8 Unexpected Benefits of Personal Training – Guest Blogger Carlie Maree

I’ve been training with Assist Personal Training in Lilydale regularly for 11 weeks now and I must say I am hooked. Not only am I back in my skinny jeans, which I had hoped that would be the case when I started, but I have also noticed a heap of other benefits that have really blown me away. I thought I would share them with you.

I’m mentally stronger

I could write about this all day but I am seriously amazed by how much the physical training has affected my mental state. Not only am I happier but I am more sure of myself and better equipped to deal with difficult situations as they arise. The mental push that is required to keep upping my weights and finish each set is actually training my brain muscle too. My body can do more than my mind thinks I can. That has actually flowed through to all parts of my life and had a really positive effect.

I wake up better

They say exercise makes you sleep better, and it does, but I am noticing that I also wake up better. I still love my morning snoozes and cuddles, but I wake up happier. I’m clearer, more energetic and eager to get on with my day. For a busy mum, that is golden.

I drink less

On the occasions that I do have a couple of wines with dinner, I really feel it. My body wakes up telling me that its not happy with me. I guess it’s because I have spent the night processing the alcohol instead of recovering and rebuilding like sleep is designed for. I still love a wine but I do so as a conscious indulgence in moderation rather than as a mindless, unhealthy habit.

I’m more in tune with my body

As I said above, I find it much easier to read what my body is needing. I am more mindful and know when I need water or a stretch or even a nap. I am more ‘in’ my body. It has also been amazing for my relationship because I am more present and am able to get out of my head more easily.

My back doesn’t hurt anymore

I used to get massages every week or two because my back hurt and I was often achy. I thought it was just my life and would be there forever. Osteo, myo, physio, nothing had fixed it. Training has just about fixed it. It has flushed out the issues and instabilities in my body and I have been able to address them and strengthen my weak areas. I also don’t wee when I sneeze anymore. I actually ran this morning and there was no fear of wet knickers. Can I get an Amen mummas?!

I’m less hormonal and moody

I literally don’t get premenstrual anymore. I’m not sure if it’s the training or the muscle testing and diet changes, but I used to track my cycle based on when I found myself crying over TV ads or deciding for no reason at all that my adoring boyfriend is an insufferable bastard. I don’t really do that anymore. Funnily enough he is very supportive of me continuing this training. And as a bonus, the cramps seem to be gone too!

My man is shrinking too.

I have a beautiful man in my life who is an amazing cook and shows his love by creating rich and nourishing meals for his family. He is so considerate and lovely that he makes meals for me that fit within my nutritional guidelines. Which means that at least some of the time, he’s eating like me, and he’s shrinking too. He’s decided to train ‘Rocky style’, as well as something he calls ‘running golf’ – which is totally just an excuse to play more golf – but I figure that if my commitment to my physical wellbeing is rubbing off on him then that can only be a good thing.

I have a new respect and love for my body.

I even dress nicer. And it’s not because my shape is different, it’s because I’m proud of my body and what it’s capable of. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my body before. It created a perfect little human and is disease free and gets me around to do all the things I need to do. But feeling fit and healthy and strong and powerful takes that to another level. I am more confident in what it can do, and as it’s the only one I’ve got, I think that’s pretty special.

Assist PT: Thank you for being our guest blogger Carlie! It has been a pleasure seeing the effects of our approach to health and fitness active in your life! Keep up the great work!

Contact us today at Assist PT if you would like to book a free discovery call or consultation at our Lilydale PT studio with one of our expert coaches and kickstart your new journey just as Carlie did!

Carlie’s before and after photos were a great example of how much the body can change in appearance while the scales remain exactly the same!