1) Why did you choose personal training as opposed to the millions of free programs online?
I need the accountability of knowing that someone is waiting for me and expecting me. And spending money on something always motivates me to do it! Plus I know that I will see better results, have better form, and work harder/push myself when I'm with a trainer.
2) What has been your greatest achievement since you've been working out?
Besides becoming BFFs with Skye?! I have had chronic back pain for years after an injury in my late 20s, but have been able to strengthen my core so much through working out that I am pretty much pain free these days, which feels amazing! I've also been making progress on my goal to be able to do a pull up someday - incremental gains, but they're there!
3) What advice would you give someone who is ready to start working out?
Find something you like to do and/or a trainer who you enjoy spending time with! Doing something just because it's what others are doing, or it's free/cheap, or you think you should will never lead to forming good exercise habits. But if it's something that you look forward to on your calendar, you're all but guaranteed to stick with it! And be patient with yourself - fitness is a marathon, not a sprint. It may take longer than you hope to lose weight, or get stronger, or otherwise see/feel results, but it will happen if you stick with it and form good habits!
4) What is a fun fact about you we may not know?
Oh, lordy! So many - I have an IMDB listing. I was a chef for 20 years before "retiring" and now I run a private elementary school. I'm terrible at surfing but really want to learn, so I take lessons any chance I get (and end up swallowing gallons of salt water every.single.time.). I badgered a tarot card reader into telling me when I am going to die and I'm weirdly very ok with having that information. I was recruited for the varsity crew team at Michigan State University out of high school despite never having rowed a day in my life.
Thank you for sharing your story, Aubrae!