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Passion – it has been on my mind lately.

As a personal trainer, I often train clients that are passionate about certain sports (running, climbing and triathlon to name a few). They train with me to be better at sports they care deeply about and to prevent any possible injuries that may come with those sports specific activities.

I also train many clients that haven’t found their fitness passions yet. They usually start training to shape up and to be healthy. Don’t get me wrong – I think these reasons are excellent and would not even remotely try to disrespect them. Yet – I don’t think they push us every day to do things we are capable of doing. Why? Because are hearts are not 100% in them.

And that’s when passion joins the party. Have you ever wondered why people for example run in heavy wind and rain or climb until their fingers bleed? What drives them to these extremes? It’s something they are usually very passionate about. Sure, some people may call it obsession or madness. But have you actually taken time off to watch these ‘passionate nutcases’? Have you seen their faces lighten up whenever they talk about things they love? There is this light that shines though them, they become wildly animated, they may jump or skip a bit and may even look slightly ‘disturbed’. Yet you can’t take your eyes off them – even though you are still slightly worried about their sanity levels. And then it becomes contagious. You start seeing the world through their eyes. You see the beauty of a rainy run, smell the grass with them, and feel those cool raindrops on your skin. You enjoy that rush that comes with the next controlled move on the rock; you let the wind tousle your hair and feel alive. You are re-living that experience with them.

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For me as a trainer, passionate clients are a joy to train. I may not necessary understand their passions, but seeing them come alive and work really hard to be their best at activities they deeply care about – that is one of the most satisfying feelings your job can give you.

If you haven’t found your fitness passion, there is always time to do so! You can say yes to every new opportunity that presents itself. You never know whether you will love something until you take a deep breath and give it a try. Be as open minded as possible. You would be surprised what you may find. I have trained 50+ year-old clients who discovered water rafting, marathon running, crossfit etc. And once they found their callings, our training started being evolved around it and they have never been more dedicated to their fitness and wellbeing. Because they now work towards something they love. And they don’t see an hour of less sleep / not going out / eating well as sacrifices, they see those as life choices that enable them to truly engage in something that brings them joy and satisfaction.

With that said, I’m off to climb until my fingers bleed…

V.