Working with a personal trainer will seriously increase the likelihood of you achieving your goals.
Everything can be perfectly mapped out for you by a fitness professional: the appropriate exercise selection, volume, intensity, and frequency for your training. Pair this with the correct nutritional approach, and you’re well on your way to achieving your goals.
There’s something you may have overlooked: the challenge.
No, I’m not referring to some quirky training ethos from the early 90s. I mean the challenges you will face whilst working on yourself.
Some will be glaringly obvious, and some you’re possibly yet to encounter. The fact of the matter is, you will be challenged, and you will want to stop.
This can manifest in many ways: a rude early morning alarm, taunting you with the reminder of an early AM session. Your entire body telling you; “Yeah, just ease off a bit,” during the last 10 seconds on the bike-erg. The sweet, blissful temptation of that food item that you know you should avoid.
Those nagging voices in your mind, tempting you to stop.
Do you relish a challenge, or is it something that makes you feel uneasy?
Truth is, the more we shy away, the harder it becomes.
We can leave valuable results on the table.
You must be willing to accept that aspects of this will be hard, and in turn, you’re willing to work hard to achieve your goals.
Lackluster effort = lackluster results.
Learning to welcome challenges with open arms is an extremely valuable tool.
In addition to missing out on results, avoiding challenges can lead us to a very defeatist and negative mindset around certain aspects of our health and fitness. “I don't like the bike-erg.” “I can’t do this one.”
As soon as these thoughts enter our heads, the likelihood of us struggling increases.
Simply reframing this can work wonders for your mindset.
Instead of viewing a challenge with negativity, welcome the opportunity to test yourself. Something that may be tough for a five-or-so-minute period once or twice a week is an opportunity to grow and progress.
No one else is going to do the work for you; remember that.
Take ownership of your efforts and take pride in it.
Aaron Fitzgerald
Stanza Fitness Coach