People must think I am magic. I wish. If I could wave a magic fitness wand and make people in perfect shape I certainly would, and I would charge a ton to do it. Sadly, this is just not the case. One of the biggest misconceptions I encounter when training new clients is that they believe by purchasing my services they will automatically becoming fitter (fitness by osmosis). Sounds great, but it doesn't work. Just hiring a trainer - even a great one like me - will not automatically and immediately change the shape you're in --
You have to be willing to put in some effort. With that in mind I have put together a few tenants of training for body transformation.
- You have to do the work. No one will do it for you. Beyond that – you have to want it, too. Just showing up is a good first step - but it takes more that that to make you a star.
- More is not better. There are many things in life for which more is better (money) - but exercising is not one of them - better is better. Exercising too much will actually yield negative results.
- Smarter is better. Always strive to make the smart choice. That means making smart food and training decisions.
- Harder is better. Which one is harder – the squat or leg extensions? Hmm… Which one will provide better results? Hmm…
- Have a plan. Haphazard training and nutrition will yield haphazard results. When you enter the gym, have a plan. When you start your day, know where your food is coming from. Playing it by ear simply will not work.
- Consistency counts. I should not have to say this one but I do. To be truly good at anything, you need consistency. To get consistent results you need consistent training and nutrition practices. Do not blow off your workout because Big Brother is on – get a Tivo.
- Give yourself a break. You cannot be perfect all the time, like me (just kidding). Plan to have a cheat meal at least once a week.
- Use your time efficiently. You are looking for the best bang for your buck. If you have only 30 minutes 3x week for exercise, walking on a treadmill is a waste of your time. Weight training and/or interval work will yield twice the results in half the time. If you think steady state cardio is best for fat loss- it is not.
- Exercising alone will not make up for nutritional mistakes. Too many times I have had clients who bust their ass in the gym, but fail to make progress. Suspiciously they are always forgetting to bring their food log. When I finally see it the answer is clear (as if I did not already know). They eat like crap and expect the workout to cover-up for their mistakes. Not.
- Be prepared to make a change. This is the big one. This is the one that many clients just do not get. What you have done in the past has gotten you where you are. What you have eaten, and how you have trained (or not trained) has put you into the shape you are currently in. If you are talking to me, then you are not happy with where you are. To be truly successful at body transformation you need to make lifestyle changes- permanent changes. This can be daunting, but it can be done. I see it repeatedly with my clients.
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