Biggest Lessons from My Years of Training and Coaching
Through my own training and years of coaching, I’ve learned many lessons that have reshaped how I approach fitness. It's not just about getting stronger or faster, but also making training sustainable and enjoyable. From knowing when to push through discomfort, to the importance of rest, these insights have made all the difference for me and I hope they can be of use to you, so let's delve into them.
1. The Perfect Program is the One You Show Up For
Everyone is in search of the perfect workout plan, the magic program that guarantees results, but that’s only half of the equation, you also have to show up consistently. You can have the most scientifically designed, top-tier training program in the world, but if you hate doing it or you struggle to stay committed, it’s worthless. Try to find a program that offers a good balance of enjoyment (at least most of the time) and challenge. Remember, it's better to be on a “good” program that you enjoy and stick with than a “perfect” program that feels like a chore.
2. Feeling Sore or a Little Tired is Part of the Process
There’s a difference between being sore and being injured, and it’s something we all have to learn along the way. Muscle soreness, a bit of fatigue—that’s the price of progress. Change doesn’t happen in your comfort zone. Your body adapts when you challenge it, and those feelings of discomfort often signal that adaptation is happening. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should ignore pain that feels wrong or like something’s about to snap (that’s a cue to stop), but a little soreness? That’s just part of the deal of when it comes to progress.
3. Learn to Push Through Discomfort, and Know When to Back Off
One of the hardest lessons is learning where the line is between pushing through discomfort and recognising when it's time to step back. It’s a balance. On one side, we need to challenge ourselves, push through the tough spots, and not quit because something feels hard. On the other side, knowing when to rest, when to avoid an injury, and when to give yourself a break is just as crucial. This is where self-awareness comes in, learning to listen to your body and distinguish between “good discomfort” and “bad pain.” The more you train, the better you’ll get at reading those signals.
4. Train Around Your Life, Don’t Let It Break You
Training should fit into your life, not the other way around. If your workout schedule is causing stress, overwhelming you, or pulling you away from other important aspects of your life, it’s time to reassess. Fitness is meant to enhance your life, not detract from it. You don’t have to sacrifice your personal relationships, work-life balance, or mental health for the sake of hitting the gym, there will be times when life gets busy or things outside your control will pop up, and that's okay. Adapt, adjust, and remember that fitness is a long game, continuously building habits and routines that support your overall well being, not tear it down.
The above lessons have been learned through constant trial and error, both in my own training and in working with others. If there’s one overarching takeaway, it’s that balance is key. Training should make you stronger, healthier and happier, never the opposite. Keep showing up, listen to your body, find what works for you and remember rest isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s part of the process. Your health should come first, always.
