2022 was finally the year that I wanted to stop putting things off, including a serious workout routine. As a mom to young boys, a business owner, a wife, a friend…you know how it goes, it was feeling like I had so many things that I wanted to do but would reserve them for ‘next year’. Even with my breast reduction (which I’ll be recovering from by the time you read this), it was something I had wanted for literally decades but never made the appointment…until I did.
I was feeling inspiring at the start of the new year and with Austin’s help, we decided to really focus on our health. We vowed to make healthier choices, to get out and walk more, and to hire a personal trainer. TBH, the trainer thing was something we went back and forth on for years. I’ve always thought it sounded nice but it obviously comes at a price – literally. I’ve had friends work with some in the past and I know you really have to be dedicated to not only see results but to feel like you’re getting your money’s worth (vs. joining a cheaper gym or dong workouts at home). But going back to 2022 being the year that I finally decided to commit and show up to a few things, we hired a trainer.
I also have to give a shoutout to my friend Brighton who actually invited me to her training sessions and was that extra boost I needed to commit. I know it’s hard to find a PT so putting that off was almost my excuse. If it’s yours too, I suggest asking friends, coworkers, or even joining a local FB group to ask for recs. I know most gyms also have their own PT but I always love a word-of-mouth rec.
Anyways, I know some of y’all have been thinking about hiring a PT as well, so I wanted to point out the biggest PROS and CONS I’ve noticed after about 6 months. I’m obviously taking some time off for my surgery but am eager to get back once I’m fully heeled!
Oh also, I usually get questions about what I’m wearing when I’m working out so I rounded up my go-to gym stuff in this post.
xx Ashley
PROS
- I’m feeling really good! Probably the biggest pro is just how much healthier I feel. My endurance is higher and I’m sleeping better.
- Feeling stronger and have more muscle tone (which I haven’t had much of before).
- Weight loss. We don’t focus too much on this but I have definitely shed some bloat/weight.
- Having accountability is huge for me (I need someone texting me and checking in). Plus, the fact that I lose money if I don’t show up is helpful.
- I have never been a “gym” girl. I’ve done classes before but I’ve never had someone show me correct ways to lift, etc. That has been huge and I feel like I’m learning lessons I’ll have for life. I’m also much more confident with weights, etc. and can even do my own at-home workouts based on the knowledge I’ve learned.
CONS
- It’s expensive, especially when you compare it to what you can essentially do at home for free or a small fraction of the price.
- It takes a long time to see change, at least for me. We’ve been doing this 2-3x a week since January and I’d say I finally started to see real changes last month, so almost 6 months! I’ve also made some tweaks to my diet and that has been key to my progress
- I hate working out…lol there are so many days where I do not want to go. But I never regret going and I always feel better afterwards, so it’s kind of a pro/con.
Yes, consistency is key! I have been working out for over 30 years. During Covid I made a bedroom into a home gym and found an online trainer app and bought a spin bike. I’ll never go back to the gym! I would love to see a “day in the life” of what you guys typically eat. That’s the area I struggle with the most. I feel diet plays the biggest part, really. And I fail miserably 🤣. You look great! Keep it up!!!