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It’s been almost exactly a year and a half since I started working out with Jake (my trainer!) and I don’t know if I could ever go back! You all often ask why I made the choice to work with a personal trainer versus taking a class and I feel like I always answer the same way: the results are worth it. I am someone who needs accountability. I will always come up with an excuse to cancel on the class (even if I paid for it!) and I’ve never been one to find my groove with exercise. It’s always been something I know I should/need to do but until the last year, it was never something I felt passionate about. Now as a parent, I know the importance of exercise for my strength, my mental health and keeping my body as healthy as possible for my boys.

I workout with Jake 2x a week for 60 minutes. I love that every day is different and truly tailored to ME (unlike a class, where the instructor isn’t really keeping track of your progress and what YOU need). Jake has helped make exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle something that has seamlessly shifted the way I live my life but without completely altering my lifestyle. He holds me accountable, checks in on my nutrition, gives me a cardio plan throughout the week and more. Although personal training is a big investment, it’s one of the only investments I make to better myself. In the year and a half that we’ve worked together, fitness has become a part of my daily schedule. Seeing the change in my body has been so motivating and has really helped me to alter my lifestyle to incorporate more exercise and healthier eating habits. In 15 months I’ve lost about 20 lbs and gone down 2 clothing sizes – I actually never weigh myself but I know it’s around there. Jake always reminds me that training with him isn’t totally how I lost the weight (though a HUGE help!) but it’s really staying consistent and holding myself accountable on the days I don’t train with him. Last September I signed up for Faster Way to Fat Loss and it really jumpstarted my efforts to change my eating habits and now I really limit gluten, dairy and sugar. I lost about 10 lbs doing FWTFL (last of my baby weight!) which I also contribute to getting in better shape. I was at a point in my life where I was insecure when I got dressed, was stuffing myself into my jeans because I was too proud to buy the next size up and just felt uncomfortable with how I looked. I needed a change and although I know all of this shouldn’t make you happy, but getting in shape and running and training makes me feel like the best version of myself! I have seen a change in my confidence, my sleep, my happiness, my stress levels – everything.

A few readers have told me that they have had a hard time finding a personal trainer that they mesh with and I guess my best advice would be to not settle. Finding someone who you can feel comfortable with, have good conversation with and who you feel is your teammate is so important! Jake has actually trained my dad for 6 or 7 years so I knew him a little bit before training but now we are best buddies! My dad found him through our local gym (we belong to LifeTime Fitness). My best recommendation for finding a trainer in your area is first to talk to your local gym or research smaller gyms that are tailored to personal training.

I know that hiring a personal trainer is not in everyone’s budget which is why I love sharing my workouts in my Instagram Stories and I have a ton saved in my HIGHLIGHTS! Hopefully they inspire you in your workouts!

A few other past posts that you may find helpful:

How Weight Training Has Made My Fitness Goals Happen

My Tips for Creating a Fitness Routine

My Favorite Treadmill Workouts

Why I Decided to Get Healthy + Focus on Myself

Answering Your Questions About My Apple Watch