Yes, you read the title correctly and I’ll say it again, my goal is for my clients to no longer need me. That sounds very counterproductive you might think, but that’s the truth. I want people to be able to look after themselves for the remainder of their lives and know how to detect the BS that flies around out in the social media and mainstream media.

Some may ask, why do you feel this way? There will always be someone out there that needs help for one reason or another, whether it’s a high school athletes trying to cut down injuries or a 40 something year old that wants to feel strong all the way into their golden years, someone will always be seeking help. Not everyone is in need or is seeking it, but there are always plenty of folks to help.

I believe most people fall into 4 categories;

-They want coaching but don’t need it (many of my current clients)
-They want coaching and need it (to some degree)
-They don’t want coaching and don’t need it (keep doing you folks)
-They don’t want coaching, but probably could use the help (show them the way everyone)

The word need in there is probably subjective, because some folks may just simply need something like accountability. Cool, I’m down, come in, pick up something heavy and we’ll have a laugh. When I say need I mean they have a long term chronic injury that pops up or they’ve got zero direction on how to exercise or move (daily walks are a great start by the way).

So as I’ve said, I believe everyone should be looked after, until they can look after themselves. Once they’ve reached that point they no longer need looking after, the baby bird can leave the nest, as it were, and there will be others always. I would say this is in fact not counterproductive, if you’re in this industry for good reasons. Some coaches will employ the strategy of always pointing out things that are wrong with a client (awful), but then again they’re probably not in this industry for the right reasons, so avoid those types.

That’s what I got for you all today folks. Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday and I hope this encourages at least one person to either look after themselves better or find someone that will help them do so. Thanks for reading everyone!

How’s everyone feeling today? A little rough? Stay up too late? I once read the day of the Super Bowl Sunday is 2nd in terms how much food is consumed (or bought) in the U.S. in a day, only to Thanksgiving. After these big days, folks generally do two things, get super strict or regimented in their diet and exercise to counter all the “bad food” they had on Sunday or, just pick up where you left off because yesterday was yesterday. Which one of those do you think you are?
 
I can tell you which one probably has a healthier relationship with diet and exercise. Sorry if I’m the one informing you of this, it’s probably not option A. Here are a couple of things that can nudge you away from that type of thinking:

Consistency- When you have an established routine that requires minimal effort to perform because it’s more of a habit than an independent action, it’s easy to shrug off a single day (or 3 or 4) of enjoying yourself. Whether it’s consistently making sure you have protein and veggies to eat, or a regular exercise habit, it’s easier when you don’t have to think about these every single time.
 
Moderation- There is such thing as too much of a good thing, it's best to treat things a bit like a pendulum. When someone eats nothing but pizza and ice cream, it creates problems. Also, when someone is super strict on their diet and eats only broccoli and chicken for every meal, that creates problems too. Same goes with exercise, doing nothing but sitting on your favorite recliner 90% of the time creates problems, but there’s also problems that follow living in a gym for 3 hours every day for years on end. It’s all about balance and moderation.
 
Instead of going to extremes today, if that’s your instinct, try to take one little step into creating some sort of consistency and balance into your life with fitness. For the long term, you’ll find yourself way better off this time next year.
 
Have a great week folks and thanks for reading!

Happy Monday to you all Team First XV. Today, I’m hoping to hit deep, truthfully. If I miss the mark for you, that’s alright, but I want to put this out there. Writing this hit me with some real emotions, all positive feels, and I am sure it'll make someone else feel the same.

Everyone can strength train, it’s a firm belief I’ve had for a long time. To that point, strength training for a mom of two and strength training for a high school soccer or rugby player doesn’t look super different. Are there differences? Oh yes, but the building blocks are the same. In that, everyone can feel like an athlete. Strength training, can help anyone feel better and give them the confidence to believe in themselves. I see it every week with clients from 15 to 70 years old, they hold their heads higher and are more affirmed in what they are doing (weight room or otherwise).

Confidence does wonders last I checked. It helps you capture those big opportunities in life, from getting that big job, or making a team for your chosen sport. Also, it help with the simple things, that are probably much bigger than some realize until they miss out on them, being able to keep up with the (grand)kids or dancing at loved ones wedding. I’m not saying strength training is directly responsible for everything that goes well for someone’s life. I am saying more of those chances are presented rather than a missed.

I believe everyone should be looked after so they can learn to look after themselves. I want people to be empowered to go after what they want both in the gym and in life. My purpose is to make sure people feel like they have a pack behind them, because the strength of the wolf, is in the pack.
 
Life is better, with the strength of a pack.

I hope you all have an awesome week, thank you for your time and for reading this today.