Prioritizing health and wellness in your life has the power to improve your physical and mental health and overall quality of life!
“Wellness is the act of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental health outcomes so that instead of just surviving, you’re thriving.” Pfizer
I have focused on improving my physical, mental, and emotional health for the last two years. I have learned that wellness begins with us, and no one can give us willpower but ourselves. The Y has undoubtedly supported me in that journey, ensuring that I have the necessary tools to stay healthy. One of those tools has been to strengthen my body and my mind through personal training.
When beginning your career at the YMCA, you join a community and a world of possibilities for professional growth and spiritual and physical growth. In addition, staff members have the opportunity to access the benefits of the programs offered to the community and the gym facilities throughout Arizona.
PREPARATION
When starting with a personal trainer, the goals of what you’re working to achieve must be clarified:
- What would you like to strengthen?
- What motivates you to work with a personal trainer?
- How many days are you ready to train?
- What day and what time?
- Do you have any conditions that could prevent specific movements?
These are just some of the questions that a personal trainer would ask you. They would then direct you to the right personal trainer who will work with you to achieve those goals.
MY JOURNEY WITH A PERSONAL TRAINING
At the Y, our trainers thrive on helping you meet your fitness goals and encourage and motivate you in your workout routine. In addition, they try to make your journey as enjoyable as possible in a safe and fun environment.
Reaching out to a personal trainer was easy. All I had to do was fill out a form online. That same afternoon Joshua Lipane, Program Director of Healthy Living and Personal Trainer at the Scottsdale/Paradise Valley Family YMCA, reached out to me.
I started my journey back in November. I train on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 am to 7:30 am. Josh includes strengthening, a little cardio, stretching, and toning in my training. However, when I don't train at the Y, I do the proper exercises Josh provided to me at home before kick-off my day! Josh has been very patient and has created a series of specialized exercises that have been adjusted to me specifically. Also, he has been a great supporter in my journey by making sure I feel safe and helping me learn that I am capable of doing what my mindset to.
Before starting my journey with a personal trainer, I was ashamed of not doing the exercises and I felt that I had to be perfect at all of the movements to truly take advantage of the opportunity. However, over the two months with Josh, I’ve realized my mind sometimes limits me as a result of the assumptions that I can make.
From the last two months, I have learned that there is a plan for each person and that there is no such thing as perfection when improving your well-being. It just takes all of your willpower to be consistent and have the patience to achieve your desired results.
5 THINGS I HAVE LEARNED
Writing down everything I have learned and writing what a personal trainer has helped me achieve would take me days to write! However, there are five things that I can highlight that have helped me improve my time, my quality of life, and my mental and physical health.
- It has helped me create a more stable routine and organize my personal and work schedule daily.
- I learned that the more I move my body and the more I exercise, the happier and more cheerful I feel.
- I know I can do anything I set my mind to.
- I have gained the confidence to train with someone who is a professional.
- If I am consistent, I can get to see tangible results. And this is true for everyone!
JOINING A JOURNEY WITH A PERSONAL TRAINER?
If you are ready to start your journey with a professional, sign up for personal training, or visit our front desk at your nearest Y.
Share your Healthy Journey at the Y with us!
If you have a healthy journey story at the Y, and you would like to share it with us, reach out to our Community Relations Coordinator, Clary Tanner!