"If It Doesn’t Challenge You, It Doesn’t Change You"

I’m sure you've heard this phrase a thousand times before, but today it has taken on new meaning to me.  One of my clients quit this morning because of how sore her legs were after her first class.  I tried my best to let her know that muscle soreness is a natural and probable consequence of exercise, especially when one isn't accustomed to working out.  Yet, nothing I could say to her would change her mind, “it’s just too hard,” is what she said.  I was immediately overwhelmed by a sense of failure.

Maybe I could have went easier on her, maybe I didn't express enough empathy for her situation, I should have done this, I should have done that.  But, after some serious thought, I came to the realization that not everyone is ready for change, not everyone has the drive and commitment to take the necessary steps towards living a healthy lifestyle.  You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. 

You have to want to lead a healthy lifestyle and that includes not only diet and exercise but also maintaining a positive “can do” attitude about all aspects of life.  You have to believe in yourself and visualize the new you, who is waiting right around the corner.  Yes, exercise is hard, yes, you will be sore, yes, changing how we eat and live on a daily basis is hard, yes, keeping a positive attitude is hard, but NO it is not impossible.  I will never promise you the road to a healthy lifestyle is easy, because it’s not, it will probably be one of the hardest things you will do in your life. But, I can promise you this, it is worth it!  Believe in yourself and stay the course, pain is temporary, but quitting is forever.