Counterproductive

Counterproductive: adjective : tending to hinder the attainment of a desired goal

I mentioned working with a personal trainer a few weeks ago. Well, I think that was a waste of my time. Nothing against my trainer. Trainer X is a good guy. He's unbelievably motivated and in amazing shape. However, not the trainer for me or the right route for me. Why you ask? Because I went from working out 4 times a week to once a week. How did this happen? Well, Trainer X pushed me WAY past my limits. I know, I know. My athletic cohorts are going to tell me that it's his job to do that. Yes and No. I actually don't need to be pushed. I'm fairly self-motivated. What I really needed was someone to just design some workouts for me. I really wish I had articulated that better.

Trainer X got all bone crusher with me for our first session. I was on the rowing machine. I did squats, hopped up and over a step, and did planks all in a 25 minute window. I literally thought I was going to vomit. The only reason why I didn't vomit is because I realized that the nearest toilet was all the way over on the other side of the gym. I like this gym. Although it's open 24 hours, I did not want to have to troll in their in the middle of the night to avoid embarrassment. Aside from wanting to vomit, I could barely stand. Never in my sports-loving life have I felt like my legs were going to collapse beneath me. The worst is that I knew I would be sore for a couple of days. In actuality, I ended up being sore for 4 DAYS!! I am not exaggerating nor am I a wuss. I have a high threshold for pain. For 4 days, I could barely move. I hobbled down the 4 stairs that led from my front door to the ground. I didn't leave my house because I didn't want to have to walk anywhere. I tried everything. Ibuprofen, Tiger Balm, and soaking in Epsom Salts. It was miserable. However, I am tough and persevered.
Next session, I told him to take it down a notch. He did. The end result? I was sore for three days instead of four days. It's progress I suppose. It's horrific in light of that fact that I am going to the gym less than before. This has, in turn, caused me to regain some of the weight that I had loss prior to starting with Trainer X. ARRRGGGGHHHH!!! I am so frustrated. I have canceled the rest of my sessions with Trainer X. I think I'm better off floundering on my own.

Next stop, classes at the gym and a few workout books. I'm still doing some research as to what might work for me, but for now... I'm just going to amp up the cardio. Who knew working with a personal trainer would be such an exercise in futility?