Fitness Test

This morning, I weighed 171 pounds, which is a new low for me...less than I think I've weighed since middle school. Only 10 more pounds to go to reach my "normal" rating on the BMI charts. Yahoo!

Steve and I have been talking a lot about how important it was for us to find someone with whom to work who will push us and keep us motivated. It's also critical that the motivator be knowledgeable about health, fitness and exercise. Steve and I were not motivated or knowledgeable. We needed Darren to help us. For other people, that motivator could be a spouse, friend, colleague or personal trainer. You have to find somebody.

One thing that I have come to love (and hate) about Darren is his monthly "fitness testing." Steve LOVES them, too...ha! Because Darren is such an extraordinary trainer, he holds his clients accountable for their monthly progress. I also think it's a way for him to check on himself. My latest fitness test was this morning.

Here's the fitness test deal...first, he takes all of my measurements using this CRAZY, pincher tool. If you have never had this done, it's quite an experience. He grabs what seem to be random folds of skin and squeezes them in the pincher. Then he writes down the number. He takes measurements from my arms, chest, waist, abdomen, thigh and calf (and maybe other places, too. I'm usually concentrating on getting the pinching to stop!). The purpose is to assess lean muscle mass and body fat.

After the measurements, Darren has me rest for five minutes while my heart monitor watch measures my VO2 max level (how well your blood stream utilizes oxygen). At the end of the five minutes, the watch displays a number and a rating. Then it's time for the sit and reach test, which measures how flexible I am (how far I can reach from a sitting position). After that--the real torture. PUSH UPS!!! Then sit ups. Then we're done...until next month.

Darren utilizes a computer program that assesses all of the data he enters from the tests. Then he explains the results.

Since the fitness tests began, I have consistently improved my numbers, which feels great. I remember that the first time I took the test I did six push ups, which was firmly in the "poor" category. This morning, I did 41. Darren even said, "I think you can stop working on push ups. You've reached the maximum level!"

The real shock to me is how important the fitness tests have become in my life. I want to do well...extremely well. Now, I've taken lots of tests in my life and have probably always wanted to do well, but this is a whole new realm for me. With each fitness test, I see Darren's wisdom even more. He is so knowledgeable about all things health and fitness related and he is a natural teacher...he inspires me. I must say getting good results encourages me to move forward and keep it up.

I had an interesting question this week from a friend at work. She asked if I was going to continue to work with Darren after reaching my "normal" goal in the Sprint to the Finish. I didn't even hesitate. Heck, yeah, I'm still going to work with him...and all of you should, too! If you can't work with Darren, find a partner for yourself. Your body will thank you.