Talk to Me
Before any work begins, a little quality time spent with a prospective student is important to me. Call it a fitness consultation. Call it an assessment. Call it a meet and greet session. Call it a pseudo workout. Call it a what ever you want. I call it invaluable. An introductory date with this personal trainer is as varied as the students I train. I tend to ask a lot of questions. Mostly, though, I just want to learn about my new acquaintance. I want to know more about people than simply their current weight, blood pressure reading, resting heart rate, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, injuries, aches and pains. Of course, these and other health indicators are worthy of discussion but people are more than a series of numbers and a list of battle scars. So, when I seek information about someone, I’m more interested in what “makes them tick”. What are your passions and hobbies? What motivates you to wake up each morning? What are your goals in life? Prior to making you huff and puff, lift, push, and pull heavy things, and sweat from every pore I seek an answer to these probing questions: “Who are you?” “Where are you from?” “Where are you going?” “What do you want to become?”
Answers to these basic questions are essential for everyone to ponder. Today is as good a time as any for serious reflection. Most people are very candid. Some are lost and in need of being found. Others are on the right path but sense that something is missing. When I inquire “What do you need from me?”, I hear a myriad of responses. I want direction. I want someone to teach me. I want someone who understands how difficult things can be. I want someone who doesn’t judge me. I want someone who will listen to me vent. I want someone who feels my pain. I want someone who can help me find myself again. I want someone who can help carry my burdens and take this extra weight from me, now! I want someone to give me hope.
Someone once wisely said “We are not given a good life or a bad life. We are given a life. It’s up to us to make it good or bad.” I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly which can be encountered through the course of our journey here on earth. I have also seen, heard, and felt the better and the best that this time has to offer. With all the sincerity of my soul, I want you and everyone I meet to experience so much more, even an abundant life. I want all to feel worthy of that life. Since everything that we know to be real and tangible can change in the blink of an eye, I want you to enjoy the present and be full of hope for the future. Our days are numbered. Yet, we know not how many we have left. Therefore, I want you to begin this day to measure the value of what you have. Be grateful for your body, your mind, and your spirit. I want to help you understand the importance of taking responsibility for yourself; for your thoughts; for your decisions; for your actions; for your future. I want to help you believe that you can change the things that need to be changed. I want to help you get through some of those bad days. “It is extremely important for you to believe in yourselves, not only for what you are now, but for what you have the power to become.”– Neil A. Maxwell I want nothing more than to help you discover that you already possess the power to change your circumstances. Please repeat the following: “I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.”– Stephen Covey
So, though I may put you through a comprehensive fitness evaluation, the objective of my initial consultation is to find out so much more. Do I care about your current cardiovascular conditioning? Yes. Do I care about your overall flexibility and range of motion? Yes. Do I care to know how much force your muscles can produce through a series of movements? Yes. However, if you meet with me, I am certain that you will find a safe, comfortable place to rest from your troubles for a while. You will discover that this taskmaster will invite you to envision loftier goals. A challenging, yet, worthwhile journey awaits. I believe that anything is possible. I believe in miracles. Do you? If you have doubts, let’s discuss them. If you are fearful, let this encouragement lift you today and always: These four words “do not be afraid” can be found 365 times in the Holy Bible. That is a powerful, loving reminder from our Heavenly Father that He wants us to live each and every day being courageous.