Stick To It, Please?

Stop what you’re doing right now! OK kidding, but seriously there’s something that definitely needs to be stopped. Let's start with this example; you know when you work hard to make your kids or significant other a good meal and they go looking for the take-out menu shortly before or after they see it? Kind of sucks huh? (Sorry Mom) Likely, lots of hard work put in and 0 appreciation or respect shown for that effort. Makes you want to pull your hair out. It’s not like they contributed their own opinion to what was for dinner (likely). What gives them the right to just toss aside the hard work and effort you put in. At least try it and pretend to like it for a second until the grimace on your face is too obvious to hide, right? That's worst case scenario, best case? You have a new favorite dinner for everyone instead of that same drab pattern, WOO!
 
We strength coaches and trainers, we feel you folks, believe me we feel you. If I had a dollar for every time I wrote a program (especially for a distant client) that either completely bagged the plan and did their own thing or did their own overhaul of it…believe me I wouldn’t be driving a Buick.
 
What I just said above may come across harsh, especially to some of you that might have gotten a program recently, sorry I’m not out to point fingers, just trying to drive something home here. When you ask someone (or PAY someone) to write you a program you’re paying for exactly what you get for more than just a list of exercises randomly assembled. Let’s assume the following are true;
 
-Before you asked or paid for this you either; did a little research on the coach (and they’re good), you know a little about them or did so on a high recommendation from a trusted source.
 
-You’re doing so because whatever the routine is that YOU designed for yourself, is not working, or minimal results at least.
 
-Finally, you spoke in some sort of capacity and at least had some sort of consult over the phone, Skype or maybe even in person. Shame on both of you if not.
 
Why in the world would you waste your money by not at least attempting the program?
 
You: “What if I don’t like the stuff that’s on there?”
 
Me: It’s probably stuff you need
 
You: “What if I don’t know how to do an exercise or an exercise hurts?”
 
Me: If there's pain (not discomfort, know the difference), tell your coach/trainer, they’ll help you and adjust accordingly when appropriate. If you're lost, they'll guide you, that's why you paid them no?
 
You: “I don’t wanna get bulky”
 
Me: Now we’re fighting (kidding, but seriously reconsider your resource on training and fitness).

There are times you need to change things because of equipment limitations, time constraints or other circumstances that are simply out of your hands. That is FINE, I totally get that. Make those very little adjustment and then tell your coach. It’ll be OK they (I) won’t cuss you out…On the contrary you’ll be cussing them out under your breath as you try to nail that last chin-up or get up from the last lunge. Just pretty please, with sugar and a cherry on top (OK now I need a sundae), give the program a shot and try to remember it's not one of those 21 day fixes. A coach worth their salt isn't just assembling arbitrary exercises for you. They are trying to educate you on things like, how to nip that shoulder or back pain in the butt and other things to make LIFE awesome (not just 3-4 weeks).

Hopefully this all makes sense and at least makes you reconsider bagging a program that's not sexy enough for you. Just give it a chance and communicate folks, all I'm asking. That's all I got today guys, go out there and get after it!