I've seen that blog -- she's inspirational. I actually used that link to persuade some friends to join in personal training sessions with me. And it worked!

You have a great goal. I'm going to check out those numbers and get inspired. My trainer was talking the other day about setting concrete goals and how, without them, there won't be any progress. My goals right now are to deadlift 200 lbs (I'm at 187 right now), squat with weight on the bar while maintaining good form, and do one proper push-up. Oh, and a 5-minute plank.

LOL about your post talking about annoying trainers walking around in polo shirts.

When you meet with your personal trainer, mention that. It's always good to be honest and they'll know that you didn't hire them for fluff - you hired them because you mean business.

One of the most annoying traits I see amongst trainers at my gym is that they'll cater to cream puff attitude if that's what they perceive. We (trainers) are actually trained to do so because it brings a client who wants that back with money. You seem to just want to get your service and move on. Make sure you get what you pay for. It's important and easy to get enough basic information in 3 sessions to be able to move on on your own.

Don't get sucked in to multiple sessions if that's not what you want.

A quality trainer should have enough education to teach you all that you need in 2 hours. Those two hours are best utilized staggered over 3 weeks. Session 1, practice that for 2 weeks, then session 2.

I'm so jealous, lol. I'd love to workout in an atmosphere like that, where people are really serious about lifting, even if I was in the minority as one of the few females. But alas, I workout in my own basement...for now.