Tag Archives: Weight Loss

Personal Trainer Update

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Several months ago, before my blogging hiatus, I mentioned I was getting a personal trainer. I never did update you on my progress so here goes:

Pros:

  • Lost 15 lbs
  • Learned proper form
  • Learned new exercises
  • Workouts were more intense and fun

Cons

  • Price!
  • Motivation depends on trainer

It’s no secret that personal trainers are expensive. I set it up in a way that I would see my trainer only 1-2 times a week to save money. In that time I learned more workouts that I could do again on my own.

Would I recommend it?

Sure. If you can afford it, go for it. There is nothing like having a person motivating you to give a workout your all. Also, the fact that you are paying for a service makes it less likely for you to not commit. 

Is it necessary?

For the average person trying to lose 10-20 lbs? Not really. These days with social media, you can find workout videos practically anywhere. I personally follow a lot of fitness accounts on instagram that post videos of workouts and even healthy recipe ideas. You can also find workouts on different YouTube channels or just purchase the infamous Beach Body DVDs. I have also seen a plethora of online coaching plans available for reasonable costs!

I would however recommend it to anyone who feels they are seriously out-of-shape/has no prior athletic experience (particularly having to do with weight lifting). If you have never been coached on how to properly lift weights or do certain high intensity workouts, it is possible you will have poor form and risk injury. It’s always better to be safe then sorry! If you get injured, you will have to take time off, setting your goals back even further. 

If you are unsure, try going with friends. Friends who aren’t certified will certainly not compare to a professional, but you can at least have someone watching your form and helping to motivate you. Most people I know who are “gym-rats” jump on the opportunity to help a friend change their lifestyle for the better. Try reaching out!

Have any of you tried working with a personal trainer?

Homemade Tilapia Sub!

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Who doesn’t love a good sub? They are delicious, wonderfully filling & take only a few minutes to put together. Since we cant possibly do anything halfway, I figured I would show you all a simple yet glam version of a healthy sub.

 Get ready to show off…

One hoagie

One piece of tilapia (about 4 oz)

Olive oil

1/2 cup of spinach

2 slices of muenster cheese

one small tomato sliced

a few slices of red onion

Goya Adobo

salt, pepper, garlic powder, lime juice to taste

Since tilapia cooks rather quickly, this is the time to start toasting the bread. I have one of those toasters that looks like an easy bake oven – and those work great for when you don’t want to use your oven. I live in Florida….so that’s every day. Cook the tilapia in olive oil on medium high heat and season with the spices to your liking. I like to cut it up with the wooden spoon so it cooks faster. When thats done get your toasted bread, add the cheese, veggies and tilapia. Pour some lime juice on top. Smell. Drool. Eat.

I kid you not, this was one of the most delicious subs i’ve ever tried. To save some calories change to whole wheat bread and skip the cheese. I worked out so I decided I could treat myself…ha. 

I hope you love it!

Personal Trainer – Two Week Update

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Hey now…

I feel that since I brought up the fact that I invested in a personal trainer, it’s only fair to give you an update. Well…..since I started working with my trainer two weeks ago I am down NINE POUNDS. No joke…

Now, I know that we tend to lose weight quicker in the beginning of a workout regiment..but nine pounds is significant and I am excited! My goal is to lose 35 by my college graduation (mid December) and I feel that it is attainable. I think weekly updates may be a good idea….we’ll see….

So do I think the trainer investment was worth it? YES AND YES. Now keep in mind, we only work out together once a week but she gives me workout plans for two more days. Then on the other days I focus on cardio. 

Have any of you had results with personal trainers?

Saturday Morning = Oatmeal + Cartoons

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Good morning!

Who remembers being seven years old and waking up early to watch Looney Toons and going cookoo for Cocoa Puffs? I certainly do…

Unfortunately, we are now at that awkward phase in between having a slowed down metabolism and actually being able to afford going out to eat. Also, it is quite possible that while you’re starting out you will have to work on Saturdays and may need something quick & easy (and hopefully healthy).

So this lovely bowl of mush at the top is my solution! They are my *next day* chocolatey oats. I made extra oats yesterday and had to figure something out for these.

How To:

1/2 cup of oats (your choice, i’m not fancy)

1 cup of water

1 tsp cocoa powder

1 packet of stevia (i use the Truvia brand)

A dash of almond milk

A handful of blueberries

Half a banana

First, cook oats per instructions. Times can vary depending on the type of oats you are using. Then add the cocoa powder and stevia. Cook until it is all mixed together. Add almond milk. Cook for another 30 seconds or so. Serve. Top with blueberries and banana.

Although oatmeal is not the most aesthetically pleasing meal on Earth, it does the trick. This is certainly a good alternative to those sugary cereals we grew accustomed to loving in our youth. Try different flavors and fruits and soon you will become a believer…promise.

Do any of you have oatmeal recipes that help curb those cravings for sweets?

Should You Invest In A Personal Trainer?

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I know it’s August and fitness goals are so January…. BUT i’m going to post this anyway…HA! History lesson first! In the past year an a half i’ve lost forty pounds through working out at the gym, brief spurts of “insanity” workouts and boxing lessons. I still have a bit of a ways to go and seeing as I haven’t lost any weight in the past few months (lazy summers and all…) i’ve decided to invest in a personal trainer.

Now, I am in no way able to afford one of those fancy trainers who plan out your life and work with you every day. Instead, I invested in the personal training package at LA Fitness. I will say that in the first 35 minute complementary session – I sweat about twice as much as I do on my own and felt INCREDIBLY sore the next day. 

The cost is 140/month (in Florida) to work out with a trainer once a week and get a workout plan for the rest of the week. I’ll let you know how it goes as time goes on..but so far, i’m pretty excited to get the last bit of weight off!

Have any of you ever worked out with a trainer?