TPV FITNESS BLOG
Living the Health and Fitness Lifestyle You Promise Yourself
As a personal trainer, one of the most common things I hear from clients is a promise they’ve made to themselves: “I want to live a healthier life.” It’s a beautiful aspiration. But the truth is, promises are easy to make and hard to keep—especially when it comes to health and fitness.
I know this firsthand. My journey into this lifestyle didn’t happen overnight. It took consistency, sacrifices, and countless moments of self-reflection. I’d like to share some insights that might inspire you to take action and, more importantly, stick with it.
Start Small, But Start Strong
When I began, my focus wasn’t on becoming a fitness expert or running marathons. It was on building habits. Simple things, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or having my coffee black instead of double double. Small changes compounded into big results over time.
As a trainer, I often see clients trying to overhaul their lives overnight—working out seven days a week or following extreme diets. That’s not sustainable. Start with achievable goals and let your progress motivate you.
Consistency Is Key
Motivation will ebb and flow. Life gets busy, and excuses start creeping in. What separates those who succeed from those who give up is consistency. Even on days when I didn’t feel like working out, I showed up. Some workouts were shorter, some less intense, but I kept the habit alive.
For you, it might mean committing to three workouts a week or meal-prepping every Sunday. Whatever it is, stick to it. Progress, not perfection, is what matters.
Make It About More Than Looks
When I first started, I was driven by aesthetic goals. I wanted to look better in the mirror and have a six pack. With the hard work that I put into place, I achieved my goals. But over time, it didn’t seem like enough for me. Something was missing, then I realized its more about the deeper benefits that drove me to be consistent: feeling energized, sleeping better, managing stress better, and building confidence not just the physical aspect, but the mental as well.
If you focus only on appearance, you might feel disheartened by slow progress. Instead, celebrate the holistic benefits of your new lifestyle. That’s what keeps me going—and what I encourage my clients to embrace.
Celebrate the Wins—Big and Small
It’s not just about reaching the finish line; it’s about appreciating every big and small win. When I hit a new personal best in running or even just completed a tough workout, I celebrate; you have to celebrate the small and big wins. These moments remind you of how far you have come and motivate you to keep going.
Don’t wait for the “big” milestones to pat yourself on the back. Whether it’s cooking a healthy meal, or saying no to that third slice of cake (for me pizza)—celebrate it.
Surround Yourself with Support
One thing that transformed my journey was finding a supportive community. As a trainer, I see the power of accountability partners, group class peers, a gym buddy, an online group, and of course your trainer.
Your environment matters. Surround yourself with people who inspire and uplift you, not those who sabotage your efforts.
It’s Not a Destination; It’s a Lifestyle
The most important lesson I’ve learned—and teach—is that health and fitness aren’t about achieving a single goal. It’s about living a lifestyle that aligns with your values. There will be ups and downs, periods of intense focus, and times when life gets in the way.
And that’s okay.
What matters is that you keep coming back to the promise you made to yourself. Your health and fitness journey is a lifelong partnership with your body and mind. Treat it with love, patience, and dedication.
So, if you’ve been putting off that promise, now’s the time to act. Start small, be consistent, and remember: the lifestyle you’ve promised yourself is waiting—it’s up to you to claim it.
-Coach Steph.
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