Getting Back in Shape - NO MORE EXCUSES! (Blog)

Studies show, it just takes some fun and accountability. 

For many women, springtime means a new gym. With every joining fee we tell ourselves hopefully it will be different this year. Excitedly, we buy a few new outfits, three new water bottles and a cute gym bag. Many of which wind up in a dark corner of our closet by summer!

Personal fitness seems to be an unachievable mirage. An exhausting journey to nowhere. Many wonder, “What am I missing?” The answer might be surprisingly simple; personal encouragement, personal attention and personal accountability. That is the difference and benefit of a personal trainer; it is personal. Fun and individual accountability is the secret weapon to finally achieving success.

At times, on our social calendar, women may need extra challenges and encouragement to go beyond their own ability and achieve improved results. Even women who enjoy a certain level of fitness can still feel the dread! Such as, “Will you be a bridesmaid in my wedding?” or “The class reunion is in two months.” or “You’re invited to the lake.” “Oh No!” you think. Well, before you give in to the desire to surrender and blaze to the nearest fast food restaurant, hiring a personal trainer may be your answer!

According to the 2013 IDEA Programs & Equipment Trends Report, 82% of IDEA members say that their personal training clients stay with their business for one year or longer. “We interpret this to mean that IDEA members are enjoying good success and compliance from their clients,” says IDEA’s Editor in Chief Sandy Webster. “If the majority of clients pay for services for one year or more, they must be happy enough – and having enough success – with their personal trainers to continue paying.” A far greater number of people achieve success and see improvement with their fitness goals when engaged in personal accountability.

What are some revealing moments that indicate a woman might need some accountability? Every time we put on jeans, we have to lie on a bed! When we begin to wear our favorite sweats… a little too often! When we consider wearing maternity clothes as our regular clothes! But maybe the most discouraging of all is when we step into a closet of clothes we love and we don’t fit into most of them. If this is a common occurrence, you may need additional accountability in your physical routine. 

Personal training has come a long way from the old stop watch, whistle and push-up routines. Today’s training is about choosing the right kind of workout to achieve the results you desire. You can choose to watch a video in the privacy of your home (that is repetitive and boring) or even try to make up your own fitness routines. However, you may be doing the wrong exercises or using improper form and therefore are more prone to injuries. Most people would agree that exercising is hard work--when you aren’t getting the results you desire the tendency is to give up. When you hire a personal trainer, they are invested in getting you the results you desire.  They will figure out what will and won’t work for you. A personal trainer will help you sculpt and change your body with the exercises that YOU need. Not to mention, it is more fun having someone encouraging you and helping you have exciting and fun workouts that are never the same. 

 Contrary to popular belief, a personal trainer doesn’t have to cost a lot.

Your body is your most important asset in life. Using a Personal Trainer is not just an expense, it is a personal investment that improves every area of your life.  When you feel confident about your body, your outlook on everything else in your life is more positive as well. 

Lisa Carter is a NASM accredited, certified Personal Trainer who has her own PT business called FIT360 and believes a PT should be an affordable option for women who desire to get “back into shape.”  She admits that getting married, having children and working for the past 20 years has changed her fitness routine.  She has seen her greatest results through being accountable to personal trainers and fitness classes.  She currently teaches classes at Cap City Fitness Center and trains women in the privacy of their home or the fitness center.  In home personal training is available from $50 an hour or $40 an hour at the fitness center, less for small group and even less for fitness classes.   You can contact Lisa at fit360withlisa@gmail.com or visit her website:   www.fit360withlisa.com.