Still thinking about it?
I have many people (some of whom I know, others who I don’t) come up to me and ask about my classes/personal training/running courses with a view to joining in. It has become clear over the years that these people tend to fall into one of three categories.
The first type are those who are really ready to change their lifestyle and live a life of vitality, energy and wellness. These people tend to join one of my sessions within a few days of first talking to me. They’ve done the procrastinating and truly want to make a change. I knew this would be the case with Lara, when her first words to me (as she looked down at her belly) were ‘It’s time’. I knew before we’d even had the rest of the conversation that she meant business. Lara had about 5 stone to lose. As I write, she’s about 4 or 5 lb short of having lost the full 5 stone (and had I written this post in another fortnight, I’d be telling you that she’s lost 5 stone – no doubt about it).
The second type of people are those who genuinely want to start doing some kind of regular exercise; are usually previous exercisers (sometimes twenty plus years previously), know at least one other person who trains with Jo’s Thing and fancy getting back into shape. These people take anything from 3 to 6 months to first join us in the park. The response when they do eventually make their way to the park is always ‘Why did it take me so long?!’ Let me tell you why; because it’s scary. Returning to exercise after a prolonged break is a huge step into the unknown. After all, until you come and try it out, you’ll have no idea whether you’ll be the biggest/unfittest/weakest person there, or how your body will respond, especially if this is your first bit of exercise since having children. Let’s face it; your body just aint the same!. It’s easy to plan to start ‘sometime next week/month’. It’s less easy to say ‘book me in for Monday’. I know. It took me 3 months to dare to approach a personal trainer when I first decided to get fit again back in 2007. I don’t think I’ve had a single client who in their first session didn’t feel at least a little bit terrified. They always leave feeling much better than they did when they walked in!
The third type of people who chat to me about classes are those who would like to do something about their shape but are waiting for the right time to do it. Just waiting until the kids start primary/secondary/uni, or they move house/job or have more time/money/motivation or the weather gets warmer/cooler etc. Well guess what? That time never comes. There is never a perfect time to start a new wellness habit. It is always easy to find a reason not to start exercising and eating more healthily. Ironically, it less easy to live in a body which is fed junk and rarely moved.
If you’re not already a part of Jo’s Thing, which type are you?
March 5, 2014 @ 7:05 am
I’m the 2nd type. I’m 51 and I am 5st over weight,i suffer with bad knees and some times with my back also I am diabetic.
I really do want to get fit and healthy but I worry that I would not be able to keep up with the other ladies
March 5, 2014 @ 10:08 am
Hi Sonia,
Thanks for your comment.
I would love to work with you if you’re keen to come and get fit and well! I have a number of ladies who have lost 5 stone (or more!) and never looked back and they were ALL terrified of their first session.
At Jo’s Thing we don’t judge you. All you will get is support and understanding from other women, many of whom have been in exactly your position.
And as far as not being able to keep up with the others; even if this is the case, the only person who will notice is you. The fitness level in each class ranges hugely, so you would be most welcome, whatever your starting point is.
Feel free to give me a call if you’d like to chat anything through (07973 320919).
Remember, if you come and join us, you’ll feel like a different person by the summer – really!
Best wishes,
Jo x