Personal Trainers = Results!

Personal training is something I never thought I would ask for. I'm a relatively healthy female, about average weight, and I go to the gym on average three times a week. Personal trainers, I thought, were for people who had a long way to go towards the goal of health and needed someone to keep them accountable on that path. If I ever wanted to get serious about seeing more specific results for myself, I would just go to the gym more. Never did I think I would actually pay for it.

Things changed this year, as it seems many things are changing in my life. One of the trainers at my gym offered me a free consultation and together we talked about my goals, my habits, and found out exactly where I was at fitness-wise. Being that the holidays had just commenced and I had let my gym visits slip a little, I was under par for fitness. I could feel it too; a little squishy in places I hadn't noticed before and my energy level seemed sluggish as well. As we talked, I realized that I'd had the same goals for a long time but had never "just done it." I had never been able to push myself to the point where I was really seeing results. I skated along, just getting by, and hoped that eventually something would change. Clearly that wasn't going to happen, and so I was ripe for the sale.

Today I met with my trainer, Leland, for the second of five visits and he kicked my you-know-what! It was great. Not only have I been learning a lot about form but I have never pushed myself as hard as he does, and I know I never would have if he wasn't there encouraging me. And it truly is encouragement; Leland points out things about my form, the weight I can lift, and the subtle differences about my body that are unique to me and that I can work with to enhance. Its an hour of support, really. Someone there who tells you you can do it, who believes you can do it, and gives you the tools and resources you need to do it. That kind of personal support is priceless.

I left the gym today feeling better than I have in a long time. My body was totally worked, I felt emotionally supported and uplifted due to the positive reinforcements, and I can see the glimmers of a new kind of belief in myself. Now, more than ever before, I can see myself succeeding in producing the results I want. As I shape up in my mind, actual desire arises in me to tweak my habits and bring success that much closer. Habits like eating cleaner, standing straighter, and stretching - all things I haven't really paid much attention to. And its a desire, not a demand, which makes it that much easier to follow. Where before I would imagine myself practically forcing vegetables down my throat to see results, now I really want to eat those vegetables!

I have to say, my opinion about personal training has radically changed. Personal trainers are for anyone who wants to see results, and not just major ones, but even the minor ones. Sometimes the subtle things can be enough to change your outlook from one of failure to one of success.