If I Were Your Personal Trainer
I would ask you the following questions
Who can deny that the success of any project relies on proper planning, yet many simply decide to embark on a fitness program without placing enough emphasis on this very aspect? It is estimated that over 70% of people who make a New Year’s resolution (Is this still a thing?) abandon it after a few weeks. A recent study by Strava (a popular running and cycling app) has pinpointed the day when most are likely to give up, January 19th, prompting them to call it: Quitter’s Day. If you want to avoid celebrating Quitter’s Day hiring a qualified fitness consultant to assist you in the planning of your fitness routine may be the difference. If this is not possible, allow me to step in.
If I were your personal trainer
I would ask you the following questions:
1. What is your goal? With this information we can set realistic short and long term goals
2. What are you prepared to do (or not do) to achieve your goal? With this information we can adjust timelines and expectations according to your level of commitment.
3. What lifestyle factors must we consider? Medical conditions, overall stress levels, poor eating habits will, in part, determine exercise type, frequency and intensity.
4. Who are you accountable to: yourself, someone else, an app? Progress and goal attainment must be measured so as to make adjustments and provide motivation.
5. How will you feel once your goal is attained? Visualizing and experiencing success beforehand provides motivation to achieve it.
In addition to this information, I would conduct a posture check, record body weight and body fat percentage. Bodyweight is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it can provide useful feedback. On the other, it tends to fluctuate. It should only be used if it provides motivation, that is if the client is made aware of the various factors contributing to bodyweight fluctuations (water retention or lean muscle tissue for example).
The evaluation now complete, we are in a much better position to elaborate an action plan!
Don’t make resolutions, create habits
It is important to distinguish between a resolution and a habit. A resolution is an intention (or wish) whereas a habit is a process involving an initial intention, repeated behaviors and rewards. The amount of time required to build a habit can vary but it is better to take smaller steps and succeed than the contrary. Those who have fallen on Quitter’s Day did not elaborate a sound plan with appropriate goals and rewards. Building muscle and/or burning fat takes time, so take your time.
The best-laid plans of mice and men can go awry — Robert Burns
Even the best of plans can be derailed by unforeseen circumstances like an unexpected workload or a global pandemic. Another key ingredient to success is the capacity to adjust not only expectations but the plan itself if need be. Setbacks are not failures; you cannot fail if you do not give up.
Epilogue
Quitter’s Day should be an opportunity to quit wishing, not the pursuit of better health and wellness. As a personal trainer, I am proud to be able to guide my clients to better health and increased vitality. For those who can, hiring a coach can be the difference between starting and stopping. For those who cannot, you have an incredible tool on the web to assist you. Begin by answering the questions outlined above and use the information obtained to choose an appropriate plan.
Healthfully yours.
