Why now?

Beginning a training program is a huge step.

I often think about why each of my clients started their programs. Some want to lose fat, some want to gain muscle, and some need a total life overhaul, but choose to start with something they can control like diet and exercise. Some have actually thought about their future and are starting to plan for it now (gold star for them!)

What really matters here to me, is intention.

As a personal trainer, it's common for me to hear, "I want to lose weight". However, the part that changes for each person is their reason.

Recently I had a new client come to me, and in her initial consultation she told me that she had gotten too comfortable in her relationship, she had put a bit of weight on, and she didn't like it. She felt as though she must do something drastic to lose it, and then she would be 'happy again'.

Of course, I queried this. I asked her why she felt that she must take this radical action.

First, I asked her if her partner had said something about her body. No, she said, he loves the way I look.

Then I asked her if she was happy with the other aspects of her life. Yes, she said, I love my job, I have great friends, and I am so in love with my boyfriend. I couldn't be happier with the rest of my life.

Finally, I asked her, 'would you still work out if you knew it wouldn't change your weight?' She told me no, I don't really enjoy it. But I do it because I want to look better.

Here, I told her, lies your problem. You don't enjoy working out, you dread doing it, so this idea of losing weight in such an extreme manner has become a huge deal for you.

We need to find a way to move our body that is going to be enjoyable for you, something that you would do even if it wasn't going to change the way you look. The reality is, losing fat will not change you as a person. You will still be the wonderful human being that you are, at this moment. It's not going to make you a better, happier or more kind and it certainly isn't going to solve all your problems.

By taking gratification from the exercise regime we decide on, it takes away the idea of a quick fix, and you end up making a change for life. This, in turn, will increase your confidence, help you to feel better about yourself and ultimately forget about that number on the scale, because you are just enjoying life so much!