Simply Wow!!!

This week I’ve decided to write about a recent success story that I was able to witness from start to finish…

Almost one year ago a woman called and I was the lucky one to answer our phone.  It started as any other call would with someone asking for information regarding our services.  Her questions were the normal questions that we get asked all of the time;

1)      What type of services do you offer? -> We have 1:1 and Small Group personal training

2)      How does it work? -> It is different for every person, what are the goals?

3)      Weight loss is the main goal, and more than 100 lbs. -> Our program is dictated by our first assessment together.  We will test flexibility, strength, endurance, posture, injury risk, and everything else that one can think of in order to develop a program right for that person.  Once all the tests are done we will write a program, a cardio prescription, and give nutritional advice, all based on where they are currently at with regards to each item and their goals.

4)      How many days per week? -> Our recommendation will depend on a couple of factors.  Based upon how quickly one would like to see results, their time available to work towards those goals, the budget we are working with, and how committed one is outside of the studio.

5)      How much does it cost? -> It depends, in a basic sense we have over 10 different options to work with ranging from two visits per week to four visits per week.  It will also depend on your choice, or capability, of 1:1 and/or small group training.  We will not recommend the cheapest option if you are not likely to succeed with it, or perhaps have injuries or limitations that we need to work around.  There have actually been times that people have come in with no real prior work out knowledge, in situations like that we may need to spend some time making sure you do not get hurt.

6)      And the last question was the one that threw me for a loop.  “Can my brother and I meet with you?  I read up on your profiles online and I think he would bond the most with you.” -> I will make sure that I am here so we can all meet, and I will perform his free session and consultation.

Unfortunately we receive phone calls weekly about people have big goals, and most of those people never reach those goals. Typically people are just unsure about what they want in life.  Losing 100 lbs. is a huge feat, especially in less than a years’ time.  When I sat down with him and asked him his goals, asked him by when, and explained the things that would have to happen he had a different look than most in his eye.  He was determined to shop in a regular clothing store, he no longer wanted to be out of breath when trying to do the things he enjoyed, and he wanted to be back to “normal”.

From day one there was the willingness to do exactly as we asked of him.  He asked the “why” questions and wanted to learn but never debated its effectiveness, and never said that he “can’t do it”.  We saw him do his cardio, we saw him eat better than he had been, and we saw him become a completely different person than he was when we first met him, both physically and mentally.

Simply put, to be part of a change like this is extremely rewarding, and honestly, just simply really awesome!  My suggestions to those of you that are looking to make some big changes in your life are simple.  Find a place that makes you feel comfortable.  Make sure that they care about you and your goals.  Don’t get fooled by the “revolutionary”, or the “best price in town”, or even the “fake success stories”.  I’ve seen too many people have fake testimonials or success stories attached to their business, too many places advertise their state of the art equipment and computerized “stuff”, too many places promise the universe but only care about your dollar. 

An honest personal trainer (or facility) will not be afraid to tell you what you need, how much it will cost, or how often you need to work out.  They should not tell you it will be easy, but rather tell you it will be worth it in the end.  They should not try to suck you in with great advertising or things other than what you are looking for.  Don’t choose just based on price, or based on the “fun” equipment they have, or what your friend is doing.  You should choose your place based upon the warm and fuzzy feeling you get when you walk in the door, the fact that they are going to work with you every step of the way, the knowledgeable team that they have working with you towards your goals, and simple put, where you are the most comfortable.

As always, good luck working towards your fitness goals.  Feel free to ask me questions or request certain topics be written.  And on one last note, I’d like to say how proud I am of the person who has lost 100 lbs. and dramatically changed his life.  I only wish that the entire world had your determination and dedication.

-Steve