Well, I made it through my 46th birthday. It was a little tough this year because I feel like I’m now past that “half-way” mark for age. At least I can say I’m physically in pretty good shape. Still moving forward with my goals in sight! I have lost 22lbs over the last year and a half and have another 20lbs to go before reaching my goal weight. It’s been a very slow process for me, but an educational one. I’m physically stronger than I have ever been in my life, and I’ve seen a lot of good changes in my figure. I may never get my 20yr old body back, but I have to say I’m looking and feeling pretty damn good! Happy birthday to me!

It’s also getting close to my 1yr mark with my personal trainer. She asked the other day if I was going to go it alone, or stay with her as my trainer. The answer is very obvious to me. Of course I’m going to stay with her!! When I first contemplated getting a trainer, there were a lot of things to consider. How committed was I really to exercising? Did I have time in my schedule for sessions? Was I going to wimp out at the first sign of heavy breathing? And the biggest question… could I afford it? Well, here it is a year later and I’m loving it!

People ask me about having a trainer and if it’s right for them. I simply ask them how far are they willing to go to get healthy? It is not a cheap investment, but IT IS an investment… in yourself! YES!! IT IS OK TO INVEST IN YOURSELF!!! You invest time, energy, and money. You are investing in your health and well-being. Our society is very focused on taking care of others, which is great. But what about taking care of ourselves? Many view investing in yourself as being selfish. I would like to argue that point. Taking care of yourself, physically and emotionally, is not selfish. By making and keeping yourself mentally and physically strong and healthy you are then able to be there to take care of others (family, friends, etc). If you are unwell, how are you going to help anyone else? We should not have to sacrifice our health and well-being in order to please others. You are the only “you” you’ve got. It’s OK to take care of YOU!!

With a personal trainer you have a guide, who really does care about YOUR well-being, standing next to you motivating you to push further than you ever thought possible. Their goal is to help you achieve YOUR goal. My trainer helps me stay on track and talks me through the days I struggle. In all honesty, if I had just joined the gym alone, I probably would not have gone as much as I do now… if at all. Having Lauren show me the proper techniques for exercising, lifting weights, using the machines, and running has kept me motivated. She pushes me to try harder and many times I surprise myself as to how far I can go, how much I can lift, and how long I can run. By having a trainer I feel I’m accountable for how often I go and how hard I train. I’m one of those folks that needs the extra push. Now, don’t get me wrong. A personal trainer is not for everyone. Again, it’s expensive and once you sign that contract you are stuck. But it truly does work for me.

Long story short (too late!), Yes, I will be keeping my trainer for as long as I possibly can! She is truly the best investment I have ever made in myself!

Liz

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