Profiles in Fitness
Learning the ropes with some help from a personal trainer
At FitMe Wellness, members are invited to Find Their Fit. This philosophy toward recognizes that, while our paths will often cross, every member has a separate path to better health.
Our Member Spotlight feature seeks to bring to you stories of how FitMe Wellness members have found their fit in the hopes that it will inspire you on your own path to health and wellness.You will ideally see bits and pieces of yourself in FitMe members’ stories. At first glance, you might not be able to see what you have in common with someone. We all, however, tend to struggle with similar issues when it comes to living healthier lives.
For this installment, we’re chatting with Randy Scott, member and training client at FitMe Wellness, and Tosha Pastorek, Certified Personal Trainer at FitMe.
Randy: A year ago, I decided that I was done with being sore after doing normal chores and activities around my house and yard. I realized that I needed to change up my routine if I was going to stay active in my daily life. In looking at local health clubs, I discovered FitMe Wellness, took a tour of the club, and thought it’d be a good fit for me. I started by using the treadmill and exercise bikes. All the other equipment they had seemed a little overwhelming to me; I didn’t really know how to use any of it. I was serious about the changes I wanted to make to my health, and it quickly became evident to me that I needed help in maximizing the benefits of my membership at FitMe.
Tosha: When I first met Randy, I was training another client, putting them through the paces, using free weights, strength equipment, and bodyweight training to accomplish a total body workout. I saw Randy observing from the recumbent bike, curiously studying my client’s workout. I was planning on introducing myself to him later that morning, but Randy took the initiative to schedule an introductory session with me at the front desk. He beat me to it!
Randy: From the very first session, I felt comfortable working with Tosha. I knew that she really knew her stuff from observing her working out other clients. Thankfully she eased me into the workouts, gauging what my capabilities were and formulating a plan to get me to where I wanted to be. That’s certainly not to say that my first workouts were easy; they were not. I was sore afterwards. But I immediately saw the value in it.
Tosha: It all starts with establishing goals. Identifying strengths and weaknesses. I ask questions that inspire them to open up and begin a solid working relationship. We’re going to be spending a lot of time together. It’s important that we both feel comfortable and are on the same page.
With Randy, his concerns focused upon the amount of medications he was taking and that his strength and balance were not where he wanted them to be. Knowing those issues, I designed a comprehensive yearlong plan to address them. To the uninitiated, that might seem like a long time, but real physical change requires consistent, sustained effort that pushes you out of your comfort zone.
Randy: Tosha puts me through workouts that are challenging and different for me every week. In the past year, I have felt my soreness recede and my strength and stamina improve dramatically. When I feel results like this, it helps me power through days when I feel like skipping the gym. I remind myself that I always feel good after my workouts. And having Tosha hold me accountable is a powerful motivator.
Tosha: Accountability is one of the primary benefits that trainers offer their clients. Of course you will expect knowledge of strength training and conditioning that will help you achieve your goals in a safe manner. And someone to keep you motivated during and after your workouts to continue to achieve your goals. Perhaps even some tips regarding proper nutrition. But accountability is the key to getting results. We build that relationship with the client so that they feel like we’re the angel sitting on their shoulder, reminding them to keep working even when the devil sitting on their shoulder is telling them to park their butts on the couch.
Randy: FitMe Wellness has a fancy body composition scale that’s hooked up to a computer; it goes beyond just how much you weigh on a given day. It turns out that I’ve lost almost 8 pounds of just body fat! My pants fit better too. My waist size is down 2 inches. And my doctor just told me that my blood pressure is down too!
Tosha: So, what’s the goal for the next year?
Randy: We’re signing up for the Tough Mudder in August! We’re going to spend the summer training for it and I’ve got a team of members from FitMe assembled to take this on together. •
