One of the most common roadblocks that prevents people from getting in shape these days is the intimidation factor. Any advertisement such as the one below is a perfect example. What’s more intimidating than associating a workout with being in prison? The goal of a good fitness program should not be to be hardcore, make you so sore you can’t walk, or to intimidate you. Yes, some amount of muscle soreness isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but if we as trainers make it hard for you to move on a regular basis that defeats our purpose.
When people think of personal trainers and gyms they are scared that they are not in good enough shape to work out, they won’t know how to use the equipment, or they will be judged because their body doesn’t look the ones in the magazines. And why would someone want to look or feel like a prisoner? Wouldn’t you rather get in shape in your kitchen than a prison cell? When we step into a session with a client we have one goal and that is to help the client get better than they were before the session. There is no such thing as a person who is to out of shape to get in shape or too injured to work out, there is always something we can work on. Find a place that makes you comfortable to work towards your goals, wherever that may be. If you feel as though you are heading to prison or that you are going to be tortured with your workout, it is time to reevaluate and find a new program.
