After reading Body by Science (read my post on that here), I decided I wanted to give the workout program a try. I have no dreams of being a body builder, nor do I enjoy gyms or that whole lifestyle. I’m actually quite lazy in the physical activity department, which is why I like the idea of working out for 15 minutes per week or less, assuming the results follow.
So, I found a trainer who not only subscribes to the theories and practices of the book but who actually trained one of the authors. Terry Carter has an office in Marietta where he works with one person at a time. His business is called East Cobb Exercise Excellence.
I scheduled a free consultation and initial workout and went to that today, not knowing what to expect. Terry was super friendly and talked about a lot of the concepts covered in the book. We talked for a bit, and he answered all my questions before we got to the weight machines.
In the weight room proper, we started by setting up each of three machines for me. Since it was my first workout, Terry guessed at my starting weights, something that needs to be fairly precise to get the correct intensity and timing of the workout.
Once we were set, I got started. Terry used a stopwatch to measure my time under load (TUL), and he counted out loud to help me time my reps. The program calls for super slow reps, meaning about 5-10 seconds up and 5-10 seconds down. Performing these slow, controlled movements got difficult real fast, and I found myself shaking and eventually struggling to move the weights at all. At that point, Terry had me hold it as best I could while he counted another 10 seconds.
Then it was over and immediately on to the next machine to repeat the process with a different set of muscles. At the end of each of three machines, I had no strength left for that machine. At the end of all of them, I was panting and worn out, though the whole thing had taken less than six or seven minutes. That’s the idea: wear down the muscles fast enough that you can inroad all the different muscle twitch groups.
After that, we discussed pricing and I was on my way.
Regarding pricing, it’s surprisingly expensive. I know, you can’t put a price on health, right? Well, I suppose if this program delivers on its promises, then it’s worth the price. But that is the one reason that I’m hesitant to continue. Still, I think I’ll buy a package of 10 sessions and see how I’m doing after 10 weeks.
I must say I’m excited to get some muscle back. I’ve become quite scrawny. Oh, and the health that goes along with it is super exciting too! :)