or relative… you get caught up chit chatting and don’t focus so much on technique.
It is a great jump start to an overall plan. What a great way to start out the year.
Working out has definitely been a part of my life for years! I run 3 to 4x per week more the mental and emotional benefits than the physical….although that is a nice side bene! Totally gives me time to clear my head and expend unnecessary energy!!!
Thanks for all your comments! As you soon will see as I delve into the weight loss topic a little more–we’re all in this together and need encouragement!
I have always thought that it would be great to workout with a personal trainer as I also need someone to push me. I also thought that it would be expensive. I am glad for the topic on weightloss as I can always use new information!
I could so use this. Working full time for the first time in many years has destroyed my efforts at fitness. It sounds silly, but I just upped my walking by going around the block to the mailbox that is two houses down. I get out of my car from work and do not go inside until I’m done. I go the wrong (or right, depending on your perspective) way, away from the box and it takes about 10 min. six days/week. I know I won’t be trim and lose weight, but maybe my legs will last longer. When the weather is better, I will add more distance.
I do workout DVD’s in the morning before I go to work, but lately I have noticed that when I do the ones where I use weights my neck and shoulders really bother me. I am hoping that working with a personal trainer would correct my technique so that I wouldn’t be miserable after those weight lifting workouts. I am looking forward to the new information and advice.
This would be great! Aftermany years of running, walking and working out, I have gotten into a pattern of nothing. And with 10-12 hour work days, I could use the break! Would be something to look forward to!
Wow, I would love to be able to work with a personal trainer! Walking the dogs every day just doesn’t do enough for me.
A personal trainer would be a wonderful thing! I can imagine it would be very motivating!