Hi, ladies.
I need some advice. I've been at a stand-still with my weight loss since June. I've been stuck between 248 and 252. I've been working out a little less due to work. However, in the 2-3 weeks I've been able to get back into the swing of things. I still haven't broken past 248. I've reduced my carbs and that didn't work. In general, my weight loss has slowed since starting to run in January (only 22 lbs since then versus 40 pounds loss from Aug-Dec'10). So, I REALLY do need to figure out what's wrong as I would like to break into the 100's by the end of the year.
So, I've been toying with getting a personal trainer. I've had trainers (before I started to take control of my OWN weight loss) and most haven't been as successful. Some of that has been me, while some of it has been a poor choice of trainer (e.g., not wanting women to lift heavy; not reliable/personal problems, etc). I've found this trainer (he used to be a professional bodybuilder) that might be a good fit. Of course, he told me I needed to tweak things and that weight-lifting was my answer (which I somewhat agree with). However, I'm still on the fence. The cost of the trainer is about $480/month with a 3-month commitment. He usually makes his clients sign on for a year (I told him that I'm not into that and 3 months is as long I will commit). This would include 3-30 min personal training sessions a week. Plus, he wants me to stop running and just do weightlifting and walking (he thinks I'm not eating enough to sustain my workouts--I eat between 1200-1600 calories (higher on workout days)--and that I should reduce cardio and build muscle, which will increase my metabolism (which, I also understand)
So, my question is this...How have you ladies made it past the plateaus or "stuck" periods. I've been concentrating on cardio since Jan. But, lost my initial 40 lbs with P90x and walking. I'm really concerned about losing momentum and not meeting my One-derland goal (199 lbs), which has happened before. A trainer maybe the answer. But, I was hoping to continue running and tweak my own diet. Plus, I am training for a 5k in October
Sorry this is so long. But, I really am not sure how to proceed--get the trainer or not get the trainer. I started eating more this week and reducing my runs....only 3 days a week to see if I would break through. I lifted on Sunday and walked for 20 minutes; Monday- ran about 4.5 miles; Tuesday-no workout; Today-run 4.5 miles; Friday--Run 4.5 miles; Saturday-Weights and Walking. But, I've been going back and forth on the scale. I've had a personal breakthrough in doing this on my own...taking responsibility for my fitness/health..and not thinking others will do that for you (e.g., a personal trainer, etc). I'm still just confused....1400 bucks is a lot for a trainer (esp in this economy) and I do feel guilty. My DH is fine either way. But, It's hard for me to decide (what if it doesn't work).
Again, any wisdom would be appreciated!