Why are you here? Where do you see yourself in 30 years? What do you want out of life?

I found myself asking myself these very same questions while I was finishing up my last 10 minutes of cardio at the gym the other day. Am I wasting my time working out and eating healthy? I mean surely there has to be more to life then butts, breasts and biceps. I know that I work in the fitness industry, but it seems as if an increased number of people these days are becoming more self involved in their looks and their appearances. And although I have no problem with exercising for the soul purpose of enhancing one’s physique, I do take issue when it’s constantly broadcasted on my Social Media pages and portrayed as an image of power and dominance.

That Don’t Impress Me Much

It’s no secret that the fitness industry has become overly saturated with many narcissistic and egotistical individuals over the past decade. And Social Media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook have given these particular individuals a microphone to boast about how great they are because of the fact that they exercise while shaming others who might not appear as active and fit as they are. It’s almost as if some gym rats who post their workouts and their results online, are looking for a sense of validation and admiration from their peers and followers alike. And even though I myself can appreciate and respect the work it takes to create an incredible looking physique, it rarely if ever impresses me.

What Does Impress Me

What does however impress me more then anything is someone who is able to commit to a regular exercise routine while being able to maintain and manage other aspects and components of his or her life. A single parent who works 40 hours a week yet still manages to find time to fit in a few workouts impresses me. A businessperson who spends half of the year traveling across the globe to meetings, yet still manages to find time to fit in even a 20-30 minute workout every few days, impresses me. A person dealing with a health issue or working through a physical limitation and/or disability that they have little to no control over, yet still manages to find the strength, will and determination to fit in their own workout, always impresses me.

Chasing Arnold

When I was younger, I use to be motivated and inspired by giant muscular physiques. I idolized the Schwarzenegger’s and the Stallone’s of the era. I associated these Greek God-Like physiques with power, respect and authority. I wanted to be just like my idols. I wanted to be ripped. I wanted to be muscular. I wanted to be admired and respected. And now that I’m older (much older), I can honestly say that now I just want to be healthy and stay fit. Sure I want to look good, who doesn’t? But my physical aspirations don’t motivate me to go to the gym or watch what I eat. I’ve been exercising and lifting weights for over two decades. During this time I have been able to transform my physique. And during this time not once, did I feel the need to showcase my results to world by snapping a photo of myself and posting it online for validation from my peers and from people who I don’t really even know or have ever met.

Social Media Sellouts

I’ve always hated unsolicited advice. For this reason I’ve never offered it unless I’m asked for it. I also don’t like receiving unsolicited advice. I’ve been told in the past by many trainers within my industry that I should post videos of myself and Megan working with our clients. I’ve also been told by many social media gurus that I should tag my clients in my daily Instagram photos and Blog posts. Well there is actually a few reasons as to why I don’t do either of these things. For one, our clients are paying us for our time. I personally would find it insulting if I were paying someone for their time and they were using me to help market their business by filming me on their Iphone and posting videos of me online exercising for the world to see. Most people also don’t appreciate being filmed while they exercise, especially if they are already self conscious about their bodies. Our clients come to us to help them, not use them. And I can promise you that I will NEVER tag a client in one of my social media posts, unless of course I have their approval to do so first.

Give a Little Get a Little

With all of that said, if you visit our website you will find tons of photos of us working with our clients in the gym. However these photos have all been taken by a professional photographer during a scheduled photo shoot. All of our clients who participated were compensated with complimentary training sessions and discounts on training packages. Everyone signed waiver and release forms offering their consent that allowed us to post their photos on our website for our own social media marketing. Essentially each time we do a photoshoot we send out an email to our clients asking them to participate and we ensure that their are incentives for them should they decide to take part in this activity. Most of our clients are always willing to participate. After all, a free session, is a free session! However we do have a few people who would prefer not to be on camera or have their photo taken. And we can understand and respect that.

A Little Fish in a Big Pond

I was asked the other day by a fellow trainer as to how our company has been able to grow in a market that is highly competitive and constantly undersold by some of the major fitness corporations. I must admit that as a small business, it can be difficult to compete with some of these larger corporations. Which is exactly why we don’t try to compete with them. We offer a unique and exclusive service at a premium price. We don’t offer “Summer Time Specials” or “New Year’s Discounts” just to get people in the door. We don’t devalue our services because then we would be devaluing ourselves. And as to why we’ve become so successful? Well, you would have to ask our clients that question to get a more definitive answer. However if I were to guess, I would suggest it’s because we treat our clients just as we would expect to be treated ourselves if we were paying for a service – With Dignity, Respect and Care.

Yours in Good Health,

Nick Cosgrove
Forever Fit