The Real “Main Reason” To Workout

If I were to take 3 random people and ask them: “what is the main reason you work out?”  If they were being honest, I’d probably get answers that look something like this:

-so I can have washboard abs  

-to get BIGGER gunz!

-so I can have a nice booty

I’ll be the first to admit, going to the gym in attempt to improve my physique has motivated me for years – and will probably continue to be the case for years to come.  But when we take a step back and think about it, the main reason for working out and eating right, is because it is GREAT for our health.  My 59 year old client (we’ll call him “Sam”) came in to train with me a few months back after he went into see his doctor only to find out that he was pre-diabetic.  Sam had trained with me about 4 years ago but then took time off only to let himself get out of shape.  He had been e-mailing for the past 1.5 years saying that he plans on getting back in to work with me.  Well, after the news he received from the doc, it was time for Sam to finally put his foot down and get back to the gym.  If Sam would have continued down the path that he had been going, the quality of his life would have greatly changed, and diabetes was inevitable.

He had a follow up appointment with his doctor last week to see if his workouts and improved nutrition would have a positive effect on the numbers for the various tests (glucose levels, cholesterol, etc) that raised so many red flags just 3 months ago.  Well, when Sam came into his training session today, I’m thrilled to say that not only are his numbers improved, they are so much better that the doctor said he COULD NOT BELIEVE how much better they look!  He told Sam that no meds are needed, and that he just needs to continue down the same path that he has been on!  His HDL (good cholesterol) is the best that it has been in years, and he is down 16 pounds.  Keep in mind that when Sam came back to see me, it was the holiday season.  For most people it’s considered a win just to maintain weight during this time of the year.  This makes Sam’s results all the more impressive!

The Secret Sauce

The secret to his success is, that there is no secret.  Sam shows up 3 times a week every week to train with me (and his training partners).  And he has greatly improved his nutrition.  So if there is a secret sauce it is this: consistency + discipline = results.  His hard work has paid off and Sam is now the poster-boy of how to fight off diabetes and live a long, healthy life!