I wrote this blog post for my gym’s blog – check it out here, complete with picture. But if you are lazy, I also published the same article below. It’s the same, except this one doesn’t have a stellar picture of me on an elliptical.
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You’re fat. Or you’re not really fat but you feel fat. And lazy. And tired. And old.
Surprise! You’re unhealthy!
Actually, it’s shouldn’t really be a surprise and it wasn’t for me. I knew that my body was starting to falter to my bad habits (that’s what happens when you inch closer to thirty) and whining and being depressed doesn’t change anything.
So, how do you make changes?
Well, eating well was never an issue for me. Call me lucky (or thank my parents) but I love cooking and wholesome food. Not to say I don’t indulge in the occasional deep fried goodness or too-big-for-one-meal portion sizes, but diet was not the culprit. Getting off my flabby butt and sweating was.
I used to be very active – LOVED sports. But throw on a mortgage, a marriage and a more than full-time job and you get lazy. Sound familiar?
So, I joined a gym. And then I tried running on my own. And then I tried another gym. And nothing really made a difference. I sort of stuck to stuff and then something got in the way (you know how it is) and then all of a sudden 2 weeks passed before I got off my butt again. I needed something different. So, I joined a new gym (one with NO contract obligations!) and got a personal trainer. And boy, was there a difference.
Now, like most people, I didn’t think I needed a trainer. They are expensive (I thought) and why do I need someone telling me what to do? I know my way around a gym? Right? Well, if I was so right then I would have noticed changes and without a trainer, I didn’t. Now? It’s been 5 weeks and I notice changes. I am faster, stronger, happier, my skin is nicer, I can see muscle definition and my butt is not so flabby (and this is just the beginning).
So what gives? Why is having a trainer sooooo worth it?
1. The first few weeks are always the hardest. Seriously, we all know the first bit is the hardest in changing ANY habit. Having appointments, someone to coach you, someone to motivate you and tell you how hard you are working – that’s what you need to keep going until it becomes a part of your lifestyle.
2. Paying for something makes you commit. Yes, it’s expensive – but only if you look at the money. If you look at the VALUE for what you are getting, then no, it’s not expensive. But either way, when you pay for something you make sure you get your money’s worth. You show up. You think twice about stuffing those french fries down your mouth. You just keep thinking “I’m not going to throw my hard earned money in the garbage.”
3. They know WAY more than you do. If you have a toothache; are you going to fix it yourself? Not likely. Face it, they are training professionals (It says so in their job title). Even if your knowledge of working out and gyms is above average they still know more than you do.
4. It helps to build your community. If you feel like you are a part of something, like you belong, you are more likely to enjoy it. If you enjoy something, you are more likely to do it (I know; I’m profound). I know gym is not social time but it’s nice to have little chats with Leslie now and then. I like knowing that Brenda is an artist and that Cindy is a Roller Derby girl.
5. Do you really need a firth reason? Seriously? ‘Cuz I’m pretty sure that one thru four were good enough.
I can’t remember the last time I felt this healthy and I can feel the improvements everyday. If you want to make a serious difference in your life this is a sure-fire way to do it.
