A couple weeks ago, a training client asked me after a workout:
“How did I do?”
“Excellent.” I replied.
“You always say that.”
I couldn’t help but laugh because it’s true. In fact, that’s how I answer about 60% of text messages. But I still mean it.
To me, excellence means striving for consistent improvement (however small), and that deserves to be recognized and celebrated. This is why I love the “PR Board” – not to brag or compare numbers, but to mark a point that represents the work put in and spurs on the work to come.
Every workout is an opportunity to practice excellence.
Working on weaknesses areas for improvement is vital to close the gaps in your fitness. This 
allows you to move on to bigger and better things while keeping you out of the doctor’s office.
Do you need more flexibility? Endurance? Strength? Probably all these things and more, but be sure to identify what’s most lagging and take small steps to bring it up.
Just as important as what you do, is how you do it. Pushups are great, but not if you look like the catch-of-the-day flopping around on the ground. You’re not doing yourself any favors by doing more work with bad form. That’s just bad practice – like shooting hoops with a football.
—> Click here for more excellent examples <—
Always ask yourself: “Am I doing this well?” If you’re not sure, reach out and you might be surprised what you learn. If it doesn’t feel right, it’s not.
When starting with a new client, I like to emphasize the novel concepts of not beating yourself up in the gym and leaving feeling better than when you came in.
I encourage clients to lift like a professional and make it look easy.
And if you must “fail” a lift, do it like a professional – don’t lose form, don’t hurt yourself.
This is simple self-respect and it’s a better route to a healthy body than self-torture. Respect where you are and take where you want to be seriously enough that you set yourself up for long term success.
The path to excellence is just that – a path. And one I’m honored to share with so many great people.
