Do As I Say, Not As I Do: The Truth About Motivation from a Personal Trainer
As a personal trainer, I frequently get asked: “Coach Pat, how often do you workout?” “What do you eat?” Here’s the honest answer: I’m not always the best example. There are days when I skip workouts. Sometimes I’m just not motivated. And while that might seem like a red flag for a personal trainer, I believe it’s actually one of my strengths. I know what it feels like to struggle with consistency, to feel tired or overwhelmed, or to just not want to train. That real-life experience helps me understand what you might be going through. Because at the end of the day, my job isn’t to help you be perfect. My job is to help you find your own motivation, then support you when you do.
Why Motivation Is Personal
To truly change your health, your fitness, and your lifestyle, you need to tap into something deeper: your inner strength, your drive, your “why.” I like to call this the “the athlete in all of us.” Regardless of if you have ever played sports, there’s a version of you that can show up, push through, and grow stronger. My goal as a personal trainer is to help you unlock that version of yourself.
The 3 Main Reasons People Start Working Out
Most clients come to me with one of three main motivators:
1. Appearance- wanting to look better or lose weight
2. Health- managing or preventing conditions like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or joint pain
3. Performance- moving better, having more energy and endurance, or sport and activity specific training
These goals often overlap, but usually one stands out. For younger clients, appearance and performance are often top priorities. But as we age, health tends to step to the forefront. Unfortunately, many people wait until they’re already dealing with an issue like chronic pain or a doctors warning before they start making changes.
My Story: How I Stay Motivated
A few years ago I decided to sign up to run a half marathon. Why? Not because I love running (I don’t) but because I needed something to motivate to stick to my cardiovascular training. I’ve always been driven by performance or a fear of performance failure. That event gave me a performance goal to chase, and that chase turned into a habit. That’s the lesson: Motivation isn’t automatic, sometimes it must be cultivated. You need a reason, your reason, to show up.
What’s Driving You?
Take a moment to ask yourself:
– What’s the real reason I want to work out?
– Is it health, appearance, performance, or something else?
– What would help me stay consistent this time?
The hardest part of any workout is starting. But the thing people always seem to forget is how amazing a good workout makes you feel – physically and emotionally. You don’t need to be perfect, you just need to start the momentum. Find your “why.” Find your inner athlete. And take that first step.
Want Help Getting Started?
Whether you’re just getting back into ftness or want to level up your training, I’d love to help. Let’s uncover what motivates you and build a program tailored to your goals.
Book a free consultation today!
Follow on Instagram