Since I passed my certification test as a personal fitness trainer, I could theoretically go ahead and take on clients, but I really wanted to find an apprentice-type situation to gain hands-on experience before turning myself loose on the world. Thanks to a bit of networking and awesome friends, I’ve already found an experienced trainer who is working with me as my mentor. It was a delightful surprise to line up a situation like this so quickly. {insert happy dance here}
When I first met with her, she asked why I wanted to be a trainer. It was easy to answer because that’s a question I’d considered for some time before she asked, and it’s all tied into my own reasons for wanting to become as fit as I can be.
Right now I’m more Olive Oyl than SuperGirl, but I’m getting stronger.
Healthy living has always been important to me, even though my own fitness level has waxed and waned over the years as motivation and distractions have come and gone. During my dad’s battle with ALS, however, my perspective towards fitness shifted subtly but significantly.
I realized:
Fitness is a privilege.
It is not the burden many of us make it to be.
I workout because I can. Because some people can’t. Because fitness is something I refuse to take for granted. I’d go so far as to say that fitness is a responsibility. We don’t all need to power lift or run marathons, but we owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to take care of the body we’ve been given.
Though there are many reasons I believe I’ll enjoy being a trainer, the essential reason is that I want to help others live a life full to the brim, with as few physical limitations as possible.
Wife, mama, homeschooler, dog-wrangler. Introvert who finds joy in good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Fitness enthusiast and strength coach. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand.
I adore you.
Aw, thanks. You know the feeling is mutual. 🙂
Thanks for the reminder, Jamie. In the process of trying to learn to maintain my weight loss (and not doing a very good job), I’d kind of lost sight of the privilege of being physically fit. Your post reminded me of the first half-marathon I ran. I spent the first 20 minutes or so of it praying and thanking God for the physical ability to run and be active. I needed to remember that.
I’m still so impressed you’ve run a half-marathon! Right now that’s not even on my list, but I might add it eventually. I know you’ll find a good way to get back to where you want to be. Only wish I was close enough to help you in person. 🙂