"It just never gets easy..."

We were doing a lot of core intensive exercises in class this morning. We were using the big stability ball for some of them. One of my clients said, "gosh, this never easier for me." I overheard her and responded. "Good, that's the idea!" "It's like using the balance disc. If that ever became easy, and didn't challenge your balance, we wouldn't use it and I'd have you stand on the floor." 

It got me thinking and validated what I'm doing and how I'm working with my clients. I'm always shaking it up, always challenging them to do new and exciting things with their bodies. One of my missions as a trainer is to develop workouts that are different each and every time. I have been teaching my Sweat Check Boot Camp class at least 3 mornings a week since Februarty of 2007. That's over 6 years of never doing the same workout twice. My clients never know what to expect. Therefore, their bodies never know what to expect. 

I remember when I started my class, my idea was that clients would sign up for a series of classes, like I still do now, that last approximately 2 months or 7 to 8 weeks. I thought someone would sign up, kick start their workout routine, and go workout on their own. I actually don't think that has happened once. My business has purely been successful because of my loyal, dedicated and hard working clients. My clientele are not people who want a quick jump start, they want a lifestyle. Most of my clients have been with me for months if not years. Amazingly, if someone needs to take a break for any reason, or I have a baby, they usually come back! I think why this happens is that besides the program working, they establish a routine that not only is challenging for their body where plateauing never occurs, but they don't get bored. Boredom is one of the reasons people stop an exercise routine. 

So getting back to the comment that was overheard this morning. I'm glad it never gets easy, and I'm glad my clients are continually challenged and pushed to perform. It's my job to ensure they work within their limits and to do exercises that are challenging, yet do-able. I say that all the time in class. "Is that weight challeging for you, yet do-able?" If their form is on point but they can't answer me, the answer is usually yes. If they respond with an "ummmm...."the answer is usually no and they magically receive an extension to that exercise or a heavier weight set before they can even blink.