Gaining Strength, Focus and Confidence through Personal Training
May 20, 2021
Jew DreamFirstBorn is a YWCA member who decided to focus more on fitness during the pandemic and began working with one of YWCA's personal trainers, Oscar. Below, Jew shares his experiences with personal training and how it's been worth the investment in his health.
When did you first become a member and what brought you here?
I first became a member when I moved to Loring Park. I preferred YWCA Minneapolis to other gyms. It is more community-driven for me.
How has the pandemic affected you and your workout routine?
The pandemic afforded me the time to focus more on my workout and wellness routine.
What are the benefits of working with your personal trainer?
Oscar is experienced in training athletes and he has incredible patience working with someone like me who is a beginner when it comes to body fitness. When we first met, I told him I had gained the "pandemic 20" and was out of shape. I told him I didn't just want to lose weight; I wanted to sculpt my body, become strong, have more endurance and create a body image that would boost my confidence and appeal.
What makes working with a trainer worth the investment?
What has made this process a worthy investment is that working with Oscar, he first taught me how to work out properly. He taught me how to use the equipment correctly, and what workouts I needed to do to achieve my goals. He helps me stay focused and committed, and he makes the hard work fun. On a side note, after being isolated for so long it was nice just having human interaction with someone new. That was an unexpected return on my investment. What I also appreciate that the time and the money I spend are going toward my better health.
"I have noticed that the workouts helped me become more mentally clear and focused; I am getting physically stronger and I am in better shape than when I started."
Our goal is for me to be more physically in shape -- nothing more, nothing less. Some of the payoffs I have noticed are that the workouts helped me become more mentally clear and focused; I am getting physically stronger and I am in better shape than when I started. After a very long year, working with Oscar these pasts few months has been very good for my self-confidence. It is great knowing that the investment I made into myself has many different positive effects.
What has your experience been like visiting the fitness centers since the pandemic began?
It has been pretty good. The staff is amazing and very helpful. It's clean.
What are your favorite parts of being a member?
Growing into a new and improved me.
Do you have any advice for others on staying healthy and active right now?
JUST DO IT. It's an investment that will pay off in ways you would never know if you didn't.Become a YWCA Health and Wellness MemberLearn More about Personal Training