Fitness Pro? Not!

Last week, I switched gyms and me being the fitness nut that I am took advantage of the free fitness consultation offered for new members. 

 

After meeting with the trainer, I was surprised to hear that I was just barely of average fitness.  Say what?  I run three miles two or three times a week and circuit the other days.  I ran a half-marathon in May (granted I'm not a fast runner but I did it).

 

The test consisted of five sections: BMI, flexibility, cardio, strength and endurance.  As the trainer explained the steps, I thought to myself that this sounded relatively easy.  It was actually too but my results apparently weren't good enough.

 

First, I failed the BMI.  I'm overweight.  Lovely.  I actually knew that and wasn't surprised I failed that.  I hate BMI.  It doesn't take into account muscle mass, which I know I have a lot of and the trainer agreed because I had my muscle mass tested.  Strike 1.

 

Second, to my surprise I got the highest level possible on flexibility.  This was the one section I thought I would fail instantly.  The test was reminiscent of elementary school V-sit and reach, which I was terrible at.  I've improved.  I stretched 23 inches.  Props for that one I suppose.

 

Third, I completed the cardio, which was a piece of cake.  Walk at a three percent incline at 4.5 miles per hour for five minutes.  Nothing.  Luck was still on my side because I passed that section too.  It was probably all my walk and run training.

 

Fourth, I had my strength tested.  I lift weights fairly often and never really thought that I could fail this but I did.  Apparently you are supposed to be able to lift 80-85 percent of your body weight.  I probably could do that in my lower body but my upper body only managed to chest press a measily 85 pounds.  Strike two.

 

Finally, the last part was endurance.  Stupid me thought I had this one in the bag too.  I ran a half-marathon.  That takes endurance.  Wrong again.  You had to do as many sit-ups as possible in a minute. I'm a cruch girl.  I hate sit-ups...always have, always will.  I failed miserably at 24.

 

With that being said I walked out of the gym on Friday a bit speechless but motivated to improve my poor fitness level.  I'm not discouraged though.  I feel healthy and my doctor says I'm healthy, so isn't that what really matters.  I'll never be a size two.  I realize that.  Yes, I'd like to lose a few pounds but in my case I think losing a few inches may be more realistic.  It's probably the first time in my life that I can honestly say I'm happy with my body, so I'll take it and continue what I'm doing.

 

Not everyone is an athlete.  Not everyone is a model.  I'm an average girl and I'll just strive to improve my average fitness.