Get MOVING!

Well, I started the process of “working out” at work.  My company has an on-site exercise facility that associates can access.  The concept of exercising during the day was a little daunting for me. But, luckily I have the greatest “Get Moving” coach ever.

My coach is Kelly Dell’Anno.  She joined my company a few months before I did and actually works for our health and wellness team—primarily with setting up programs in our facilities and communications for those programs that are happening across the organization. 

I love working with Kelly.  She’s was certainly one of my first friends when I was new on the job.  One of the things Kelly does that inspired me—she is relentless about finding opportunities to work out during breaks in the day.  As a result, she manages her stress well, and is always in great shape. And she is just great fun to be around. 

So, I decided I would take advantage of our on-site facility and commit to exercise at least twice a week starting in March.  I have an elliptical at home so I wanted to start with just weight machines—you can get a good workout and not walk out too gross to finish the day.  I can follow it up with cardio at home.

Lucky for me, my coach took her job seriously and immediately got me scheduled in the gym.  I was offsite in a meeting for half of the week so we got a late start.  But, last Friday we ventured into the gym.  And, I learned that Kelly isn’t just someone who works out, she is pretty amazing at understanding where all the areas are that you should work on in your body.  This is a good thing, because it is all a true mystery to me. 

Kelly walked me through all the machines and while it might sound silly, it was great to have someone show me the proper form and how to adjust the machines correctly.  Here’s what I’ve learned from day one:

1. If you can do 8-10 reps at a certain weight and feel like it is a challenge then it is the right weight.  If you can’t do at least 8 reps, it is too heavy.  If you can do 15 reps with minimal effort, then it’s too light.
2. Seats go up and down and machines can be adjusted to fit your body.  Just because your seat is in the position it’s in, if it doesn’t feel comfortable, you need to move it to where you will be.
3. The hard part is not the exercise itself, but the focus to go downstairs to do it. 
4. Bring a towel and get a gym bag.  For day one, I did not bring a towel and I rolled into the locker room with my stuff in a Nordstrom’s bag.  That’s appropriate.

Kelly and I scheduled two more sessions this week (Wed and Fri) but I’m going to try to get down there as much as I can so it becomes a habit. 

Having someone who is willing to follow up with me and encourage me through the process is amazing.  If you are going to start an exercise routine, you need to find your Kelly.  It makes it so much better and fun. 

A huge thank you and shout out to Kelly—you rock and I’ll see you in the gym on Wednesday!

(this pic is following our first session-- awesome)