Often a question asked is "where do I start?"  Do I start with sit ups, a bit of running or by going on a diet? 

The marketeer in me says that the answer to that question is that the first thing you need to do is to give me a call.  But that's not the real answer is it.  Of course you need to speak to a trainer, but the first thing is to actually decide on what you want to achieve.

I worked with a couple recently who wanted to get fit for their wedding.  So I asked why.  Their first answer was so that they could look good.  Which seemed a reasonable answer but when you think about it you have to question what that really means.  So I did.  After talking to the clients what it came down to was that when they looked back at their wedding photos in later years they wanted to see two fit, healthy and happy people on the happiest day of their life surrounded by the ones they loved.  So the driver for them was not just for the day, but forever.  Once I understood this I then put the program and the motivational concepts together so that they would achieve their goals. 

They did by the way.  In 8 weeks they lost 3% - 5% body fat each, they gave up smoking, their complexions changed and he was delighted with his 'pecs' and the 'six pack' he'd never seen before.  But ultimately they knew that they could look back on that day knowing that they really were having the best day of their lives.

The key for me therefore is not just in the prescription of a program.  I can give you countless pieces of paper with all sorts of exercises on it.  The key is in helping you and motivating you to stick to it.  And most of all enjoy sticking to it.  The harder you find it, the less likely you are to achieve your goals.  The more we can think about the reason (the real reason that is) then the easier it is for you to complete your journey.

The phrase going on a diet has so many negative connotations and impractical associations that it really should be banned.  (It's banned in my house anyway!).  Nobody wants to go on a diet.  But people do want to achieve different things and some of those things can only be achieved by changes to dietary habits.  So the mindset really is about what positive actions and images do we need in order for you to change your habits and engage in a lifestyle to help you achieve your goals.  The thing is, only you really know that.

So when you consider “where do I start?”, think about what the end goal will look like or feel like to you.  Will it be receiving positive comments in the office about how good you look?  Will it be being able to stay active with the children and grandchildren and enjoying your time with them?  Will it be beating your best friend and arch-rival and having gloating rights for the first time ever?

Because once you know where the end is, then the place to start is easy.  So yes, pick up the phone to your trainer.  Share your real goals with them and then help them to help you achieve what you want to achieve.  If they know what you really want then they can deliver it with you in a way that really helps you complete your journey.  Enjoy your training and enjoy achieving those goals!