I'm 37 years old, I've got two children, a husband,
and work as a personal trainer at Rocky Mountain
Fitness in Eagle, Idaho. My background has not always
been in the fitness industry. My first career was as
a firefighter/paramedic - after "retiring", I chose
to work in a profession where perhaps I could make a
difference BEFORE someone needed to dial 9-1-1.
It's
my hope, that in future articles, I can reach not only
the female bodybuilder, but the woman who is looking
to just get healthy and improve her fitness level.
Resolutions
I see it everyday, and, especially this time of year
when the resolutions to "get in shape" are at their
height, the women coming into the gym not knowing a
dumbbell from a barbell. For most, taking that first
step into the gym takes all the courage they can
muster.
Perhaps you are someone who's found this
website, and you can relate...you walk into the gym for
the first time in years, or for the first time EVER,
and, all you see around you are what you see as
perfect bodies. It can be truly intimidating. So,
how can someone truly not be intimidated walking into
the gym? Well, keep in mind that everyone started
from somewhere. The place of success that you see in
many gym-goers now, is definitely not an indication of
the obstacles they may have overcome.
Your Workouts
But, you say, the workouts look effortless, and I'm
struggling just to tie my shoe - what can I do? Well,
head towards an aerobic class - most "first-timers"
might like the group exercise or class setting.
Introduce yourself to the instructor, you'd be
surprised to hear THEIR stories. Many of them have
overcome some serious fitness obstacles before they
even began to teach. Myself included. Many people in
the gym that know me, would be surprised to learn that
my nickname in school was "Fatsy Patsy", and I've had
struggles with weight and food issues just like other
women that come into the gym or into my spinning
classes.
None of us are immune to the pressures of
society, and those of us with children have gone
through the weight gain of pregnancy. Along with
other weight issues, exercise became a way for me to
make extra money and really reach out to those whose
shoes I've walked in. We've all had struggles - life,
moving, divorces, childbirth, medical conditions, and
weight issues.
For many women, this new adventure in strength may be
new, awkward, maybe evening a bit frightening with
thoughts of "what if I get too strong", "what if I
don't get strong enough". Certainly it would help if
there were more role models, the real women with lives
like yours and mine, juggling kids, jobs, and still
take the time for fitness.
I hope that I will not
only be able to share information pertinent to other
women bodybuilders, but, that I might spark the
thought in someone else that "if she can do it, I can
do it". It's not just about strong muscles, or
winning trophies. The real rewards come from having
the strength to just get through the day, carry your
own groceries, and play with your kids.
Look for more from me in which I'll present
information on three elements of this fitness journey;
strength training, cardiovascular (cardio) training,
and nutrition.
Female bodybuilders and fitness competitors check out our exclusive section of the message boards! This area is just for you!
Please e-mail me with questions or comments at
prabdau@yahoo.com
prabdau@yahoo.com
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