Recently, well….since turning 40, I’ve changed some of my priorities around and stopped taking my body for granted. Being an LMT, I already have a deep sense of awe for the human machine. The more I’ve been exercising, the more amazed at the accuracy of the statement, “you can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself”.

On the average, I provide roughly 20-24 hours of massage each week. Had I not begun exercising regularly and adding strength training to my routine, I would not be able to work this hard. Strength training, especially, has improved my performance in so many ways. Do I always feel excited about getting to the gym? Nope. I’m human. But, I remind myself how it feels and THAT becomes the “why” I’m able to stay consistent.

I’ve always been a fairly active person, except in my slumps. Those usually emotionally-triggered slumps lasted anywhere from 2-12 weeks and included a lot of TV and sugar. Those two are the perfect combination for inflammation and weakness. So, when I made the decision to REALLY start exercising regularly again last year, I joined OrangeTheory Fitness (OTF) which was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Heart rate-based training really helped me see just how much my body needed the cardio training. This is also where I met my coach, Eric Lolar, of Getlolared Athletic Performance and Personal Training.

For nearly a year, I attended two classes per week at OTF. In February, I added one day a week personal training with Eric to my schedule. The exercises he had me doing were different than anything I’d been asked to do before and honestly, it was uncomfortable AF. But, it truly opened my eyes to just how my agility had deteriorated over the years. It amazed me that simple things like jumping up and down was hard and foreign to me, like I had forgotten how to play.

In April and May, I increased my personal training to twice a week in addition to the two OTF classes. Just this month, I’ve started training with Eric three times per week. My summer schedule is less conducive to a rigid class schedule, so I’ve frozen my OTF membership and am preparing to supplement with a weekly distance bike ride, hot yoga and time at 10 Fitness, using Eric’s programming.

To-date, I’ve managed to deadlift 285 pounds, bench press 120, squat 200 and overhead press 85. I’m working my way toward completing eight unassisted pull-ups, can hip thrust 135 pounds 20 times, carry 140 pounds 50 feet and throw a 10 pound ball over two stories in the air.

Honestly, I’m not bragging. In fact, it was hard for me to begin telling this story because it sometimes feels uncomfortable to be so open like this. But, the point is, I’ve never done these things in my life and was completely unable to do them a year ago. And, damn it….I’m proud of this accomplishment and know others who want to find their strength again. My hope is that this progress story will inspire you to start. Just start where you are. 🙂

Hiring a coach has given me the technical guidance, accountability, encouragement and tough love I’ve needed to continue this journey. I’d love for you get to know Eric a little better so I’ve asked him a few questions below.

What made you decide to become a personal trainer? I’ve been interested in performance training since I started playing sports. It was always intriguing to me the differences in athletes movements and capabilities. I’ve always thought there was a way to cover the gap between genetics and abilities. I was formally educated as a Physical Education teacher and have been in education most of my professional life. I have been doing performance coaching for the duration in some capacity as a sports coach. The past five years I decided I wanted to transition into doing it full time, so I quit teaching and worked as a paid intern/assistant coach at Easter Washington University with the Athletic Performance Department.

What sets your training style and approach apart from other trainers? My approach to training stems from my background in performance. I believe we all perform in one way or another. From massage therapist to heart surgeon, we all have roles we have to perform at a high level in if we want to get it done effectively. My training takes you where you are and fills in the gaps that we either have lost or have never developed in our movement tool box. Once we fill gaps you will be a more efficient mover and at that point, even if you sit for a living, you will be more effective.

I began keto before I hired you for personal training and you’ve witnessed my journey, up to and including a major energy crash in the gym this week. Based on your experience and first hand witness, what would you like to say to others who may be living the keto lifestyle and considering a rigorous exercise regimen? I try not to discourage people from their journey just as I haven’t discouraged you. I trust people will find their way if they keep searching. With that being said I know for a fact that each diet has a success rate and you can find success with any of them. The thing that makes them all work is that you decrease your calories and stop eating in excess. If you want to try keto do it, but be aware of your energy levels and figure out how you can do it and train at a high level. (Here’s a good article I found after our interview.)

There may be people reading this article who are on the fence about making the decision to get started on a life-changing health and exercise journey and haven’t moved their body in a while. What would you say to them about getting started? I’d say getting started is the hardest part. So I totally understand anyone’s hesitation. New things are never comfortable. Change is painful physically and emotionally so it won’t be easy. But, I can promise you once you start training your body, your mind will follow. And you will be an enhanced version of yourself. No matter your age, gender, size or fitness level, you can be better. Our bodies are amazing machines. We adapt well to the situations we put our bodies into and you’re either putting your body in position to have positive adaptations or negative. There are really no in-betweens. So, not making a decision is really making a negative decision for your mind, body, and soul.

Thank you for continuing to follow me on this journey through life! I’ll share with you what I’m doing to maintain this human body machine on my next post. Have a great week, friends.