2025 marks my 30th year in the health and fitness industry.
I’m so grateful for a career that has brought me so much joy and fulfillment. It has been my privilege to watch people grow into vitality through exercise and nutrition, and I’ve met some amazing people along the way. Some have become good friends.
My sister-in-law Heidi says you shouldn’t try to be good at everything. There’s a reason people specialize. Hire them to help you. The same applies to fitness for longevity. Trainers exist for that reason.
For a long time, many people have misunderstood the role of a trainer and underestimated the depth of knowledge required to safely, effectively, and sustainably guide someone’s fitness journey. It’s not just counting reps or babysitting treadmill workouts.
Recently, I wanted to show what actually goes into training another person well. I study by drawing pictures, and while I was studying for the NASM Wellness Coaching final exam, I drew this diagram. It’s a high-level view, but it captures the layered considerations I take into account when training a client (and myself). It is also a broad guide for all the things a person should be considering when taking on a fitness program.
If you’re investing in your health, know that it is worth finding professionals who consider the whole picture. Make sure the trainer you are hiring has the appropriate qualifications and experience, and find one that you connect with. Safety first!
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