Executive Health and Wellness Coach at Deliberate Directions
Answered 2 years ago
If there is one thing I've learned in my 13 years as a Personal Trainer and Health and Nutrition Coach, it's that you have to meet people where they are. This means evaluating their current mobility, strength, and corrective exercise needs, and then determining their goals. From there, I start with foundational movements based on their ability. Keeping it simple is key because, in the beginning, what you're working to build is WILL—helping them overcome their resistance enough to be CONSISTENT. Foundationally, we are building WILL so that we can execute CONSISTENCY. With that, they can achieve anything within reason. I had a client who perfectly exemplifies this approach. At 43 years old, they were 30 pounds overweight and hadn't engaged in weight lifting or nutrition evaluation since high school. They had no foundation of a relationship with themselves but really wanted to get back to movement and eating more whole foods. However, they were unsure where to start and how to make time with a family. We began with the basics, starting with their diet. I encouraged them to drink more water and choose high-protein foods and vegetables. For exercise, we carved out 30 minutes, three times a week, for a walk. As their capacity built, we transitioned from walking to 30-minute bodyweight workout sessions. Simultaneously, we built their education around cooking with whole foods. We started tracking protein and fiber intake, gradually increasing their knowledge and confidence in making healthier choices. This methodical, step-by-step approach helped them form new habits and, importantly, remain consistent. Over time, these foundational steps led to significant improvements. They lost weight, gained strength, and developed a healthier relationship with food and exercise. This success story highlights the importance of meeting clients where they are and building from there, focusing on willpower and consistency as the keys to lasting change.