Have you ever flown before and had the seat belt not fit? Well, I have, and it’s mortifying. Having to ask the flight attendant to bring you the extension strap is so embarrassing.
I wasn’t even that big! I mean, above average, sure, but not to the point where I thought I would need something like that in my life. I never imagined I would be in a position where I didn’t fit the “average” body type anymore.
I’ve always been a bit on the bigger side, but it was getting to the point where people would comment on my size and ask if I was doing all right. I hated that they automatically assumed I wasn’t doing well just because I was putting on some weight, but to a certain extent they were right.
I was feeling stressed and overwhelmed by work and I wasn’t making time for myself or my health. I didn’t think it was that big of a deal until I hopped on that plane and had a hard time getting my hips into my seat… and then when I needed the belt extension? I knew something had to change. I couldn’t live my life struggling to fit into things or needing special accommodations.
I already had a gym membership that I hadn’t used in months so I thought starting there would be best. I made a plan to go to the gym three days a week after work, just to start. After that became a habit, I figured I could increase how often I went.
I quickly realized that I had no idea what I was doing though. The first week I went three times and only used the treadmill. I was too intimidated to go anywhere near the weights. The following week I only went once and still only touched the treadmill. I felt discouraged and unmotivated, mostly because I was so confused about what I was supposed to be doing and didn’t want anyone to notice that I was a rookie.
I thought it might be a good idea to have an accountability partner who could help motivate me to go and maybe show me the ropes a bit. I started asking my friends if they wanted to go to the gym with me and help me work out. I found two friends that were willing to help and we started our training journey immediately.
This worked for a time, but eventually, our schedules fell out of sync and we were able to go together with less and less. We still managed to meet up maybe once a week or every other week, but it wasn’t enough for me to see progress and I wasn’t putting in the effort on my own. It was clear to me that I needed support to see the changes I wanted.
I started looking for a personal trainer at my gym, but quickly discovered that the added expense on top of the membership fee was prohibitive. With my finances, I just wasn’t in a position to manage both a trainer and a gym membership.
I did a little research and came across some apps that offered “personal training,” but was disappointed to learn that you never actually got to interact with a real person. This didn’t seem like a great fit for me and my needs.
I narrowed my search a bit and came across trainwell. They offered personal training with a real person that I could meet with every day. They would create personalized workouts for me based on my specific needs and goals and I would track everything on my phone.
It also connected to my Apple watch so I could have my movements recorded, as well. As if that wasn’t enough, it offered nutrition guidance, too! I could have a trainer and nutritionist all in one place for a fraction of the cost anywhere else. I was thrilled.
I went ahead and gave the free trial a shot and ended up loving it. I canceled my gym membership to save money because the workouts I had developed for me could all be done in my home. I figured if my financial situation changed in the future I could always get the membership again and have some of my workouts tailored for that setting, but for the time being, it was entirely unnecessary.
I was working out every day with no issues. I felt motivated and energized and capable. I was even able to show my friends a few things on the rare occasions that we were able to work out together. I felt confident in my abilities and more than ready to hop on my next flight with no embarrassment.
When I did fly again, I fit comfortably in the seat and didn’t need the extension strap to go around my waist! I was so proud of myself and so thankful for trainwell. The support and guidance of my trainer made all the difference in the world. I know that things are only going to continue to get better so long as I keep using this app. It is worth every minute and every penny.
The story of trainwell member Luca H.
