Facilitating effort

I am in the business of facilitating effort. Sounds like an oxymoron and it most decidedly is. I have countless memories of spotting people on the bench press, newcomers to the process. It is usually their second or third workout, and as they come to what they think is their last repetition, the bar starts to move back gratefully to the security of the stand, a look of bliss on the faces of those who think they have pulled one over on me—for I know somewhere hidden deep inside, there is the strength to do two more reps…

“Two more!” In that split second I feel the wrath of my clients, somehow thinking me maniacal for asking what they feel to be impossible. There is a quizzical look on their faces as if they are wondering, “I paid to have this fellow hurt me this way?”

They get through the next two repetitions with little help and stand to look at me, the epiphany slowly taking hold. “Now I know what you mean,” they say, feeling a shoulder to see if it protrudes the way it seems to from inside.

Little is as rewarding as encounters with people who have come to share the same time-proven philosophy: that with effort comes change and the greater the effort, the faster and more efficient the change. Of course exercise is only half the equation; I've realized that in order to promote fitness and weight loss, a weight management and nutrition program to facilitate the shedding of awkward pounds is also a must.

Sometimes I look at myself as a mediator. My job is one of trying to exhort people to give maximum effort, while trying to make it enjoyable so that they return. It takes almost three months for each initiate to fully understand the beauty of being fit: to realise the relationship fitness has with one's overall sense of well-being, and how exercise releases endorphins that bring euphoria with the effort. Training also facilitates and prolongs the enjoyment of other activities; I personally love nothing more than climbing one of the beautiful mountains in this area, and so I will do all in my power to be able to continue this activity until the end of my days.

There are recurring themes in the fitness business. I hear of many people who avoid the gym due to some preconceived notion that everyone within these four walls is ultimately fit—and not only fit, but maliciously fit… waiting for a chance to humiliate a newcomer who may have extra weight. The reality, of course, is the opposite. Most of the ‘regulars' love to see new people join, embracing the possibility of changing their lives. I have an expression that I hold dear: “You are one year away from being anything you want to be.” There are testimonials, remarkable stories of success from all ages, and they all agree: one year of effort can conquer almost all challenges. And physical training can be a metaphor, if you will, a template that works and may be adapted to conquer all sorts of challenges that we may face.

Yet some still seek the solace of building failure.

“I have no time to work out,” I hear constantly. Yet whether it be here in the gym, or on a bike or walking, maintaining fitness is essential. Remember the old adage: “Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness.” There are a plethora of excuses for why we do not take care of ourselves, and after a year at Xcalibur Gym, I have heard most of them. Some put up obstacles at the very beginning, already convincing themselves that working out is not for them. As I give the programs, I can see eyes roaming, looking for flaws, the fly in the ointment. Each time, I explain that I cannot do it for them. “You mean… I have to make an effort?”  My head drops when I reply, “Yes.” “Ha! I told you this is not for me.”

One can only facilitate so much.

Brian Robinson