Changes
I have been very consistent and dedicated to my training. I eat extremely healthy with only one cheat meal a week, even though I am not in contest preparation, and I never miss a training day. If it is the case where I will absolutely have to miss a training day, I will do that muscle group the day before with another muscle group. I will never go a week without hitting every muscle group. I change up my routine often to shock my body, but the growth is coming so slow, if at all.
That’s the thing about bodybuilding. There is no green light to let you know you’re on the right path. You have to just go on faith and the advice of others, even when that will not necessarily be what is best for you. You have to be constantly vigilant, seeing how your body is reacting to the training and diet. It’s one of the things that I love and hate about the sport; the fact that you have to rely on your own observation while at the same time never getting conrete answers. I chose math for a major because it’s clear cut, what you can and can not do. The answers are solid. Bodybuilding is not at all like this, yet this same thing about it makes me want to learn all I can to make the most informed decisions I can.
It’s also this aspect of bodybuilding that makes me sure that it is what I want to do someday. My dream career would be as a personal trainer. I coach a weightlifting club at the school I teach at and I love it. The club is supposed to meet for a half hour but often I will stay there much longer just spotting the kids and talking shop with them. I love discussing diet and training techniques and helping them out as much as I can. And the fact that there is always new information is exciting to me! When I think about going to teaching conferences to learn about new teaching techniques or technology, it makes me cringe. But I love looking up articles bodybuilding to expand my knowledge on the subject. I would look forward to a conference if it meant I was learning something new about how to improve training.
I just hope that someday that dream becomes a reality. It’s an intimidating market, with the rapid expanse of training and the recent boom in health and fitness industries. There are also a thousand different certifications that one can work for, and I have no idea which one is the best, what is most impressive to potential employers. I also have no official background with this type of thing. Personal trainers now are getting college degrees for Nutrition and Physical Education, and I have a BS in math; not exactly applicable. And I know that I do not have the resources to go back to school to get a degree in these areas, and I probably won’t for at least 10 years. I just don’t know how I would possibly crack my way into this market when it is so competitive and I have so little qualification. I fear that even getting certified would not be enough to get hired and earn a decent salary.
If anyone has any suggestions on how I might begin a path to achieve these goals, please let me know. I welcome any advice, personal experience or anything that might relate to my situation.
October 24, 2008 at 4:03 am
Dear MIke
What an inspiring story - and well done for getting ‘transformation of the week’ at the beginning of October. I left university with an MPhil in geology - researching glaciers. I ended up running three gyms and training gym instructors at Universities in the UK. The people in those places were all doing degrees into sports science, medicine and nutrition. There was me with geology! How did I do it? I followed vocational training modules with the UK’s YMCA, adding to them as time went on. Eventually they added up and became sufficient for a Personal Training Diploma and various other diplomas. Is that a possibility for you?
October 25, 2008 at 7:50 am
Nice and insightful blog - I can’t offer any immediate advice on changing careers, though oddly enough I’m facing a similar dilemma myself right now and heading back to school to get a second Master’s degree (my first one it turns out is essentially useless in today’s job market). However, I’m sure you will be able to reach your goal given what you have demonstrated in terms of dedication and commitment with your bodybuilding. You have the mental tools necessary and the desire. Now you just need to focus on the goal, make your plan and be patient while you take the small steps needed to get there. Good luck!
October 28, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Mike, I am impressed but not surprised that yo have a weightlifting club. Those students must really look up to you. Keep being a great role model.
One step at a time. Listen to Mike(Tegid), he’s been there. You could begin with online courses.
Whatever you do, don’t lose sight of your dream!
725 lbs…can’t wait
October 28, 2009 at 10:16 am
Like i said before great job had to leave a comment ,im also looking to get my certification in personal trainer,and ive been a chef for ,,well forever … and im looking to change it up so your not alone in that ,it seems to me that everyone is looking for something ,i enjoy working out but i do love food i eat prety healthy but i do slip up on my pizza and mayo .i know how , just have to have the dicipline like you ,i am impressed with your dedication hope i can get where u are …..keep up the great work u got a fan ….