I’ll be the first to say that I am probably one of the most unconventional Personal Trainers/Coaches to work with.

I don’t yell and scream at my clients in order to motivate them to exercise.

I don’t sensationalize my clients’ workouts in order to inspire them to train more intensely.

And I don’t lock my clients into long term contracts in order to “commit” them to “the process”.

Fitness Journeys make me sick.

Booty Gains make me gag.

And I swear to God if one more person says “No Pain, No Gain” I’m going to vomit.

An Aging Moment

I’ll be completely honest – As much as I love helping people improve their health and transform their physiques, I’m getting tired. Don’t get me wrong, I’m incredibly grateful to have a full roster of truly amazing people that choose to work with me. Coming up in my earlier days in this industry, this is something that I never dreamed would be possible to achieve. With that being said, after working 10-12 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the past 20+ years, this old man is starting to feel it. Getting out of bed at 5am has become a bit more challenging. Demonstrating exercises after my own workouts has become a bit more taxing. And trying to manage a small staff while balancing a large clientele base has become a bit more demanding.

As tired as I might feel, I truly do love what I do for a living. This is probably why I never complain about my job or the work that I do. And besides, who would I even complain to? I already know how much of an ass my boss is anyways. Complaining wouldn’t get me anywhere.

Now up until about a week ago, I was convinced that the reason I was becoming increasingly more fatigued throughout my days was due to the fact that I am getting older and have a bit more mileage on this body of mine. But after having a conversation with one of our clients after his own workout the other day, I was provided with another perspective that had never even occurred to me. A perspective in which up until now, I was completely oblivious towards.

– I invest in my clients’ workouts, nutritional plans, and results.

Making The Smart Investment

I had another conversation this week, not with a client, but with Robyn, who many of you know is and always will be my best friend. Of all people, Robyn truly does know me better than I know my own self. She told me that behind the rough exterior that I try and project to the world to see, lies a man who is sensitive and caring to the needs of others. And although I hate to admit when she’s right, she’s usually right. I truly do care about our clients. And honestly not for financial reasons. I really do care about helping our clients achieve their goals. And because I care so much, I sometimes (more often than not) tend to invest so much time, energy and effort towards helping them achieve these goals, that I tend to neglect my own.

No Regrets

I’ve always been transparent with our clients because honesty is something that I’ve always valued and respected. Most of our clients know that I never planned to work in the Fitness Industry. I had ZERO aspirations to become a Personal Trainer that owns and operates his own Personal Training Company. Even once I did start coaching a few people, I never took the business component seriously until I realized just how many people need help with their health and fitness. The amount of joy and fulfillment that it gives me to assist someone improve the quality of their own life through diet and exercise can never be duplicated if I were to switch careers.

My methods, although unorthodox to some, do work when followed correctly.

My style, although sometimes erratic to others, will produce results when applied fully.

My practice, although insane to many, can work when implemented in a strategic fashion.

My point, I have amazing clients who trust me and are confident in my abilities to help them reach their target health and fitness goals, regardless of how anti-fitness industry I truly am.

“Normal is not something to aspire to, it’s something to get away from.”
Jodie Foster

Yours in Good Health,

Nick Cosgrove
Forever Fit Performance