DOPT: Personal Training

When I first met Charles, I had just turned 21. I always pictured being 21 to be great, and it was… for the most part. However, there was one thing that I had always struggled with, even as a kid. I had always been overweight, and at 21 I had reached a point of hopelessness. I was unhappy and lacked in confidence and self-​esteem. When most people my age were out socializing and having fun, I felt my weight had hindered me from doing the same. I had always tried different things to lose weight: joining a gym, taking pilates, and even purchasing workout DVDs. But those things only take you so far, especially when you lack in motivation, just as I did. I had my turning point in December; and during that time, I had never worked with a personal trainer and I wasn’t quite sure where to start. So as everyone does in our technology-​dependent society, I turned to Google. Before meeting Charles, I had already met with other personal trainers, but there was something missing from them. When I first spoke to Charles over the phone, I already knew there was something different about him. He was genuinely interested in me, my fitness goals, and he was so energetic. And it was evident that he has a love for life and what he does. Unlike other personal trainers, he is fully confident in my goals. He allowed me to freely and openly express my objectives and helped me realize how attainable they really are. Charles is a wonderful trainer to work out with. Even at 6 AM, he is bursting with enthusiasm. He is extremely motivating and designs workouts fit for each of his clients’ bodies, fitness goals, and strengths. He listens to my needs and pushes me to my fullest capability and extent. He is very aware and familiar with my limits and what works for me. Charles genuinely cares about my goals and success in weight loss. While personal trainers have gained the reputation and stereotype of being expensive, Charles is very flexible with payment options. He coaches you on what kind of food to eat and what to avoid. (I was never educated on food nutrition, hence my being overweight.) But he’s also realistic and tells you that it’s okay to splurge once in a while because it helps you maintain your diet. I have been working out with him since January and people continually compliment me on my weight loss. I have lost over 30 pounds and have gone from a size extra large to medium in t-​shirts. I am now also able to fit in boots and buy clothes from Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe again! I could not have asked for a better personal trainer! Yay! =)