Truth or Consequences - the real value of a personal trainer

I was talking with my dad the other day as he made his way to New Mexico for a new job. Someone told him a great weekend diversion was to head to Truth or Consequences so we got to discussing where the name originated. At the end of the conversation I was left reflecting that we are all constantly facing our own Truths or Consequences. Whether we are staring down the barrel of a fifth slice of pizza, a beer, a large DQ Blizzard, or simply a day spent entirely at our desk because we’re feeling just a bit under-energized. These opportunities (truth) or challenges (consequences) manifest themselves time and again. How often we face each helps define our wellness in the long run.  

This is where personal training can prove most valuable. A certified personal trainer who is thinking holistically about your wellness will not try to proscribe a program that works against your character. If you know you are going to have the occasional extra slice of pizza you shouldn’t think that you have to live without entirely (unless it is a medical necessity). If, however, you are a master of self-restraint and want to dedicate yourself to fitness then perhaps your challenge is actually taking a break when you need it. Or perhaps you need to be sure you are getting adequate fat and whole nutrition instead of thinking you can cut out one macronutrient (fats, carbs, proteins) all-together. You hire a trainer to help offer you alternatives, strategies to move forward, forgiveness, and exercise programs that encourage instead of defeat you. Invest in your health and wellness on a much larger scale than just a quick fix weight loss or a grueling regimen that leaves you feeling consistently spent. You are investing in a personal champion, someone with whom you can share your truths and consequences, without judgment. Your trainer can be the angel on your shoulder telling you “sure, you can supersize, but you’ll need to work this much harder and longer to compensate.” A good trainer will encourage training your will-power and self-forgiveness muscles equally as much as your lats and glutes. Every day you face your truths and consequences with open eyes you work your way to the nirvana of physical and mental self-actualization; becoming your best even when you aren’t feeling your best.