When we start on a new plan we need direction. If you were looking to compete in CrossFit, your plan will look a hell of a lot different than someone who wants to lose 30lb.
And you don’t only have to make one goal. Make a few goals, some long term, some shorter term. Give yourself a true idea of what you are looking to accomplish.
So, your goals are made now you have to access your ability. Where are you starting from, your injury history, lifestyle, training style, schedule. All these things will play into your ability from the start.
Easy enough right.
Now, when I work with someone I want these two aspects, your wants and needs. But there are 3 other goals that I am shooting for when I train anyone.
I am going to cop out and say that my main goal is to help you reach your goal, but that is a given!
GOAL #1:
Create a good relationship
This is two fold. Not only do I want to create a good relationship with that person on an individual level, I also want them to build a good relationship with exercise.
If I can build a strong relationship with someone then the trust we have is going to only get stronger with time. We can be as honest as can be with one another and know that I am there for their best interest.
Now for the relationship with the gym, we don’t want to create bad habits. We want the gym to be a place you not only feel comfortable but the place you find some enjoyment.
Maybe it’s not “enjoyable” like going to a football game or skydiving, but enjoyable in the sense that you know there is a positive benefit coming from your time in the gym.
GOAL #2:
Get Healthier
No matter what someone’s original goal is, I will never make strides toward that goal at the expense of their overall health.
It’s not worth It and I try to make that clear to just about every single person. If your health is not improving, I’m not doing my job.
And this is not to say we don’t work hard or push ourselves. The way I see It, the greater your overall health, the easier ALL the other goals become.
Health is first.
GOAL #3:
Build Autonomy
Not everyone is going to train with me forever and I know that. BUT, if we can create understanding around the things we do, that autonomy will build with every single session.
When the time does come for whatever reason, I want to feel confident that the people I work with can continue with their training. And not just continue training but continue seeing real results.
The main reason I put a goal of relationship with the gym at the top of the list is for that autonomy.
If we see the positive impact the gym has and associate that with positive things in your life, then you will continue to train for years down the line and use It as a tool to help your life.
These three goals can be at the forefront of just about any training routine and I think above all else, creating healthy, strong habits is always the easiest route to take.
In good health,
Jeff
