"A Day in the Life of a Personal Trainer..."

Big Day Today, Bigger Day Tomorrow

2009-11-06T06:12:00.003-05:00

Today is a BIG Day. Tomorrow is a BIGGER day. Yep...my wedding day. Sorry, no original blog post today. Today, I've got to run and make sure that every "t" is crossed and every "i" is dotted. Today is the day I make sure every vendor is all set and every detail is met. Saturday I will wed the woman who stole my heart.: the person who challenges me, comforts me, and accepts me for who I am.

See you back here on Monday!

Trainer Professional Tip #6

2009-11-04T06:39:00.002-05:00

Another installment in my Trainer Professionalism Provisions....

Looking People in the Eye

I meet many young eager trainers on a monthly basis.

My current intern does great with me. He sits with me for about 60 minutes a week and we go over exercise programming, communication, and client "handling". The other day, I had him go over some forms at the main desk--where the facility entrance is--and greet some of the members walking in. This was a chance to "open him up" and speak to strangers. I figured putting him in a position where he will see alot of foot traffic, will require him to get a little 'uncomfortable'. Again, my intern does a great job carrying out a conversation with me, but then again, personal training is also about building a "working" relationship with your client. That working relationship begins with EYE CONTACT. So this particular day was a lesson.

As I worked with my client, I kept my eye on my intern and watched him greet and speak to people walking in and out of the facility. With each person that spoke to him for more than 30 seconds, I noticed he had a hard time looking them in the eyes. He smiled, yes...occassionally glanced. But sometimes, as a person spoke to him, I noticed he kept looking down, around, and up. What could this mean?

It could mean alot of things. But let's put it into perspective as a professional fitness trainer. A customer likes to be looked at in the eyes. When one speaks and looks at another in the eyes, it is a sign of confidence, trust, and respect. Some salespeople are often deceptive as they will look at someone in the eye, until they say something that is untrue and they will look away for a VERY brief moment. Those moments are quick and go unnoticed. Some people just plainly suck and can't even look at other's in the eyes. Watch how many times this guys looks away and only looks at the person's eyes when he is being spoken to:

How does this translate to a personal trainer? Think back to how many times you have lost a sale and it probably had to do with not WHAT you said, but HOW you said it. If you neglect to make eye contact with a potential customer, the customer may sense BS. That BS may seem like lack of confidence, lack of respect, or overall, a lack of customer service. That customer may think you are not confident in helping them reach a particular goal and therefore, asking them for a fee of $500 is deceiving to them. You place DOUBT in your customer's mind. That doubt will lead that customer out the door--without the sale.

If it's confidence that is an issue--whether in exercise programming or sales--its time to address it. Read books and watch DVD's to learn as much as possible and once you learn all these new concepts; don't leave them bottled up inside your head---TRY THEM! Make yourself a guinea pig and try any new exercise concepts and learn how to make adjustments.

If sales are not your strong point, purchase some selling materials and practice in front of a mirror. My first few years, myself and fellow trainers would role-play in between clients to perfect our sales tactics. Sit across from one another and learn how to make your presentation. It is imperative that you are confident in what you do and can prove results. If not, your sales presentation is a complete hoax. So take your time and address your weak points. Once you master that, work on your communication skills. Addressing people by name, making eye contact, and building trust within the first few minutes of a meeting are essential to your business.

Where can you find more advice on this topic? Try here.

Why I Created Shatterproof Spine

2009-11-02T06:44:00.005-05:00

I work with a number of clients that exhibit the same commonalities:

They sit for a majority of their day.

They are not as active as they want to be.

They like to play golf, yet don't train to play golf.

They complain of low back problems.

When I was young, I had a cousin who kept his hot rod car in one of my Dad's garages for storage. It was a beauty. It was a 1967 Chevy Impala. It was a monster and it had an engine in it that would roar. My cousin used to stop by the house every other week simply to start up the engine and give it some gas. He never took it anywhere, he just simply came over to turn it over and give it a quick shine. One day, he revved it up so much that the picture frames around the house would fall off the walls. One morning, I walked outside to talk to my cousin. He was about 12 years older than me, so he usually thought of me as his "lil' cuz". I asked him why he comes over once in a while to simply start his car and rev it up for a few minutes.

As he polished the hood, the engine purred like a huge wild lion. He looked at me and said, "...because I need to rev it up once in a while so the battery doesn't die."

Today, I think back to that simple statement. Many of the clients I see are like that old Chevy Impala sitting in the garage. They are sedentary for a huge portion of the day, and then they attempt to get up and play 18 holes of golf. When they attempt to "be active" they suffer injuries because they haven't "revved up their muscular system". Like the car that is stored, it's engine needs to be turned over once in a while to keep it running smoothly.

Back to Shatterproof Spine...I noticed alot of the low back issues I was encountering were mechanical issues that could be helped with simple stretching and auxiliary exercise work. With every client that I met that had no previous medical history of disc injuries, we did some direct muscular work on that area and within week's time, low back pain began to disappear. The more education that went into each session, a new found understanding for preventing low back pain formed. And those clients that did sit all day, were able to make the 1 o'clock tee off without any low back pain.

Arming exercisers and trainers with this experience and information (taken from Stuart McGill's book, Low Back Disorders) was the basis of an easy-to-understand resource for a very common--yet resolving condition.

Have you gotten your copy yet?

Interview with Jason Pegg

2009-10-30T06:54:00.000-04:00

Who is this guy? Just another powerlifter? Noooo....

Read my interview with EliteFTS.com powerlifting team member, Jason Pegg as he deciphers what life is like under some heavy iron, and how he--like anyone else--manages to get up everyday and turn his passion into a satisfying career.

Read the interview:

A Powerlifter's Unraveling Perplexity of Training & Life:

An Interview with Jason Pegg

Ball Squats Revisited

2009-10-28T06:49:00.001-04:00

Lately I have been looking back on some articles I've written over the years and reading them. Gosh...its unbelievable how much I've learned in only the last 3-4 years. And through that learning, how I've changed my position on things that I thought were staples in my repertoire of training. For instance, I wrote an article titled, "Not Quite Ready for the Ball Squat" in 2006 and it was meant with mixed reviews.

You see at that time a few years ago, I was watching alot of trainers prop their sedentary clients on a ball against the wall and "squatting" up and down along the wall. What I really saw--looking back now--was sedentary clients leaning all their bodyweight against a 65 cm plastic ball and "rolling" up and down. Many trainers position their client incorrectly on the ball--having clients place their feet too far away from the center of mass. Once they begin squatting, there is no way they can keep their weight on the back of the thighs and heels. It is impossible to re-position the center of gravity (CoG) because most sedentary clients have weak hamstrings and glutes. So the lower they body travels down-wards, the more sheer force is placed on the patella tendon and quadriceps tendon. Hence, the ever familiar "knee pain" sedentary clients speak of whenever they try to "squat". The next step a trainer takes once they hear knee pain complains, is position the client feet further from the center of mass (CoM). Why? Because they are trying to displace the weight shifted forwarded by having the client position themselves to place it on their heels (posterior). This is the position that is normally seen in gyms and taught by unsuspecting trainers:

See where the knees are? See where the feet are placed? The center of mass (CoM: trunk/pelvis) is adjacent to the knees in the down position. This position creates shear forces onto the knee joint repeatedly. Mind you, people that perform this exercise are not hot, young models like the one I found in the picture. Most are 200+ pound sedentary females with already debilitating knee and hip problems.

In the picture, the center of gravity (CoG), displaces the engagement of the hamstrings in the movements. The trunk and upper spine create this displacement by keeping upright along the ball. Let me ask you...stand up from your chair and try to squat with your back and chest perfectly straight and erect, respectively. If you can do it with your thighs going down to parallel, please send me a picture.

Secondly, 90% of your clients will perform this exercise on their "toes". The weight and underlying restrictions they have in the hip flexors and lower back, will cause them to shift the body weight forward onto the "balls" of the feet--creating a more stressful environment for the joints.

It is time to teach clients the old primal movement pattern of a normal body weight squat. I think we, as trainers, have gotten away from basics for favor of fad tools and gimmicks. The stability ball may have its place in a training program--however, for movements that were once natural for the body should be performed...well...naturally.

Wedding Bliss Sale Continues

2009-10-26T06:19:00.000-04:00

Holy Matrimony!! My wedding is in 10 days! Get to this sale before it's over!!! Not much time left. All 6-DVD set complete with bonus download of "Secret Skills of Personal Training" eBook for only $129. Did I mention FREE SHIPPING on all orders of DVD's??

Here is the link: Special Wedding Discount

5 Exercises You Should Be Able to Perform Revisited

2009-10-22T06:50:00.003-04:00

Back in 2006, I wrote an article titled, "5 Exercises You Should Be Able to Perform", which received a fair share of feedback--both positive and clamorous. What were my 5 exercises destined to make this article worthy?

1.) Squat

2.) Lunge

3.) Step-Up

4.) Push-Up

5.) Ab Crunch

Keep in mind, that my experience as a fitness professional stems from years of working with general population clients--not necessarily high level athletes. I tend to work with people that come to me with a host of limitations--both mental and physical. All of which I must sift through to help them achieve a goal. That goal is becoming more active and almost always--fat loss. Upon meeting a client, I tend to always observe their body language as they explain to me what has prohibited them from achieving their goal in the past without me. I LISETN attentively to obstacles they have met and overcome in recent memory; paying particular attention to their tone of voice. Quickly, I assess their level of passion and commitment. Quickly, I profile which activities they will find enjoyment in and which type of instruction they will respond to with success.

With my mental notes intact, we take a brisk walk and talk some more. Sometimes, I am bewildered at how some of "normal" daily activities are tedious and struggling for them. Simply getting in and out of a vehicle is a rambunctious task. Or getting out of bed every morning is a gut wrenching chore that takes almost takes double...or triple the time it takes you and I!

I wonder...can you imagine everyday having to "work" to get out of bed or the shower? Aside from any physical impairment, can you imagine that something such as mechanical weakness or mental fear can rob time from your life and effect your entire perspective of life? Limitations make you negative...they make you weak...they make you dependent on others and in turn, lose your independence. My job is to turn all that around.

So when I wrote the article, I was thinking in terms of movements--not necessarily exercises. My email box was flooded with other suggestions and mostly, that the movements I chosen were too difficult, or were contradictory to a person's limitations. Again, think in terms of MOVEMENTS. Think in terms of how exercises mainly mimick movements and we simply add resistance to them! What a spectacular thing to take a human movement and add a load, and BOOM, it changes the way the body reacts to it! It helps add muscle...it helps improve circulation, respiratory response, and strength!

So lets look at my list of 5 "Movements-That-Are-Exercises" That You Should Be Able to Perform:

1.) Squat - A primal movement pattern learned at an early age and lost as we get older. The triple hip action is the first to go when living a sedentary life. Teach this movement first to your clients and all movements following will be easier. Spend as much time perfecting this movement. A good squat is not learned in 1 session. Remember that.

2.) Lunge - Another primal movement pattern that mimics anyone trying to cross a street quickly. Watch a hasten walk or run, or watch daily tasks such as mowing the lawn, weeding, or laundry. I guarantee you will see different degrees of lunges in all these movements. The trick to a successful lunge? The ankle joint and the hip flexor. Read more about lunges here.

3.) Step-Ups - When I encountered knee pain over a year ago, I incorporated step-ups into my regular routine. With certain height adjustments to the step and proper progressions, my knee pain disappeared within months. The step-up gets a bad rap--much like the lunge--because of the knee sensitivity that surrounds certain fitness circles. Truth be told, a flawlessly executed step-up is one of the best exercises for lower body movement and mimics more human movement patterns than any other (that is my opinion). Think of a world without stairs.....

4.) Push-Ups - For every time someone has fallen in their life, I cannot think of a movement that correlates to the recovery of an upright position other than the push-up and my next exercise. Upper body development is crucial to overall human performance and if progressed properly, the push-up is the single most beneficial movement. Much safer than dips, the push-up can be executed in different degrees in order to progress safely and effectively. Trick: Use a Smith Machine with varying bar heights for females.

5.) Ab Crunches - This one caught me a bunch of flack. Why? I understand the ramifications of flexing the spine repeatedly. Trust me...I do. I produced an entire product just for low back pain sufferers. Want to know when the worst time to flex the spine is? Morning--upon wakening. If you read Stuart McGill's work, he stresses the importance of avoiding flexion first thing in the morning because of vertebral disc dehydration. This is the process in which the discs of the spine lose water and therefore, lose a bit of cushion. Over the course of the day, as we are upright; fluid returns to the disc and expands them allowing more cushion for the boney structures. However, getting in and out of bed calls for spinal flexion and understandably, is a motion that we MUST perform. This does not mean we must add 100's of crunches to our routine. It means that we must evaluate this movement and look for ways to make it more efficient. Want to skip this movement? I say add Turkish Get-Ups. This is a perfect polisher for my 5 movements that anyone should be able to preform.

Please add your comments below!

HUGE Matrimony Bliss Sale

2009-10-19T06:49:00.002-04:00

Okay...I am getting married in 3 more weeks. Things are getting down to the wire...that means lots of phone calls to vendors, follow-ups with wedding party, and crossing my fingers for good weather. It actually snowed in Connecticut last week, so I am praying that mother nature will hold out on the cold white stuff for a few more weeks! All in all....I am very excited! Can't wait to get married and begin my new life together with my bride. With that being said...I am feeling extremely blissful and want you all to take advantage of my next offer.

Listen to this...after my wedding, I am taking off for a 10-day Caribbean cruise. When I get back...I have a schedule of projects and workshops that I will be conducting going into 2010. It is time to make room for new products and share information. That's why for a limited time only, I am giving away all 6 of my DVD's (as a set) for a VERY, VERY low price.....and with FREE SHIPPING! To make things even sweeter...I am also giving away a FREE copy of my eBook, "Secret Skills of Personal Training"!!

Blissful right?

Check out the link below to see how low, I am talking!

Special Wedding Discount Sale

Top 5 Easiest Clients to Attain...#1 Golfers

2009-10-16T06:45:00.000-04:00

Wow...finally the number one easiest type of client to attain. Golfers. More specifically...wealthy, baby boomer golfers. I finally realized this group was the easiest about a year ago. The reason for that is I train at a golf club and work with 75% golfers. There are 3 common traits I see in golfers:

1.) They are old.

2.) They are wealthy.

3.) They want to get better at playing golf so their egos remain intact.

Most golfers have been playing for years. I mean the ones that really know the game...
But most have not been training for the game as long. You see, I would say right around the time Tiger Woods began gaining popularity (10 years ago), the sport of golf began to be looked at as...well...a sport. Prior to Woods, golf was revered mostly as a recreational social activity. Men and women would gather on an afternoon and play 18 holes without a worry and burn 3-4 hours of their day on the green. Most club outings center around business meetings, client acquisitions, and leisure. When Woods came onto the scene, all that changed. Woods was an athlete and trained like one. Until Woods, training for golf meant swinging the club a few times before your shot. Now, serious golfers follow a strict regimen of training associated with the amount tournaments that enter.

When spectators noticed that Woods was winning...and winning frequently, consumerism blossomed. Not many people connected Wood's training to his winning. They only connected his arsenal of products he was using. Club manufactures, ball manufacturers, shoe manufacturers, and apparel companies boasted the newest, most advanced products to take a golfer's game to the next level.

You see, it is very easy for a wealthy golfer to drop $700 on a new titanium golf club with advanced shaft technology that promises to send the ball an additional 80 yards; and it is easy for a wealthy golfer to drop $200 on set of golf balls that will soar through the sky after a hard drive and land EXACTLY where you want it. Dropping the money on these products is easy. Old, wealthy golfers are easily manipulated by marketing. If it promises a lower handicap and better drive, they WANT it.

What about training you say? Hosh-gosh...they want no part of it. That's work. They don't need to work and they don't want to. However, no piece of equipment is useful without the hand (and body) that yields it. Soon, enough golf training began to catch on.

But what if I can promise you that a few "balance" exercises can help your swing? Don't believe it? Years ago, the amount of toys that came out of the training catalogs that focused on a "golfer's balance" was astonishing. Suddenly, golfers were standing on BOSUs, half foam rollers, rocker boards, balance boards, and dyna disks.

Today, I meet with golfers that share a common story. They share with me their prior training experience with trainers that involved tons of "balance exercises". To contrast their training, I will have them demonstrate such balance exercises. Guess what I see? I see a sedentary (not always overweight) 64 year old, try to balance on a 3 foot, 1/2 half foam roller as he swings a club slowly. This is the conversation that ensues:

Golfer: "See John, my balance has improved since I worked with the other trainer in Florida. I can really feel that I have control of my golf swing".

John: "So you are telling me that you balance pretty well as you swing your club on that long foam roller?"

Golfer: "Sure".

John: "Tell me, do you swing your club that slow on the green?"

Golfer: "No".

John: "Well then, how about you swing it like you normally would as you stand on that thing?"

Swings faster. Guess what happens? Falls off foam roller.

John: "What happened to that balance?"

Golfer: "Not sure".

John: "Your trainer in Florida didn't tell you or probably doesn't know, that standing on that thing and swinging your club slowly, doesn't transfer to the green. This exercise absolutely does not resemble the real-world game situations that you will face and I guarantee you will not hit the ball any better than you already have. All's you will show for it, is that you will get better at standing on a foam roller and maintaining your balance on it as your swing the club slowly."

Golfer:" So what do I do to get better?"

Ca-ching....

Do you see the direction this conversation will lead to a sale? If you can "un-learn" the present golfer that believes in gadgets, gimmicks, and fad training styles--and teach them the correct fundamentals to improving their golf game, the client is yours. I demonstrate many exercises and drills that will improve a golfer's posture, strength, and coordination here.

Now go get 'em!

Top 5 Easiest Clients to Attain...#2 Brides-to-Be

2009-10-14T06:34:00.003-04:00

As we wind down to the easiest client market to attain, it is obvious that they begin to show a common theme. Each group has a "need" that has to be recognized or discovered. Typically, this is accomplished by the client solely, but often times, it is achieved with the help of the fitness professional. The trainer should be skilled at "creating the need" or "motioning the need". Getting the wheel turning can be a an easy feat---but keeping it training faster and faster is a ongoing project. Here is number two...

#2 Brides to Be

A bride-to-be has alot on her plate. Besides planning one of the biggest days of her life, she also has the burning fervor to look attractive and desirable to her groom and guests. Let's face it, a wedding is a big stage to be on for one day and with all the attention on the bride and groom, it only makes sense to feel comfortable in your own skin. The desperation felt by a bride is caused by the "deadline"" she has. Her "need" to look good equate to feeling good. A bride wants to look attractive, feel attractive---look desirable and feel desirable. Those emotions turn into obsessions with physique alteration. Throw in a deadline (wedding date), and you have a perfect environment for an easy sale.

Most trainers also develop bridal bootcamps--which become successful selling points for all brides and women involved with such an event. Personally, the "weight" of a wedding day is enough momentum to carry into training sessions. The trainer is responsible for keeping the bride to be engaged and committed to the exercise program leading up to the stressful days before the wedding.

Top 5 Easiest Clients to Attain...#3 Seniors Concerned About Balance

2009-10-12T06:39:00.004-04:00

As my rankings begin to narrow down to the number one target market for personal training, please remember a few things:

A. These are entirely judged from my experience. Nothing is written in stone. You may have different outcomes based on how you approach customers or what you see entering your facility.

B. How easy is it to sell a package to these markets really depends on how much effort I put into my presentation. I am not 10 for 10, but I am pretty close on closing a sale with these customers. But if I am pressed for time; in the middle of writing a program or on a call; or I am just too busy to dedicate quality time, I may fail in obtaining a new client.

In either case, I am able to identify the attributes easily to qualify them for their respected ranking.

#3: Seniors Concerned with Balance

Senior citizens shop with their "trust goggles" on. Someone over the age of 70 once told me that if you can help ONE senior with something...they will tell all their friends. I guess it worked because at least once a week, I am approached by a senior between the ages of 60-90 to help them with....drum-roll please....BALANCE.

Let's face it. Aging is a breakdown of the body. Most seniors who don't regularly participate in physical activity can feel the breakdown of their bodies on a daily basis. The aging process is unforgiving--but not entirely out of their control. Most will frequent the doctor for a new prescription to something, and most engage in recreational activity like golf, swimming, walks, or gardening. However, most seniors also loose the ability to keep balance. The body begins to break down the senses needed to calculate each stride or step; or to calculate terrain changes in the surface they walk on. Falling is a common fear in most seniors. If a trainer can help increase the confidence in a senior in regards to preventing falls, the business will flow.

Now when I speak of balance, please don't confuse it with unstable surface training. That is not balance. Seniors need not to balance on BOSU's or 1/2 foam rollers. Seniors need exercises that mimic activities of daily living that depend hugely on unilateral stances, steps, and reaches. Increasing their strength and improving coordination are paramount. Most seniors need help with transferring bodyweight, changing direction, and reactive training. Ultimately, it is a question of strength.

When a senior approaches me with a history of falls, I make an effort to explain my rationale and demonstrate an example of the exercises and drills we will perform. Nothing fancy in the beginning because they will become fearful---fast. It is important to show simply drills in the initial stages of rapport. Easing them into business will help you earn their trust and supply you with more of their friends!

Top 5 Easiest Clients to Attain...#4 Biggest Loser Aspirer

2009-10-08T06:44:00.004-04:00

As I continue the roll with this series, I will pinpoint what have been the EASIEST clients to obtain for me. My rankings factor in the commonalities I see in "need" and "favor of commitment". What is favor of commitment? Answer: The ability to embrace commitment by understanding, acknowledging, and welcoming the expected sacrifices and discipline needed to achieve a chosen goal. Let's face it, some clients do not know what to expect when undergoing a training program with a professional. However, my next group has an EXACT idea of what to expect:

#4: The Biggest Loser Aspirer
Before I get into this one, let me tell you a little about my experience with the show. I think I stopped watching it after the second season. The first year it was aired, I was absolutely EXCITED that personal trainers were being featured on television. Up until that time, the profession did not have a main stage. No one really knew what a personal trainer does for a living. To say that the trainers represent the profession accurately is false. But as the show's initial season went on and I watched what some of these trainers were doing with the obese clients--I was appalled. I understand the need for TV ratings and creating the "WOW" effect, but many of these contestants were put through brutal, ill-willed workouts that had no progression, critique, and were plain 'ol unsafe. Since then, I have stopped watching the show. Now, without getting this into a "Biggest Loser" rant, let me explain how the show helps certain fitness professionals.

Each season, the show airs and the inspiration motivates most overweight viewers. The "Biggest Loser" TV show resembles a late night info-commercial that entices lazy, overweight individuals to get up and do something. Some commercial facilities even stage their version of the program in their facility. Believe it or not, this draws business. And business always picks up in the weeks leading up to the show's finale. Why?

People get jacked.
People get stoked.
People get excited and say to themselves, "I can do that".

I have had 11 clients come to me in the past 4 years weighing over 260 pounds. The heaviest was 387. In each initial consultation, each client told me they were "sick of being fat" and "were inspired by the "Biggest Loser" show. I am not advocating that each client undergoes the same--sometimes ridiculous--training program that is featured on the show, but these people come to you with momentum. The show CREATED the momentum and it is the trainer's job to solidify the "need" for a trained professional to guide them through.

In terms of the theoretical model of change, the precontemplation and contemplation stages are covered by viewing the TV show. When speaking to your potential client, if you (the trainer) can create the need to "lose weight now while we have momentum", then they will likely share in your enthusiasm and purchase sessions.

Top 5 Easiest Clients to Attain

2009-10-05T06:15:00.004-04:00

Take it from a personal trainer who actually trains and makes his living finding clients to train.

Over the years, I have seen "trends"--commonalities in the people that walk in and inquire about my services. The first few years, I didn't quite understand how to sell my services. I tried to sell to everyone the same way. All I talked about was the "benefits of exercise can do this, this, and this..."

Blah, blah, blah...everyone knows the benefits of exercise. Its everywhere. So they don't need me to sell them on that.

However, when I began to see trends in the common needs of the customers coming up to me, I realized that I can tailor my presentation based on what I observed and what I was told through my initial rapport. Let's face it, initial marketing does not end until they sign the contract and you receive the first payment. (And even after that, marketing your services doesn't end, but by then the results your clients achieve become your marketing).

I realized that if I can accentuate and emphasize certain aspects of my sales presentation, I can get them to agree with me more and more. The more they agreed with me, the more I knew they were going to buy my services. Don't get me wrong. This took me years to understand. This took alot of effort to decipher the common "signs" that I would see when a potential client walked in with a spouse, parent, or friend. I call it Client Profiling. I talk about this at length here.

So, once I learned how to curtail my service description to them, I realized that I had the power to get clients depending on how much effort I put in to earn their trust, and ultimately, their money. Sounds like trickery, right? Wrong. There are no tricks. Results were achieved. There were no empty promises. I want to help the right candidates, and in order for me to do that, I need to convince them that I am the right person to do so.

So I came up with 5 specific target markets that I realized are very easy markets to sell to. My rankings are based on how EASY it is to close the sale for each group. Don't get me wrong...many factors go into each sales presentation--season, time of the year, schedule, dedication, support, history, etc, etc...

I have to take these factors into account when formulating my rankings. In the end, they are based on how precise I am in pressing the right "buttons" that initiate a customer to agree that I am the right person to lead them to their goals, and eventually pay my fees. My list will describe the specific groups in order of most successful and easily attained. These rankings may fluctuate depending on your own community, locale, and demographics. So here is my number #5:

#5.) Young Athletes with Overzealous Parents

Parents of young athletes always have dollar signs in their eyes when they look at junior's young athletic career. They think they will be the parent of the next recipient of a 5-year extended contract and 20 million dollar salary. Truth is, aspirations are nice to have...but chances are slim. However, they will rob from junior's college fund to hire a trainer to help their child "reach the next level". Whatever the next level is--the most important thing is to make it fun, safe, and sport-specific. Parents are always eager to have their child participate in training "just like the pros"; and they will pay top dollar for it. If you say the right things to a parent, they will take those dollar signs and put them into your pocket.

How to Get Started in Personal Training?

2009-09-30T06:52:00.003-04:00

Just want to drop a quick post about my new project with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I am working with them on a new course that will aid many solo fitness professionals. I can't go into too much detail about the project, but it is titled "Business Development for the Independent Fitness Professional".

I firmly believe that the NASM has developed the most complete and comprehensive personal training course available. It is--without hesitation--the number one certifying body that I look for when hiring trainers, and one that I truly believe can help you be the best fitness professional you can possibly be.

What does being the best mean?

It means delivering results for your clients, as well as earning a distinction among your peers and potential customers. The organization is strong, supportive, and distinguished among a sea of so-called other "certifying bodies".

Sure you can start your career with a foot-in-the-door certification, but now NASM has put together a terrific course for those that are just starting out. The Introduction to Personal Fitness Training course contains three chapters from me that detail what to expect in the personal training profession and gets you ready for the NASM-CPT course.

During these tough economic times, changing a career or starting one are not easy feats. Being prepared is your best weapon and NASM helps you do that. Pick up your copy of the course today!

Raising the Bar Book Review

2009-09-28T06:28:00.004-04:00

I don't know Dave Tate. I don't know power-lifting that much either. I have participated in the main 3 lifts in my college days and still perform each during my regular training--but I am no power-lifter. I recently began reading EliteFTS.com on a regular basis. I have written two articles for EliteFTS.com--including this one and this one. Recently, in my last order through the website, I received Dave's new book, "Raising the Bar".

On one of the last days of summer, I went to the beach and I read the entire book. Trust me, its a good sized-read, but I was so engulfed in the content that I could not possibly put it down. Dave's words transpired through the text and it felt like he was speaking directly to me. In "Raising the Bar", Dave highlights the challenges and obstacles he had faced growing up in a suburb of Ohio. From being constantly picked on for his learning disabilities and beat up by the neighborhood bullies, Dave explains how his love for weight-lifting became his solace and passion. The book really dives into how Dave's mindset has transformed over the years and how a life dependent solely on himself, has changed due to the trials he has endured. He is giving back to those that have helped him, and his introspection outlines a model for motivation.

The book is a great read. I really related to it simply because I discovered weight-lifting to fill a void in my life in my younger years. I was chubby, non-athletic, and shy growing up. When I purchased my first weight-lifting set at 15, I was hooked on seeing my muscles grow and my strength increase. I became more confident and my physical abilities began to improve. I was becoming more athletic, and rather than being picked last during recess games or gym class--I was being picked first. It was a process that bred initiative in me. It was a process that changed my life and empowered me. I felt in control of myself and realized everything is a choice that I CAN make.

"Raising the Bar" brought back many memories for me as I lay on the beach that day reading it. It made me think about the paths and turns I have taken in my life. Some good, some bad. However with every lesson lived, there is a lesson learned. Check out "Raising the Bar". It is a great read and highly recommended by yours truly.

Trainer Professionalism Tip #5

2009-09-25T06:10:00.003-04:00

In this age of text messages, email, and voicemails, there really is not a way to escape communication. Unless, you choose to. However, as a fitness professional trying to maintain a business during tough economic times, it is encouraged for you to show courtesy and professionalism towards your customers--even when you are not training them. What does that mean? Professionally speaking, it is always wise to return messages--email or voicemail--within a 24 hour period.

Trainers that let messages slide to voicemail or the recycle bin without any acknowledgment, can be seen as careless, inadequate, and amateurish. The easiest way to lose business, is to neglect your clients when they contact you for any means. Seems unreasonable, right. Well, cumulatively speaking if you neglect a paying customer for so long, something will suffer.

Your client called to tell you they can't make next week's appointment? Call them back and reschedule.

Your client's neighbor called and wants to meet with you for a possible session. Call them back while the pot (motivation) burns hot.

Client calls you to find out the name of a certain product. Call them back and give them the information.

You will be surprised at how much respect you can gain by simply taking a few minutes out of your day to return phone calls or emails. As part of every business model, customer satisfaction also means treating them with courtesy. Plan an hour in your day to return messages. I prefer using email. 90% of my clientele uses email to contact me and it works well, because it cuts down on the phone chatter, and I can be sure to keep all emails as record.

Execution, Not Excuses: Low Back Pain

2009-09-23T06:12:00.002-04:00

Back pain...just the sound of it strikes fear in over 80% of Americans. With the amount of people that experience low back pain, you would wonder why there aren't more late-nite info gadgets on the market. Well...I mean there is this and this, but not much of anything that the victim is actually doing to rectify the back pain.
I work very closely with golfers and I think I have heard the words "low back pain" everyday for the last 349 days straight. However, when I probe into what types of exercises and modalities that have used to alleviate their pain, I hear the same response: "nothing". That response is followed by the following:

"I try to stretch it"
"I ride a cart rather than walk to spare my back."
"I try to warm up before I play."
"I just take some over-the-counter medicine to keep the pain bearable".

It sounds like a whole-lotta excuses and not enough execution. Upon meeting a new client with back pain, I'll observe static posture and gluteal performance. If I see any evidence of an atrophied gluteal muscle, the first step is helping to bring that muscle up to par. As I detailed in this article, gluteal function is the "anchor" of the entire posterior chain and without it, the lumbar spine must compensate for movements and absorb sheer forces.

The first and most effective way to get people to "feel" their glute muscle fire is the Quadruped Glute/Hip Extension. In the video below, I use a dowel placed on my back. The dowel serves as a reference point of contact for the back of the head, scapulae, and buttocks.

Each of these areas MUST remain in contact with the dowel during the actual execution of the exercise. The movement is fairly small--and is highly dependent on glute firing, core activation, and absolutely no lumbar extension throughout the movement. When all contacts remain on the dowel, it makes for a very challenging movement--but one that is surely effective.

Doing something about low back pain is never an easy feat. But an initiative must be made that is proven and sound. Things like this don't add up:

For more on defeating low back pain, try this.

How to "Fire" a Client - Part 3

2009-09-21T05:54:00.001-04:00

In Part 1 we discussed how we can determine if your client's behavior is affecting your attitude as a working fitness professional. In Part 2, we learned how to actually "let go" of a client in a way that is professional, courteous, and non-demeaning.

Some may say that "firing" clients is the last thing you want to do in tough economic times, and I agree. But severing a relationship with a paying customer is the last resort and only warranted if you, the trainer, absolutely LOATH a particular client or their attitude. Poor attitudes by clients cause a domino effect and not only drag the trainer down; but affect the energy and mood of the entire workday. The culminating effect of the stress can risk the ENTIRE business.

Actually "firing" a client should be conducted privately and professionally. It is wise to take the proper steps to ensure that your reputation is not damaged and your integrity is intact. Here are some quick tips:

1.) Write everything down. Keep a log or jot notes in a folder regarding your client's attitude and response to the sessions. Any weird comments or snide remarks should be noted and dated.

2.) Keep every email or voicemail. Arm yourself with evidence of changes in attitude. You can always refer back to this info to support your decision or present it to the client. Sometimes, people do not remember"being a jerk" when they say or write things. But their effect can take a toll on you--remembered or not. Show them.

3.) Highlight areas of the contract that state the relationship can be severed under your conditions. If it's stated in the contract at the time the client looked it over and signed it, you have a good reason to let them go. For instance: contracts can dictate that if a client misses a number of sessions without a notification; if a client is continuously late; if a client does not adhere to the program; or if the client makes others feel uneasy. If you have it in writing, you can let them go. Make a copy of that contract and give them a copy.

4.) Plan on a refund. If you keep their money, you lose the initiative. You look like a bad guy. If you plan correctly, budget a refund as soon as you "fire" the client. Make it known that you simply want to cut all ties. Refunding them for unused sessions will save yourself from any legalities that may arise. As I detailed in Part 2, give the client a list of fitness professionals in the area that may work with them.

5.) Do not talk about the incident with others. If you have higher-tiered staff or business partner, you may want to alert them of your decision. Do not, under any circumstances, talk about the incident with clients--even if you feel you can trust them. In a situation like this, it is best to let it "dissolve". The less you talk about it, the more likely it will go away.

But what if it doesn't go away?

Your newly "fired" client may feel insulted or disgruntled. If they don't wanna go down without a fight or smear your business to others, you need to be ready. In this situation, you can draft up a notice that reinforces the conditions of your contract and display it in view of others. If asked, you can be genuine--yet professional--without leaking out too much info. If others ask, you can simply give them minor details. Good businesses don't "air out their dirty laundry", and others should respect that. Or you can go the military route and create a diversion:

How do you do that?

Immediately hold a free trial offer of bootcamp classes.

Raffle off sessions

Purchase a prize (Flat screen TV, gift cards, iPod, etc) and hold a contest for most referred clients.

Create a new program that involves a group (walking group, biking group, running group)

Create a social network and ask everyone to join.

Have a guest speaker come in for a free seminar (doctor, etc)

If you market it effectively and immediately, the smoke will blow over sooner than you think. You will be on your way to feeling better about your day and the decrease in stress levels will enable you to focus more energy on the business. Remember, you shouldn't be minimizing your client load--only increasing it. "Firing" a client is your last resort. However, the elation you feel once a negative energy is removed from your life is unexplainable. Your positive clients will appreciate your newfound happiness!

Interview with Tom Goodwin of UK

2009-09-18T06:31:00.000-04:00

I was interviewed by Tom Godwin of UK-based personal training Foresight Fitness Services. Check it out!

http://www.foresight-fitness.co.uk/blog/2009/09/14/john-izzo-interview/

More Shatterproof Feedback

2009-09-16T06:29:00.000-04:00

Before we get into Part 3 of "How to Fire a Client", I wanted to share some feedback about Shatterproof Spine DVD. This one comes from a Mike Robertson:

“Shatterproof Spine is foundational material for any strength coach or personal trainer. The concepts that John outlines are critical to not only keeping someone healthy, but improving their performance as well. What’s more, this DVD provides practical instruction and exercise demonstrations to make sure you not only have the foundational knowledge, but the practical coaching skills as well.

Shatterproof Spine is a solid resource and one that will benefit many coaches and trainers alike.”

-Mike Robertson

Co-Owner, IFAST

Strength Coach

Check out for yourself why this video will help you understand how back pain begins and how to end it!

How to "Fire" a Client - Part 2

2009-09-14T06:48:00.003-04:00

In Part 1, I spoke in regards to some signs that you, the trainer, can experience when your client begins to display a different attitude from when you first began. I also provided a list of questions to ask yourself to help you evaluate the relationship between you and your client; and to help you assess this change in behavior.

Let's face it...working with people can be great experience--if you are a people person--which I hope you are because if you are not, than you really going to have a hard time in this field. Like I wrote in my book, "you need to be a people person FIRST, then an exercise fanatic second."

However, when the business is strongly dependent on the relationships with your clients (customers), it puts alot of pressure on the trainer to remain "cool" when a client deviates from the program; complains, whines, or misses a few workouts. The trainer needs to remain steadfast--but professional...direct, but respectful. So what to do when the trainer is fulfilling his end of the deal, but the client is losing interest, missing sessions, arriving late, gets frustrated, or is simply a jerk when he/she does arrive?

I'll tell you a personal story:

My client "Bill" was a 58 year old executive in a large investment firm. He was an avid golfer and stressed to me how "great he used to be at golf and tennis". Bill and I would meet once a week for about 40 minutes to work on some golf specific exercise, mobility drills, and stretching. Some days Bill would arrive visibly stressed and frustrated from his day at the office. He was making great strides in training along the weeks: his swing was looking smoother, his shoulder flexibility increased, and his trunk was gaining strength. But it wasn't good enough for him.

About 6 weeks after our initial start, Bill began arriving to the session seemingly upset about something that occurred to him. He would grind his teeth and speak to me in short burst of sentences, and say he "had" to get a "a better turn on his back swing". Or "he wasn't getting the velocity he wanted on the ball".

When I taught Bill new drills, he looked terrible. As his trainer, I wasn't happy with the technique he was using or the form he executed. I would stop the drill and break it down into parts. Bill would get frustrated. When I spoke to Bill, he towered over me. I was his coach, his preceptor, I was "his boss" for 40 minutes every week. I was stern and direct with him--all 5'6" of me! Bill's eyebrows would crinkle on his 6'1" frame and he would "yell at himself" if he didn't get something right. I encouraged him to stay positive and praised him every time he performed a drill better.

As the weeks went on, I began to frown onto my appointment book whenever it was Tuesday and see I had Bill scheduled for 4pm. I knew the session was going to consist of dealing with an upset man who was not content with the progress and a loss of motivation on his part.

One day, I had to cancel Bill's session with me in order to visit the doctor's for a check-up. I gave Bill a call at his office at 9am that day. When I spoke to him, I let him know that I had a doctor's appointment at 3:30pm and would not be available for our session. It was understandable seeing that I made the appointment weeks before I met Bill and rescheduling it would mean pushing it down another 4 weeks. Bill grew agitated with me over the phone and threatened to end our sessions! I was bewildered at his attitude and not sure how to react. At first I thought he was joking with me, but he seemed serious. With the proper demeanor, I managed to calm him and convince him that I can see him on a different day for this one week. He agreed.

When I hung up the phone I was convinced that Bill was stressing me out. I wasn't looking forward to our sessions anymore. I dreaded Tuesday and my morning clients leading up his appointment can see a change in my attitude. I was leaving work stressed because of this one person. There was only one thing I can do...

Letting a client go is not an easy thing to do. It is a risk for your business. It can show that you "don't care enough about your business or your client", or it can mean that you "really mean business" . If you mean business, you better back it up with client results. Luckily I did. And people knew that. My other clients also knew that I am very tolerate and patient--but things have to be done my way in a session and they NEED to relax all barriers when it is time to train. But when a particular client is affecting your mood, stress or energy levels, and ultimately, affecting your business--it is time to remove them from your list in a professional manner.

1.) Start with direct communication - phone call. Call your client at a time when you know it is convenient for them. If your client is handling 2 children at 9am, don't call then. If you know, your client relaxes after dinner, try calling then. If you call your client while they are at work, make sure they can accept calls and try calling on a break. I called Bill in the mid-morning when I knew he was done with meetings. I also called Bill at work, because I knew he was a higher up and could accept calls. Be polite, but be firm. Explain to your client that their attitude is affecting you. Explain to them how their attitude hurts your business. Explain the training session content. Talk about the progress they have made. Don't focus solely on negativity. Talk about how much progress they have made.

NOTE: Communicating with your client may help them change their attitude. If they can hear how their attitude affects others, they may consider changing it. This is good, but if you are steadfast on removing him from your list, move on...

2.) Offer your client a hard-copy of the exercise program and any paperwork associated with it.

3.) Refund your client any monies for unused sessions. Perform number 2 before this step. It shows that you are offering something to them in exchange for this inconvenience. (Lets be honest, this is an inconvenience for your client. If they really didn't like you, they would have "fired" you.) Don't wait to refund them. This can get ugly if you do.

4.) Suggest a different trainer. If you have a network of colleagues, give your client the names and contact info of them. Explain to your client that it may be a "better fit".

5.) Upon mutual agreement, follow up in writing. Send an email ("CC" to yourself) or send a letter to the client's home detailing that there has been communication between the client and yourself; sessions have agreed to be ceased, refunds for unused sessions has been issued, and a suggested list of available professionals has been provided.

Keep this letter or email in your records. If you have this conversation in person with your client, I suggest you have a third person in the facility or close by. They don't need to be in the same room, but have them in visible view of the conversation. You can also draft a letter of session cessation and present it to your client. However, in order to prevent aggression or dissatisfaction with this situation, always have a the refund paperwork ready. Don't hesitate on giving a client back his money. Holding on to their money is one way to rub your name and business in the dirt.

In part 3 of this series, I'll explain what happens after this...

Coach Dos Remedios Interview

2009-09-11T06:06:00.002-04:00

Could you believe that summer is coming to an end? Temperatures begin to drop, leaves will begin to change color, and schools and sports will get under way. Certainly, athletes return to school anticipating a successful season and no one has higher hopes than each school's strength & conditioning coach. They have prepared their athletes all year long, and they enter that crucial time to keep them healthy, strong, and ready for battle.

Strength Coach Robert "Dos" Remedios was kind enough to give me some time before his athletes' season gets underway to discuss his thoughts on his field, training, and what is in store for him in the upcoming months. Click on the link below to access the interview!

The Decree of Dos: An Interview with Coach Dos Remedios

How to "Fire" a Client - Part 1

2009-09-09T06:37:00.010-04:00

Working one-on-one with clients can be a hugely rewarding experience for any trainer at any level. Translating your passion of exercise into a viable business is truly an example of experiencing the American Dream. It is what the personal training profession strives on and why the fitness industry continues to grow each year.

When a trainer obtains a new client, it is an opportunity to change the life of someone, who otherwise, may have not done it without professional help. It is an opportunity to show a client that there is a "mapped route" to their goal--they simply have to follow the direction of the guide (You). The experience becomes somewhat of a revelation to the client--simply because they tend to learn more about themselves and become more comfortable in their own skin--especially around you (the trainer).

However, there are times when the experience turns stressful and lines are crossed. Sometimes the relationship between the trainer and client changes from a simple exchange of words brought on by inconsistent moods, stress, or emergencies. Other times, a client may forget that the trainer serves as the preceptor and that coaching involves incorporating different strategies to achieve the desired outcome.

Everyone has a bad day, right? And a passionate job should not have to be a stressful job--all the time. There are times when coaching others can be stressful and energy-consuming, but we do it for the "love of the game". However, there are those that do not like to surrender themselves during instruction and coaching. There are times when the very people we are trying to help--become difficult, abrasive, and antagonistic. They arrive to a session upset, frustrated, stressed, or their attitude contrasts your personality.

What I am going to talk about in the next couple of parts is how to distinguish if a client is simply having a bad day...or is problematic (meaning...time to let them go). The easiest way to distinguish the difference between the two is simple:

Bad day - Short term (usually 1 day, possible 2-3 days; brought on by a stressful situation in the client's personal life)

Problematic - Long term (typically runs over 1 week; usually a change of attitude coinciding with a change in behavior, adherence, communication, and approach)

There are other ways to evaluate why a client's attitude may have changed. Here is a few questions to ask yourself about your relationship with your client.

1.) Did your client experience a traumatic event in their life, job, or current relationship (small scale vs. large scale) in recent history?

2.) Was there a something inappropriately said between you (trainer) and your client in recent history?

3.) Has there been a change in punctuality? Yours or your client's?

4.) Have you changed your fees? Possible increase?

5.) Has your clients not experienced any changes in their progress? Has there been any progress? (Note: length of time)

6.) Has your client suffered any injuries recently? (Injuries will put a damper on attitude in people that are goal-oriented)

7.) Has there been an event outside of the client session between you and your client that may have changed the relationship?

8.) Does your client not leave his/her job at the workplace?

9.) is your client fixated on numbers on the scale? or body fat?

10.) And lastly, who controls the session? You or your client?

In part 2, we will see how to exactly "sever" your relationship with a hostile or uncooperative client.

In part 3, we will examine "why" it is important to do this and what repercussions may come about.

Save Your Time - 10 Quick Tips

2009-09-04T06:40:00.004-04:00

On Wednesday, I talked about saving the precious time that we have in life. My focus, as a fitness professional, is not only to help you change your physique and achieve your gaols, but it also to enhance your quality of life. I can do that for you indirectly. Besides making you feel good and look good, I can also instruct you on how to achieve your goals in less time. Thus, this makes you a more efficient lifter and because you save more time--in the gym--it gives you more time to focus on YOU, your family, your diet, and your hobbies--while reducing stress and increasing time management.

But first things first....

I have to teach you how to cut your gym time almost in HALF!

Here are 10 quick (although humorous) tips:

1.) When you drive to the gym, think about what you are going to do. Period. Play the entire session out in your mind. What will you lift? How will you lift it? How much weight will you use? Which exercise will you go to next? Imagine yourself performing each exercise. Plan your strategy and path on the exercise floor.

2.) Upon entering the gym, keep your mind clear. Forget the day. You are spending the next 45 minutes of your time on you. Forget what your boss told you, forget the argument you had with your friend, and forget the disagreement you had with your spouse. The next 45 minute time period belongs to you and make sure you treat it nicely.

3.) Do you know how to smile? Use it. Don't greet people. Just smile. A smile is ten times more powerful in American culture, than actually conversing with someone. Keep your greetings short and concise. Keep conversation to non-existent. Put on your headphones and crank up your iPod.

4.) Don't spend the first 5 minutes looking for a magazine, or TV remote. That is procrastination. It is your mind telling you there is hard-work ahead, but you are delaying it. Get it done!

5.) Rest periods should feel like rest--no pauses. As lifters, many of us take an entirely too lengthy of a break in between sets. There is absolutely no reason, to take 5 WHOLE minutes in between sets of tricep press-downs. I don't care what you read about rep schemes and strength, hypertrophy, and power. Excessive rest..defined as sitting on the bench texting or watching the television overhead, is a waste of time and is simply detrimental to training and conditioning. Rest periods should never move beyond the minute mark--only unless you are training with max loads.

6.) Lose the phone. There is absolutely no need to communicate with anyone during "your personal" time. Cut off all outside interference. Leave the cell in the car. Your mind must stay focused on the session. Remember tips #1 & #2?

7.) Compound movement, compound sets, and circuits. Pick 5-6 exercises you want to perform on your way to the gym. Keep advanced movements that involved multiple joints (compounds) first in your workout. You will need to be fresher for these. Then, begin your workout with a heavy set of compound movements (deadlifts, chins, squats) and polish it off with a n easy exercise--maybe an isolation fits nicely here. This will serve as an active recovery of sorts, so they your "real" rest will be deserved and short. Keep exercises going. Plan on circuits so that you save time. If you are not sure how to do this, then you might want to check this out.

8.) Do you really need to write EVERYTHING? Seriously, I am a fan of tracking progress, but hell, do you need to keep track of everything you do--especially when there is no change? this is what I look at when I see one's composition book: 125x12, 155x10, 185x8, 205x6 for 5 straight weeks!! There is a easier and more efficient way to track your progress and save yourself some time.

9.) Short burst cardio. I am fortunate enough to have access to an AirDyne cycle, so my cardio becomes a 10-minute "polisher" after my strength training. The cardio is simply a 10 minute session derived of "bursts" or intervals. This is also coined as "HIIT". You can perform this on any piece of cardio equipment or surface. Short, strenuous bursts of elevated heart rate with a short recovery promotes EPOC (excessive post exercise oxygen consumption) and burns more calories in a shorter amount of time.

10.) Make time for flexibility. Take the last 5 minutes of your workout to perform some static stretching. Unlike what popular literature states of holding stretched poses for up to 30 seconds--which is an uncanny waste of time, hold each stretch for up to 8 seconds. However, make sure it IS a stretch! So many people like to "stretch" in their comfort zone and perform poses they they are efficient in. Real flexibility training involves stretching muscles in nagging, discomforting positions. When you feel that...then you know its a stretch and that is why it is held for only 8 seconds. Short holds performed daily save you more time and ensure you will do them more.

Most Precious Commodity: Time

2009-09-02T06:20:00.004-04:00

Time...it is such a precious thing. Many of us don't have enough of it; while some of us have plenty of it. Some of us would give anything to save ourselves some time. The world moves so fast...free time seems to resemble the fading sun as the end of the day (which always seems to be more and more near). We play with our kids with one eye on the clock; and we lose time everyday doing many futile tasks that equal to little or nothingness.

As I stand in the middle of the gym floor on any given day at 4pm EST, I see so much time wasted. Like a car driving endlessly around the neighborhood, depleting its gas tank...or coins be thrown over a cliff until the pockets are empty...it saddens me to see so many gym goers "report" to the gym and become almost 'robotic' during their routines. Their exercise routine seems like a mindless waste of precious time--time that they can be spent with loved ones, completing tasks, and enjoying life. Just like those coins and gas being depleted, so do our lives. We aspire to enhance the quality of our lives, but our efforts almost deplete the very life we are trying to save.

Do yourself a favor...enjoy your life. Don't be so hard on yourself for wanting to eat that barbecue rib at your cousin's cookout; or if you'd rather stay home with a loved one; or want to see a matinée rather than hit the gym. If you are confident in your commitment to your goal, there is always another day to resume your journey.