It’s a new year. A new decade even. And you have finally set yourself up with a budget to include fitness.   But you need MOTIVATION. You need a workout partner who won’t let you change your mind and go get a glass of wine instead (yes, all you best friends out there, I mean you!). You need more than a membership and a sauna.

Personal training and fitness boot camps are the latest craze because they obligate you to show up. And not just because of the financial commitment. They make you feel like part of a team, regardless of whether that team is you plus a trainer or you plus a group with a boot camp instructor. Their ability to motivate works wonders for weight loss, toning and consistency in a much stronger way than willpower.

It looks like you could use a swift kick in the ass...

So, how do they measure up? Which one is right for you?

First, let’s look at personal training, also known as PT. PT is good for people who need a person to chat with and encourage them while they workout. A fantastic way to save on PT is to do a duet session with your boy toy or with your best friend… half the cost and twice the gossip! A typical PT session will start with a cardio warm up and then a session tailored to your needs and wants. Interval training (alternating exercises of high and low intensity), weights, or even some boxing can be incorporated by your trainer into your workout. The best part of PT: ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT. This is YOUR PT. Your trainer’s responsibility is to cater to you.

**PLRG Special Alert: #1 Gym on Sheffield in Lakeview is doing an AWESOME special of $100 for 1 PT session, body composition analysis, nutritional guidance, and a 1-month gym membership! **

On to fitness camps! Boot camp classes have been around for a few years now and most gyms offer them.   The quality of the instructor can vary though, so definitely try a session out before you commit. Some instructors are even ex-military and instruct in the same style. Some are much softer and you can even find a women only camp, such as Michelle Rossfeld’s Chicago Women’s Fitness Camp at 30 E. Adams, Suite 900. The team environment of boot camps can really motivate you off the couch, and are even better if you can get a friend on board!

Now all you need to do is put on that cute winter gear and get off that couch! Good luck!

Yours in Fitness,

Christy

www.christylyonsyoga.com
christylyonsyoga@gmail.com

As a PLRG “Get Hot” columnist, let me tell you that I firsthand understand how expensive keeping fit, kicking butt, and getting zen with Yoga or Pilates can be. I’ve been teaching Yoga for over 2 years now at big-name gyms, corporate private classes, and at Yoga studios…and you’re right, it’s expensive (and no, teachers don’t see that cash)! My love affair with fitness combined with my lifestyle as a PoorLittleRichGirl have led me here and I hope that my column can help you have the best of both worlds.