my 8 week challenge

Today was the day that Terri drew on me, pinched me, pushed me and even shot me. It was Day 7 of my eight week challenge and the day that I finally had my first fitness assessment.

Terri, my mobile personal trainer, was great. She explained all the various different things that were going to be done in advance in a way that I understood. Of course she also mentioned the basics of breathing. Inhale on the rest through the nose, then exhale through the mouth on the effort portion of the movement. Then there was also the discussion around engaging my core. She explained there were two ways to this; the body builder on stage way using the outer abdominal muscles and then the way to do it during exercise which tightens the inner muscles. Essentially, stick your finger in your belly button and pull your belly button in towards your spine. That’s truly activating the core and I have to remember to do that with every exercise. This stuff is work.

This assessment was the first that I’ve ever had like this — at least as best as I can recall. We did the Harvard Test, which really made me sweat. Essentially it’s a bunch of step ups on a bench that’s 20″ off the ground at a fixed pace…which was actually a challenge to keep up with.

Then came the flexibility test. I had a good laugh when she mentioned that was a part of the assessment. Being a self-proclaimed runner I should stretch regularly; that doesn’t really happen so much. I knew that things were tight and that was pretty much the overall conclusion I think she came to. Especially once we did the Thomas Test — now those muscles were tight.

I’m very excited to see what she compiles for me and to really see what the survey says other than there’s room for improvement. Next week when we meet again I get my first program to do. Expect to see me in the gym a minimum of three times a week. Toss all the other activity on that like street hockey, bike rides and running and I should be in great shape in eight weeks.

It just struck me that this marks one week already. Only seven more to go. My legs hurt, my arms are shaking and I’m looking forward to more!