GOALS:  The object of a one’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.

What are your goals? This is the question that keeps popping up in my mind, and albeit a very broad question, when I think about the different aspects of my life, they all stream into a central focal point, good health. I know and understand that without good health, none of my other goals will be possible. I truly believe good health is valuable, precious, you can’t put a price tag on it. It’s not about the amount of money you make, the type of job that you have, the parties you go to , or the people you know. It’s truly about being healthy, your body’s ability to functioning at an optimal level naturally. It really is something so simple that many of us are blessed with, yet take for granted.

When I think about good health, and how it relates to the fitness industry today, it’s no longer the focal point for many. It has become more of a byproduct, or after thought, taking a back seat to narcissism. I attribute quite a bit of this to social media. Today, many people workout for aesthetic goals, to get the six-pack, great arms, a high tight butt, ultimately, they want to look great. The problem is, they want to look great at any cost. Extreme dieting, steroids, fat burns, surgery, many will do whatever it takes to attain a great physique, foregoing the main premise of good health, for the aesthetic. This lust for a look, has created a huge disparity among those that go to the gym and a population of people (mainly women) that fear going, because they don’t physically meet what they believe to be an unsaid standard. This population knows for health reasons that they need to exercise, but going to the gym terrifies them, because they believe everyone will be watching them, and wondering why they are there. To these people, I ask, What are your goals? If you don’t know the answer to this question, I encourage you to figure it out and do it quickly. Be true to yourself and realistic when answering this question, making sure that your end goal, is what you see for yourself.  It’s important to set those goals, both short and long term, because it holds you accountable. Once you have concrete goals, it will make it easier for you to commit to whatever it is you have to do, to reach them, including going to the gym.

There is a woman who I want to work with, she’s in her early 30’s and I have had my eye on her for a while. In the past, every time I’d see her, I would think to myself, “boy, I could really help her loose about 80-90 lbs.” Recently, when I saw her, I didn’t think that at all. Instead I thought, “I would really like to help her start moving, become more active, take more of an interest in her health so that she can have a long healthy life.” I realize nothing is guaranteed and just because you exercise and take care of yourself, doesn’t mean health will always be on your side, but it does tip the odds in your favor. I guess I’m sharing my thoughts on my potential dream client, because I finally realized not everyone is meant to be a certain size, and they shouldn’t try to be. What everyone’s ultimate goal should be, is good health and longevity.