My New Exercise Program

I just hired a personal trainer. Why? Because I’m out of shape. I find myself feeling tired and not functioning at my best, and I realized I have not been getting adequate exercise. When I used to exercise regularly, my self-esteem was high and my mental health seemed better overall. My trainer suggested that I start walking 20 minutes a day, three times per week to relieve any normal stress I have. Since I figured out that my stress is way above normal, I challenged myself to walk for an hour, 5 days a week. (Over achiever, that I am.) So far, this year, I’ve done it! And I’m starting to feel more energy. I don’t get so tired in the middle of the day. I was sort of freaked out when I started this because I have always thought of aerobic exercise as jumping and running. I was so relieved to find out that walking is also an aerobic exercise. Walking daily is helping me to lose the extra pounds that I’ve started carrying around with me. I want to lose them once and for all, so I think I’ll keep up this walking all year and see how far I can go down. Now, we have added strength training twice a week and stretching twice a week. The strength training is supposed to also help lose fat because muscles burn energy rapidly. I’m very impressed with this trainer as she has advised that I was to start the exercise gently and build up gradually. I’m learning that exercise should leave you feeling refreshed and energized. It shouldn’t hurt you or exhaust you. I was a little sore after the first couple of strength exercise sessions, but I didn’t hurt…and that was good. In the past, I’ve worked with trainers that worked me so hard, I couldn’t move the next day. Then, of course, I didn’t want to go back. I feel this time, I have found the right person. I’ll keep you advised as to how this is going!