The other morning I was listening to the radio on the way to work and this couple came on and they were discussing their goals to lose 70lbs each, so 140lbs total before their wedding date. As the man on the radio was telling his story and saying with great confidence and excitement that they were going to reach their goals, you couldn’t help but be excited for him as well. This made me think in a way that I have never truly considered before in my life. See I have always been naturally thin and athletic so being overweight was never an issue for me. As a personal trainer I have been training overweight and obese clients for years, but I never considered how it may be hard for them not only physically but more mentally challenging as well. If I were to put myself in their shoes…I would be concerned about where to start with becoming a healthier individual. I thought to myself “what if I was that person who had to lose 25lbs, 50lbs, or even 100lbs to lose?” The thought of those numbers and knowing as a trainer how difficult it truly is to get on track with health and wellness is not just an over the night fix, but a lengthy process that takes a lot of time and dedication to get where you want or even need to be. The thought scared me, and made me realize what being an overweight client actually feels like for the very first time.

Normally when someone puts on weight it can be associated with certain behavioral patterns or sometimes health related. The top reasons being…

• Genetics
• Processed foods “junk food”
• Food addiction
• Medications
• Sugar
• Inactivity
• Depression
• Less sleep
• Increased calorie intake

Where people gain the weight at is normally determined through further verbal analysis with a client, and I know that the thought of having an extreme amount of weight to lose is intimidating.  A lot of people don’t know where to even start when it comes to how to properly and effectively lose the weight that they need too.  But the help of fitness professionals and dieticians is a step into the right direction after getting medical clearance from your physician.

Most clients know how much they need to lose based on their past history of weight. However the desired weight is not only for you but for your overall well being,  so when you meet with your physician or personal trainer he or she should give a desired weight loss goal based off of your body fat, and lean body mass, as well as the guidelines for your gender and age to be at.  Living a healthy lifestyle and making proper lifestyle changes can have a very positive impact on YOUR life, and YOU can be a wonderful example to not only those around you but to your family, friends, and children if you have any.

Weight loss is not an easy undertaking but with a high desire to reach your goals, you will get there! To be a personal trainer you need to have a deep understanding and respect for your clients. Listening and becoming an active supporter of my client’s goals and interests are my top priority. Just know that there is support out there to help you in every aspect of your fitness journey.

Respect yourself, love yourself, and push yourself to be a better you each and every day.