Eat better, sure; exercise, yeah; but give up smoking?

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

I had one of those moments this week when I interviewed Joshua Steckler, owner of Push Fitness in Schaumburg.

He's my personal trainer, health guru and overall guide during the Fittest Loser Challenge. I've interviewed thousands of people throughout my career on a variety of topics. From homicide detectives and politicians to soccer moms and circus clowns, I've asked people questions about almost every topic under the sun — except for one.

I've never asked anyone for their opinion of me — and then had to write about it. But, such was the nature of my assignment for this week.

I couldn't help but to chuckle when I sat down with Steckler, looked him in the eyes and said: “So Josh, tell me, what do you think about me?” We both laughed.

I told him that it would make for a better column if he didn't hold back. To my surprise, he didn't seem to have a problem with that. He admitted that some of his clients require kid gloves, but that he didn't need them with me.

“It's your personality. I'm not afraid that I'm going to offend you,” he told me. “My strategy with you is to lay it all out there.”

OK, let's start with my weaknesses. One is my sleeping schedule.

The philosophy at Push Fitness is overall health. Besides diet and exercise, clients are encouraged to keep a consistent sleeping schedule that affords them enough rest each night. Though I've managed to go to bed and wake up more consistently during the week, the weekends are a challenge.

I wake up shortly after 4 a.m. each Saturday morning to make it to boot camp around 6 a.m. Even if I go to bed at 9 p.m., I can't seem to fall asleep until about midnight. That only gives me four hours of rest.

On occasion, I also like to go out with friends on Saturday evenings. That could mean that I'm up for 18 to 20 hours — and then I sleep late on Sundays. Not good.

This touches on another weakness. Though Steckler says that my eating habits are getting better, I'm still struggling with my eating schedule. Contestants are asked to eat five to six meals a day — and each meal has to have a certain combination of carbs, fats and proteins. On most days, I'm really good at sticking to my schedule and eating the right food combinations. But I've skipped meals and failed to include all food combinations on occasion. Both are a definite no-no.

While my rest and diet need improvement, they're not what most upset Steckler about me. He has a bigger bone to pick with me — I'm a smoker.

“Based on our program, and what Push Fitness stands for, it's hard for me to side-step certain things — like your smoking (habit),” he says. “I'm a little disappointed that I haven't been able to change your mind on the smoking aspect.”

In all honestly, before I joined the challenge, I only thought about a change in diet and exercise habits. Perhaps foolishly, it didn't even occur to me that I may be needled about my smoking habit. Steckler says he's never trained a client who didn't want to give up smoking. I'm his first.

However, even though I haven't given up smoking entirely, I have cut down. I also made an agreement with Steckler that I will try not to smoke before my workouts with him. I've slipped a few times, but for the most part I've managed to keep that promise.

Perhaps one day I will quit smoking entirely. But I'm not ready at the moment.

As much as he hates my smoking, Steckler did compliment me on some of my physical abilities in the gym.

“The biggest surprise is that you're output is very good,” he told me. “I'm surprised that you can do some of the things you do — considering you're a smoker.”

While I've focused most of my column on my weaknesses and struggles, Steckler did shower me with many positive comments as well.

He says I have a “great attitude” and likes my energetic nature. One of the words he used to describe me is “gleeful.” Though I know what the word means, I'm going to quote the dictionary. Apparently, I have “marked high spirts and good humor.” Thank you, Josh.

He also described me as “determined” — though a bit “stubborn” (especially when it comes to smoking) — and I've been progressing well with my physical workouts.

Overall, it's been a great journey for me so far. I couldn't have asked for a better trainer. Steckler is tough, but also understanding.

His passion for health and fitness is infectious. I often feel that many people lack passion in life. So I feel privileged to be in the company of those that display passion with such ferocity.

I'm looking forward to continuing my journey with Push Fitness.

• Kat Zeman is a stubborn freelance journalist who desires to get healthy, but refuses to give up smoking. She lives in Darien.

<b>Starting weight:</b> 163

<b>Current weight:</b> 161

<b>Weight lost:</b> 2 pounds, 1.2 percent