Stuck in one type of workout? Not anymore!
As a mother of a very, very busy two year old boy, I understand the need for time and the lack of it that comes with motherhood. Ever since I found out I was pregnant, I made the choice to put my health and fitness at the top of my "To Do" list. This doesn't come easy for everyone, and I understand that. Your journey in fitness should be about falling in love with who you are, not hyper-focused on changing every aspect of your physical appearance. Physical appearance is important, as it can hold parts of the key to how confident we feel about ourselves, which can directly impact our relationships, our personal lives, and what we choose to involve ourselves in, but it is not everything. I have found more success in clients who enjoy their workouts than in clients who workout solely for physical appearance and because "this type of exercise will make this part of my body look a certain way."
Some people love running. Some people love hitting the elliptical at the gym. Some people despise all cardio and would rather weight lift all day, every day. You are going to put more time and effort into things you enjoy rather than things that your trainer tells you are good for you. Your trainer may be right, but are they looking out for your long-term fitness? If you are in your fitness journey to compete in a body building competition, absolutely follow what your trainer says, as they are getting you to that goal. But if you are in your fitness journey to find lifelong fitness and improve your overall health, it really doesn't matter what mode of fitness you are interested in, and anyone who tells you otherwise is trying to sell you something for a price that is not worth your mental stability.
My advice for anyone entering the fitness world, not knowing where to start or how to start, is do a little bit of everything. Try running outside, try hitting the elliptical at the gym. Try weight lifting with light dumbbells. You will begin to realize what it is you DON'T like to do, which can help you focus on the type of fitness that you DO like to do. Find what brings you joy, and run toward it. This can change, and don't be surprised if it does! I started my fitness journey running because I really didn't know what I was doing at the gym, so that made me uncomfortable. Once I had a few friends teach me the basics, I began enjoying weight lifting more and dove into that. When the pandemic hit, I realized I loved being around people, so I started working out with my best friend, which led us to group fitness when gyms began to open back up. You change, life changes, situations change, so your interests can change, too!
Life is too short to hate the 30 minutes to an hour a day you choose to focus on a workout, so don't be the person who is stuck in a routine they despise. Be the person brave enough to try out different modes of fitness to keep that passion alive.