What’s Your “Why”?

I’m incredibly fortunate. Every day I’m afforded the opportunity to help a diverse group of people take steps toward reaching their health and fitness goals. My clients have allowed me into their lives, trusting me as a valued member of their team and for that I’m thankful.

While there are many reasons to exercise, I’ve found that people often work out to make changes in the areas of performance improvement, injury recovery and improved health and well-being.  These areas often overlap, with recovery from injury leading to improved performance or the pursuit of performance goals leading to overall improvements in lifestyle.

Regardless of the reason, I’ve learned that people who have a “why” reach their goals with greater frequency than those who don’t. As you read further, see if one of these three areas applies to you.

Performance Improvement

We often think of performance improvement related to athletics.  It’s true that everyone I work with who falls into this category is an athlete. But my view of what constitutes an athlete is broader than what you might imagine.

I don’t just work with volleyball players or football players. I work with moms who run half-marathons and play tennis, dads who want to participate in their first obstacle course race and play 36 holes of golf, and weekend warriors who want to keep up with the young guns in their pick-up basketball games.

Performance improvement isn’t limited only to those who play sports though. I also work with clients who have struggled with different diseases and ailments. They constantly hear about something they can’t do. For them, finding something they not only CAN do, but also chart improvement in is quite uplifting.

Point being, if you’re working out regularly while improving some facet of strength, power, speed, balance or endurance you’re an athlete.  I think that pretty much covers everyone!

Recovery from Injury

I really enjoy working with people as they recover from injury. An athlete recovering from a torn ACL or someone who’s suffered from severe chronic back pain are just two examples. In either case, those individuals may have been through an invasive surgery and grueling physical therapy before coming to me for the next phase of recovery.

Walking, running, squatting, holding a child or driving a car are all things that an uninjured person can do without a second thought. It’s tremendously rewarding to see someone relearn to do what the average person takes for granted. Injury recovery requires countless hours and dedication. It’s hard work. When those people return to their sport or the activities they love, they do so with an appreciation for what they missed out on and unbridled enthusiasm to get back at it.

Improved health and well-being

I’d say the overwhelming majority of people I work with are looking to better their health and well-being.

Regular exercise offers all of us the opportunity to lose weight, improve strength, reduce stress, move better and feel great.

The “why” might be as simple as improving our ability to perform our daily activities or as serious as a candid conversation with a doctor about a major health concern.

Regardless of the reason, there’s no downside to starting a safe, smartly designed exercise program. The reward is a healthier lifestyle, improved self-esteem and greater longevity. How can you say “No” to that?