I wasn't looking for a trainer when I found a great trainer in James Roysdon, (currently a trainer at DeVoir Fitness Studio). In the Spring, I attended The Body Love Conference in Tucson, AZ, (where I live). There were approximately 400 people there, 5 of which were guys. I'd heard James speak at a pre-conference event. I spotted him by the coffee, so I approached him to chat. I admit I've had many preconceived notions about trainers/guys with muscles in general. James had good energy though. As we talked, I thought, "Hmmmm, this guy thinks in and outside the box." The more we talked, the more I saw his humanitarianism. He laughed at my couch potato jokes. Our conversation ended as it was time to go to the conference classes. I thought, "Oh well, nice meet him, but do I really want a trainer...I don't know....." I did get his card. Over the next couple of weeks, I was thinking, "Wow, he seemed cool, but...Could he really help me? Could I actually have a person guide me through working out? A kind person who doesn't judge my body size?" I worried about how I would work out because I am a large woman, with knees that hurt, a 3 time injured right knee and a right leg that currently does not bend. I decided to take a risk. I called James and said, "Ok, let's try this." He assured me he would find a way for me to have a genuine workout without hurting my knee. He said we were going to get super creative. He also assured me the people who worked at the gym would not judge my body, that they would be welcoming and supportive. At our first training session, I told him my boundaries, (and felt safe to do so). I said, "Do not say the words, 'bikini body' to me!" "Do not say 'flat tummy to me!" and "I'm not counting calories!" As he listened to my list of concerns, he grinned and said, "No problem." Wow! A trainer who's willing to meet me where I'm at! He started me off slowly which was great! He let me know he handles each client according to individual needs and wants. He listened and validated while I vented about some past experiences at gyms. I told him I felt more like I gave a monthly donation to those gyms rather than actually like a member, (because I rarely if ever wanted to go). The more I worked with James, the more I realized that maybe all those years I wasn't just being lazy in my resistance to going to the gym. Though I own my struggles with getting motivated about fitness, I began to realize just how important it is to feel accepted, respected and welcome at a gym. In the past, some guys who worked at gyms barked at me, talked over me and down to me. In those particular cases, I felt lectured, dismissed, frustrated and ultimately discouraged. I needed a trainer who would listen to me and my personal concerns. I felt very heard by James. He answered questions respectfully and knowledgeably. Turns out he is a science guy. He was happy to explain the science of food substances (I was eating or could be eating) and how they affected/affect my biochemistry. He was good on his word. He did find ways for me to have a good workout without hurting my knee. (Ask him about the giant shoestring!!) With my knee being unsteady, I told him I feared falling. He was careful with me and I felt secure with his guidance. He was kind, appropriate and supportive. I was very sad to hear he was moving to San Antonio. I am envious of the clients there who get to work with him! The other day I was running errands and planned to go to the gym afterward. Approaching my last errand, I sighed and said out loud to myself, "I wish this errand was over so I could hurry up and get to the gym!" Then I looked around my car and said, "Whaaaat?! Who just said that?" I won't claim to be a gym rat yet. For me, it is quite the huge transition from a sedentary lifestyle to a fit lifestyle. It's not easy to be obese and have a hurt knee and get yourself together to get to the gym, but it is so much better than it used to be. I am going at my own pace and enjoying it! Before James left for San Antonio, he referred me to a trainer who shares his values and is wonderful to work with as well. The fact that James believes in me is always with me. He's a big part of the reason I gave up my big box of cheese crackers (that I was eating every 1-2 days). He's a big part of the reason why I don't dread putting on my workout clothes. It turns out when a trainer respects you AND makes room for you to empower yourself, the gym is a whole different story. It is both fun and such a pleasure to be around a person who is truly passionate about their job. Best wishes to you San Antonians, you got a great one!!!! read more
