After a decade, how has my training methods changed?

This old cougar has been in the fitness industry since 2011.

A client made this joke and I still get a giggle out of it.

Working closely with people on their fitness for over a decade has given me plenty of time to reflect. I’ve thought a lot about how my ideas and methods have changed and what I wish I’d known back on Day One.

I Don’t Push My Own Beliefs Onto Clients

Here’s the big one: I used to think I was helping by “guiding” clients with my preferences.

Looking back, that sometimes meant pushing my own beliefs, unintentionally, more than I should have. Not today.

Clients aren’t here to become "mini-me" versions of their Trainers or Coaches. They’re here to reach their goals, in ways that fit their lives.

So yes, you hired me to coach you toward results — your results. That means I support your autonomy and choices.

You deserve the full experience of discovering what works for you, not just what works for me.

That Means Real Conversations, Not Assumptions

If you’re thinking about booking with a chiropractor (not that I’m against it), I won’t shoot the idea down.

You enjoy going out for drinks? Me too.

Unprompted, I’m not going to tell you to stop drinking if that’s part of your life and you don't want to.

If I thought gluten was bad (I don’t), I’m not going to pressure you off it when you don’t have an intolerance.

You want to try Keto or Paleo? Great — let’s have a discussion about it. And if you want my opinion, I’ll give it. But I won’t interject unasked, saying, “Don’t waste your time — eat in moderation.” 

Because honestly...

What if you like it? What if it works for you? What if it’s something you needed to explore for your growth? 

And hey, is it even in my scope of practice? LOL.

Your Body, Your Choices — Always

My role isn’t to dictate or dictate for you. It's to explain, educate and support when you ask for my perspective. We’ll talk options. We’ll talk strategy. But the final decision? That’s yours.

You should always be in control of your body, your choices and your fitness journey. None of that has changed and after a decade of coaching, and I’m more convinced of it than ever.