Fitness Assessment = Out of Shape!!

In preparation for getting into a workout program, there usually is (and should be) and assessment of one's current physical condition.  BodyBlast is no different, and they have a two step process.

Step 1: You meet with a personal trainer who takes you through a couple of forms (release form, mini health history and diet form) and then takes you through a short fitness assessment and workout. 

Step 2:  You meet with a personal trainer who has taken the data from Step 1 and then works it into a personalized training plan based on your desired goals.

Storm Hercules (as named by the Weather Channel) was just beginning as we drove to the BodyBlast Fitness Studio for our scheduled 8:00 PM appointment.  We met the personal trainer, filled out the forms and went right into the fitness assessment and workout.

The first part of the assessment wasn't so bad, some flexibility, form and balance tests as well as some pushups and bench squats.  It all went pretty well - my left shoulder was not as flexible as my left due to a likely minor rotator cuff tear that didn't heal just right but nothing that I wasn't aware of was discovered.

The last part of the fitness evaluation was to do a three rep cycle of 30 kettlebell swings, as many runner's lunges as possible in 15 seconds and then as many jumping jacks as possible in 15 seconds.  There was to be a 1 minute rest in between each set but by the time I made it through the previous exercises and the first set of the three rep cycle; I was feeling pretty nauseous.

Within seconds, I was going into a horrible vasovagal response to the exertion.

It probably didn't help that I had eaten two large bowls of split pea soup and rice for dinner soon before the appointment, but I somehow forgot or didn't hear that the first meeting would involve any physical exertion.

That said, it was very clear that my past fitness level as a soldier and police officer were quite obviously well behind me.

I think the personal trainer took pity on me (and wanted to get home before the storm got too bad) excused me from doing the last two cycles of the kettlebell swings, lunges and jumping jacks.

The blast of cold air and snow made me feel a bit better but I literally had to lie still in the car for about 10 minutes before driving home.

Once home, I crawled up to bed, still nauseous, and slept until 10:00 am the following day.  Luckily, I was off from work due to Storm Hercules and so I spent the day recuperating.  Step 2 is scheduled for this Tuesday.

Stay Tuned!!