I started with Punch Gym in September of 2010. I used to strength train quite a bit, but after a while, it got boring, and I stopped training a few years ago. I wanted to get healthier, but I knew that I would quickly bore of the same old routine. Punch Gym seemed like a place that would challenge me, improve my health, and not be boring.
My first workout was eye-opening. I was out of shape. But, within a couple weeks, I was improving - and I was definitely feeling better. Within the first month, I was seeing changes in my body. The workouts were challenging, for sure. But they were never boring. Every workout brought new exercises, new challenges, and something different. I had never worked with kettlebells before, and was surprised at how many different exercises you could do with them.
I was working out twice a week, but Christine challenged me to do more. I started attending an additional group class twice a week. I had never done group training before, and I was nervous that I wasn’t in shape enough to participate. I was wrong. It doesn’t matter how in shape you are (or aren’t) - by adjusting weights (and sometimes modifying exercises), everyone in the class gets a solid workout.
The cardio aspect of the workouts was tough for me. Again, Christine challenged me to improve my cardio. Go for a walk after dinner, walk the dog in the morning, go for a bike ride - whatever - just move more. So, in October. I started running. I’ve never been a runner. My first “run” was a 30 second jog followed by a 1 minute rest. Then another 30 second jog and a 1 minute rest. And so on. After 30 minutes, I was wiped out. A few days later, I went to 1 minute runs, with 1 minute of rest. Then onto 90 seconds of running with a 1 minute rest. And so on. Every day I tried to run a little further or reduce my rest a little more. By November, I ran for 40 minutes straight. I was pumped! On Thanksgiving day, my wife and I ran a 4-mile turkey trot. I finished in 44 minutes. We then ran a 5K the day after Christmas, finishing in 32 minutes. I now routinely run 3-4 miles a couple times a week. It's still hard to believe that I can do this. I believe its because of the way that the Punch workouts are designed that I was able to start running and have this endurance.
In the past 4 months, my weight hasn’t changed very much - I’ve only lost about 5 pounds according to the scale. But I’ve definitely lost fat and gained muscle - no question. I recently purchased jeans that are 3 inches smaller in the waist then I was wearing before. Most of my shirts are now too big for me. My wife has noticed the changes to my body. My friends have taken notice.
I think one of the bigger changes has been in my attitude and energy. I’m a lot less cranky, especially at work. Co-workers have commented on my improved demeanor. I have more energy throughout the day. Overall, I just feel so much better.
One of the things about Punch that I really enjoy is the sense of community. Everyone is very supportive - trainers and members alike. There’s no judgment. And it’s a very diverse group - men and women, old and young, professional athletes training alongside middle-aged software geeks like myself. It’s fun. And the results make it very motivating to continue.
I’m heading into 2011 healthier than I’ve been in a long time. And I’m only getting started...
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