I often say that people don't need trainers, they need therapists. Or in my case preferably both because hey I need a job too. I am finding that I tend to fall into both roles but that is part of the job I love so much. I say this because people often fail to recognize how intertwined the mental aspect of life is with the physical aspect. It takes a lot of work emotionally to get yourself to change bad habits, or to push yourself to get off the couch into an uncomfortable situation such as working out. Naturally we are not wired to move if we are not hungry or running from a herd of lions. We no longer have to move to survive in this world. There is often a back story to how someone let their health decline, or why someone wants six pack abs.

The backstory; Everyone has one whether they have acknowledged it yet or not. Maybe it is childhood trauma, some other sort of life event that led them to where they are at. Maybe they truly just want to look good naked. Either way, I am always interested in the backstory, or the WHY. It inspires me, and it allows me to take a peek into someone else's journey. I am always fascinated hearing other people's stories and I feel lucky I get to do that on a daily basis.

So the big question; What kind of trainer am I?

First and foremost I listen. Listening is incredibly important. I don't care if a client wants to tell me about what they ate that day or an awesome movie they saw over the weekend... I am always going to listen. That IS in my job description. I am also kind. Not too kind. I will call you on your shit, but I am not going to make you feel like shit because deep down you know what you need to do, it is all a mater of taking action. I will encourage, support, and remind (or hey maybe sometimes nag ) a client to take responsibility, and be self aware. Last but not least, I am empathetic. I have a low tolerance for excuses but I understand that life is complex and journeys to health are not always binary. There are ups and downs, steps forwards, backwards or sideways.

I am here to guide you, give you the best advice that I know, and help you reach your goals when you are ready to take action and put in the work.

This is the kind of trainer/therapist/friend/coach I am.