Honouring or Punishing Yourself?

In this blog post you'll discover my philosophy on how I approach personal training with my clients (and with myself). Working out is not meant to be used as a punishment. I like to see it as a way of honouring your body.

Weight Room

Every Personal Trainer will have their own opinion, approach and belief when it comes to training. I do not believe one approach is superior to another. However I do believe one approach may be more efficient depending on the person. There are many misconceptions, and controversial topics in the world of fitness. One person will say one thing and another will say another, so, who do we believe?

The answer, yourself.

Yup that's right. Everyone has their own threshold. I do not think any Personal Trainers (or other coaches) should be demanding towards their clients. Suggestions, feedback, and commentary go a long way. It's up to the client to check in with themselves and see if this is something that they want to bring into their practice and life.

I've been in situations within the fitness world where all I was able to see, or was presented, was black or white options. It was "this or that".

A lot of the time, I was not given the opportunity to choose for myself. I was not given the chance to find my own grey.

I will not force clients to do more than they feel comfortable with. I was at the other end of this, where I felt that I would be letting people down if I did not do the extra exercise, set, or rep. I felt inadequate, as if what I was doing was not good enough.

You're training for you, remember?

I want you to listen to your body. Whether it be in personal training or another sport or activity, it's crucial to remember that you are doing this for yourself. You are not doing this to punish your body, you are doing it to honour it.

You know yourself better than anyone else. The trainer is there to guide and push (to a certain extent), but not to the point where it no longer feels comfortable in your practice.

In yoga, the instructor is constantly reminding their yogis to listen what their body needs right now. There is no force, or pressure.

Why can't we approach the same with fitness? Why do we have to push ourselves beyond what we feel happy with? We may leave with even less energy, feeling defeated, and wondering why you pushed yourself to a place you weren't ok with.

I'm going to be giving you tips on how to honour your body while training.

Tip #1 - You Time!

Whether you are training alone, with a friend, or with a trainer, take a second to bring in gratitude. You took time out of your day to do this for you.

Tip #2 - Thank Yourself

Thank your body for being able to move the way it is. Rather than beating yourself up, wondering why you may not feel as strong on a given day, and punish your body, tune inwards. Acknowledge how you're feeling and try to redirect the mind.

Tip #3 - Remember Why

Why are you training? I remember I had a point of my life where it was strictly for aesthetics. I have now realized it's a lot more sustainable (long term) to have a why that has to do with long term gains; staying active, healthy bones later on, benefits to the cardiovascular system, setting a good example for your kids/grandkids, being able to live a quality life etc.

Tip #4 - Checked in and want more?

When you have more awareness around your body and needs, and you've checked in with yourself, it's ok to ask or do more. It's also ok to think you wanted to do more and then realize mid way that this is defiantly not feeling good right now!

To wrap it up

It's important not train to keep other people happy and satisfied. Remember the tips to honour your body while you're working out. If you lose yourself during a workout and find yourself moving through the motions, following what someone else is telling you you "should do", try to snap back into your body.

Click below to book a call with me to find out how I can help you listen to your body and exercise in an efficient way that is best for you.

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Please leave a comment, I would love to hear your thoughts!

*Of course there may be situations and exceptions where this will vary, but I am speaking for the general public looking to get stronger. This is not meant to treat, or diagnose, this is simply my perspective and approach. Feel free to take what you want from it!*