What to expect: Training with Andrea.

To be completely honest, when I was preparing for my first personal training session, I was nervous. I didn't know what to expect, and even though I've exercised in a number of different gyms and studios, the first session is always a little scary. I worried that Andrea would judge me for my weight or my lack of strength, or that she'd push me too hard like those scary boot camps you see everywhere around Southern California.

When I first showed up at the gym, Andrea greeted me with a big smile and asked me a few questions about my goals and previous injuries. I mentioned nonchalantly that I had gotten a stress fracture a few years back, and she gave me some advice on how to treat it when the ache flares up- something that happens, but years later I hadn't given much thought to. 

After that, I spent some time on the treadmill warming up with walking and sprints while Andrea tracked my heart rate. Then it was on to some basic strength training exercises: pull ups, lunges, crunches and planks. Andrea gave me suggestions on how I could improve my form within each exercise, and it made a world of difference! She was so articulate and communicative about which adjustments I should make and where in the body I should be feeling each one. 

Halfway through the workout, my lower back began pinching, which is a regular problem for me. Most trainers I've known have told me to keep working through it and to strengthen my core, without explaining how I should do that. Andrea insisted I stop when that happens and taught me some modifications to lessen the discomfort. She also sent me home with exercises to relieve the stress on my lower back. 

At the end of the workout, I was definitely sweating but feeling great. I woke up the next morning feeling strong in muscles I didn't even know I had. Of course trying anything new is scary, but training with Andrea shouldn't be one of them. She wants to share her passion for health and give you your best life possible. Call her today!