More than just a Personal Trainer

I want to address an issue that I find far too common in the fitness industry. There are too many trainers out there who are out of shape themselves and they fail to inspire their clients. This is a huge problem when inspiration is a major factor in why a client would even approach a professional in the first place. A client is seeking motivation and striving for encouragement.

I purposely don't call myself a Personal Trainer because I offer so much more than simply showing a client a few exercises. I design specifically-tailored training programs, offer nutritional and lifestyle advice, deliver encouragement and support 24-7. More importantly though, I practice what I preach. 

Unlike most trainers out there, I consider myself to be an advert of my own teachings because if a trainer isn't, it's because of a failing for one of two reasons.

They may lack the precise knowledge of exercise and nutrition in order for they themselves to achieve a healthy, functional body. They have passed the bare minimum certifications and rely on those pieces of paper as their sole source of information. Quite simply, this is worlds away from what they should know and it is completely the wrong attitude to have when the world of health and fitness is constantly moving forward in terms of science and progress. A professional must always aim to be current if they hope to offer the best advice possible.

Alternatively, they may lack the motivation and the drive to do it themselves. Some trainers might say they are 'too busy' or have another excuse. I don't care. If your trade is to help others live healthier lives or help some achieve their athletic goals and ambitions, one barrier they will also no doubt need to overcome is 'a busy life' or a lack of time. If a trainer can't, or doesn't know how to, overcome this barrier themselves, how can they advise their clients on how to do the same?

If a trainer is out of shape, or appears unhealthy, they are severely lacking one of the above two qualities, or indeed, both. In which case, why turn to someone for advice when they don't have anything to offer you? Why look for drive and enthusiasm from someone who doesn't have any themselves?

I will always strive to lead from the front. I have always been ahead of the game in terms of knowledge and I am continually researching and studying the science behind everything concerning health and fitness.

Below are my recent body composition scores. They speak for themselves.

If there’s a highlight here, it’s the Visceral Fat score (displayed on the right-hand side). Visceral fat is body fat that is stored within the abdominal cavity and is therefore stored around a number of important internal organs such as the liver, pancreas and intestines. Storing high amounts of visceral fat is linked to heart disease and associated with increased risks of many dangerous health problems, including type 2 diabetes, strokes, various cancers, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Levels of visceral fat can go unnoticed because they are not visible to the eye but their effects will definitely be felt. Sometimes too late.

The scale ranges from 0 to 20. I scored a 1.

Also reported was a large amount of lean muscle mass and very small percentage body fat (4.9%). This results in a highly-functional, high-performance, healthy body for everyday life, sports and exercise.

My approach to health and fitness doesn’t end there. For I believe that a healthy body must be fit, strong and flexible. I teach that in order for anyone to look strong, a person must become strong. To look fit, become fit. By striving for these two qualities, a lean, healthy body and sharp mind will be the result.

Myself, I can 'Clean and Jerk' over 100kg, run 1.5 miles in under 9 minutes, run 6 miles in under 43 minutes, Deadlift 200kg+, Squat 170kg+…. the list goes on. I'm still improving and will always strive to be better tomorrow than I was yesterday.

I'm not posting this article to be vain for I don't post any photos of myself, only my clients. Why? Because as a coach, it is my job and my passion to help OTHERS. I love helping those who might lack the 'know-how' or require a little (or a lot!) of encouragement. I get a huge sense of satisfaction hearing the fantastic results and achievements of my clients.

But I feel it is necessary for you to know that I am a product of my own advice and drive.

EVERY Personal Trainer should be.

I am all of that and more. That's why I'm a Coach.