Over the past few weeks, I have had several opportunities to step into a different role in the gym and actually train clients. It has been an incredible experience; motivating and pushing people to go farther than they thought possible gives me a rush like no other.
When I decided to change my pathand start working toward my personal trainer certification, I thought that group classes would be my niche. After training several clients one-on-one, I now know that I am going to excel in all aspects of training.Seeing someone accomplish something that they were not able to do just a short while ago is a really inspiring feeling.
Training clients in small groups has an interesting dynamic. Each individual has unique needs and it is important to find the right balance among the group. As a trainer, you need to play different roles with different people - simultaneously. Some need a cheerleader; encouraging them in an upbeat way. Others need a commanding presence; a stern voice to motivate them to push through. Everyone needs to be supported and coached in a positive environment where growth is promoted & accomplishments and achievements are celebrated. This is in addition, of course, to modeling the exercise, spotting during training, providing feedback and moving the class along so everyone completes the session in a safe environment.
Breathe and Go.
This morning, I coacheda Camp FIT workout along with Chad. It was a huge moment for me and I was beyond excited. I have spent some time lately thinking about the "type" of trainer I strive to be. What will my style be? I have worked with several coaches in various settings across different states. I keep up with celebrity trainers and watch the Biggest Loser. I think about what my needs and desires have been as a client. Today was the day I had been waiting for; the opportunity to showcase all I have learned and make my dream come true. When you want something you have to go after it and that is exactly what I set out to do!
I was nervous this morning. It felt like a job interview in a way. A wave of insecurities and questions flashed through my mind before we started. Would I explain and demonstrate the exercises correctly? What if I forgot something? What if people thought I didn't look like a trainer? What if they thought I was not good enough to be their coach? Would I be able to help guide people along, keeping the energy high and motivating clients? This lasted for one second and I pushed all of those negative thoughts aside. I was not going to put any emotion behind those feelings. They are not welcome here. It does not matter what anybody else thinks. I know with every fiber of my being that I am ready for this. I am enough.
Just as the workout was about to start, I took a deep breath. Sky above me, earth below me, fire within me. I forgot about all the traits I have admired in other trainers. I forgot about everything the textbook says a "good trainer" should possess. I am myself; unique and unlike any other trainer. I let it all go and before I knew it ... it was happening. I was the trainer, the leader, the guide, the motivational force. I was a commander; strong and powerful. I was amazing in mind, body and spirit.
Motivating everyone was incredible. We had a huge turnout and the energy at the training center was phenomenal. If I could bottle up a feeling to keep forever - this would be it. I will never forget this day. I am so thankful to everyone who was a part of it. It was an absolute honor to coach everyone and I am forever grateful to Chad for seeing my potential and providing me with this opportunity. We make such a great team and I can't wait to do this every day! The world is ready for me.
People remain where they are because they believe that is where they ought to be. They rise to new heights of achievement and ability because they believe they will. - Earl Nightingale
Most people probably think that the beginning of a weight loss journey is the most difficult part. The number on the scale you are standing upon is at an all-time high, nothing in your closet fits "right now" and you just feel lost. Personally, I avoided being in photos for several years and hid underneath strategic layers of clothing.
My perception of what I should look and feel like was skewed; every day activities were not troublesome and my doctor said my health was in good {enough} standing. Life did not feel difficult, so really, why should I change? I went through a breakup and began a running routine as an outlet to relieve stress. Losing weight was not the primary goal; I wanted to change my lifestyle and become healthier.
It has been just over two years since I took the first step in changing my life. The beginning was challenging. I needed to move a large body on a treadmill. I remember feeling devastated when a guy working out at Planet Fitness stopped me on the treadmill to tell me to walk instead of jog since my knees were at risk for injury due to the impact. I did not listen to him. I moved my large frame through boot camp classes 6x per week. I was out of breath, my heart rate became elevated very quickly and I needed to take many breaks throughout workouts. None of this mattered to me.I pushed through and kept going.
Although the first few months were physically draining, the progress was amazing. Excess weight seemed to fall off of my body. Over the past two years, I went from a size XL/18+ down to a S/2-6. At the time, my goal was to wear a size 12. I believe that the sheer necessity for a new wardrobe is partially what gets beginner exercisers hooked. I looked and felt great. It served as great motivation for me to stick to my program.
In addition to the outward physical changes, my body was {more importantly} changing on the inside. When you are on a cardiovascular exercise routine improvements are made in fitness and athleticperformance. My body was remodeling itself rapidly and dramatically in response to the aerobic exercise. My heart was growing stronger and my lungs were changing; my body was adapting as a result of the time I was logging in the gym.
I am no longer a beginner. Improvements have become more incremental and progress has slowed. I adjust my training frequently as I aim to continue to challenge my body. Without the resistance from a challenge, we become stagnant. If you do not challenge yourself, you will not change yourself. I push myself every day.
This is the part that might be more challenging than the beginning. I am getting closer every day but it is a much slower process. Sometimes that reality can be difficult to face. There are no excuses and this is my number one priority. On any journey there will be struggle; ups and downs and obstacles to overcome at any point. I believe that I will never really "be finished" in terms of my health and fitness goals. Every week, I am setting the bar a little higher and challenging myself. I am in this for life and am not looking back.