Yesterday I went for my first personal training session with Andy Shiu at O2 West. Last week John and I met with Andy to get a tour of the facility and learn a bit more about his philosophy, which were equally impressive and borderline mind-blowing.

Andy has a strong background in the fitness industry and leads a very active lifestyle. He knows what it takes to train professional bodybuilders but also how to help seniors become comfortably mobile or how to help brides fit into their dress without drastic dieting. He built up O2 West as a state-of-the-art personal training studio and it absolutely shows. He’s got technology in there that one could only dream of using at a local gym, as well as very basic tools and equipment that can optimize any workout. Walking around and listening to Andy talk about his facility and his training practices you can truly see and hear the passion he has for this industry and lifestyle.

O2 West isn’t a bootcamp facility, they teach and preach proper training techniques for all ages and fitness levels. “I’m not here to break you,” said Andy who firmly believes in total fitness as opposed to crash-course exercising. He added that many people may be intimidated at gyms either by other people, trainers, or even the equipment (by not knowing how to properly use it). He emphasizes education — how to use equipment, how to use and work your muscles properly, and how to get the maximum advantage out of a cross-fit training regime. It’s also a very private facility so you won’t feel like you’re in a fishbowl, exposed to passers-by on the street.

During my 1-hour session, I didn’t look at the clock once (and I swear it only seemed like 10 minutes). I was taught how to use the machines and even how to get the most out of a brisk walk on the treadmill (with short steps, long steps, and inclines). We did so many activities that when it was all over I had no idea (until he told me) that I did 100-200 reps of some of the exercises. That was because we moved so often from one stage to the next, keeping the muscles moving without over-exerting them.

O2 West looks like a dream for passionate trainers as well – and Andy only hires the best. As I could feel my muscles working in ways I haven’t used them in months, I was thinking about how sore I would be today. Andy immediately told me that if you’re sore after a workout, you have the wrong trainer. If you’re using your muscles correctly, working them out yet giving them time to move and flow, you shouldn’t be sore the next day.

If you’d like to check out O2 West, they’re currently having a contest where two couples (who are getting married any time in 2009) can win a full fitness makeover, valued at $4500. The deadline for entries was July 15th but it’s been held-over.

I go back again on Monday since Andy didn’t want to let too much time lapse between sessions in case I forgot some of the proper techniques. So far, I’m thoroughly impressed and I actually can’t wait to start up again next week. As a side (yet important) note, their change rooms also have huge showers and supply complimentary products and personal care essentials for women to use.

O2 West is located in the Oakridge area at 551 West 57th Avenue in Vancouver.

Disclosure: O2 West is also the sponsor of our softball team, the Radio Rockstars

Two weeks ago I posted the following video on Flickr as a sort of update on my progress with my Fitness World regime.

In the comments, Airdrie asked me for my “Top 3 Tips” to trimming up that have worked for me so far so here they are:

1) Being active in and out of the gym – go for a walk, run, rollerblade or bike ride – we also walk or run over to the gym in the mornings.

2) Don’t fast – starving yourself especially while increasing your activity can have negative effects and will not help you in the long run. Also, have nutritious snacks during the day to keep your energy up and to avoid crashing. A Fitness World trainer recommended eating 5 times a day if you’re active.

3) If I could hire John out, I would. He’s a great motivator (and butt-kicker when necessary). He’s taught me about nutrition and even proper free-weight technique. Having a buddy to go with has really helped me, and I swear one day I’ll get out there with Phaedra too.

Unfortunately the fitness room advertised by our hotel in Kansas City was invisible or at least it must have been tucked away in a dungeon somewhere because I couldn’t find it. After a week of BBQ meats, enchiladas, tortillas, and whatever breakfast sandwiches we could find at 11am, I thought I was going to have a rough time at the gym this morning. Luckily, I found my stride pretty quickly and I think I’m almost back on track.

I think some of my momentum came from my new workout gear that I got at Target. A super cute tennis-style skirt (with mini shorts built-in underneath), a new bright blue sports bra and a great Champion top. Before I was pretty much just piecing together an outfit and although that seems like one of the least important things when it comes to physical health – believe it or not it has boosted my confidence a little.

I have found that my heart rate is no longer skyrocketing as soon as I start any cardio program, I’m pushing myself more, and I’m more willing to get out of bed at 5:45 am with minimal nudges and shoves from John.

We’re only about a month in so far but I’m looking forward to further detoxing myself from the culinary events of last week (although they were spectacularly delicious) and continuing on with my training.

Disclosure: In an effort to lead a more healthy lifestyle, John and I have teamed up with Fitness World who will be sponsoring our workouts and nutritional plans for the next 12 months.

Photo credit:
SqueakyMarmot on Flickr

In an effort to lead a more healthy lifestyle, John and I have teamed up with Fitness World who will be sponsoring our workouts and nutritional plans for the next 12 months.

Although I’ve always enjoyed an outdoor workout, sometimes you need a little more motivation. Nothing compares to running through the dewy trails of Stanley Park with morning birds chirping overhead, however I figure it’s time for more action and dedication on my part so I’m hoping being with the club with help me with that.

Last week we got a tour of the facilities downtown and this week I had my first workout. I’m not trying to lose a ton of weight (I like my curves) but I would just like to not be out of breath when we walk up the stairs to our apartment… things like that. It’s all about being healthy, which makes me happy – and this is the point.

I’ll be checking in sporadically over the next year with “Fitness Friday” updates featuring my progress and by the end I’ll include a photo of me bench-pressing John. Okay… maybe not but I hope to see some results.