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(And Why Rise with Marcus is the Best Choice in Coventry) 👀When people start looking for a personal trainer, the first thing they usually ask is: “How much does it cost?” But the real question is, “What am I actually getting for my money?”In the UK, personal training prices vary massively. You could pay anywhere from £15 to £85 per session, with the average sitting around £36 per hour. But a training session on its own doesn’t mean much.What actually matters is what happens between those sessions—how well your training is structured, how it fits into your lifestyle, and whether you're actually progressing. A good coach doesn’t just turn up, count reps, and leave. A good coach is an investment—in your body, your confidence, and your long-term results.If you’re in Coventry, that’s exactly why Rise with Marcus is the best choice.<h2>What Affects the Cost of Personal Training?</h2>1. Experience &amp; ExpertiseSome trainers have a certificate and a few months of gym floor experience. That’s not enough. I’ve spent over a decade training and competing as a two-sport professional athlete in American football and bobsleigh, applying elite-level strength, conditioning, and movement principles to body transformation. The people I train don’t just get workouts—they get a system designed for long-term progress, strength, and injury prevention. 2. The Difference Between a “Session” and a Coaching System Many trainers just sell sessions—an hour of their time, and then you're on your own. At Rise with Marcus, you get a complete coaching system. Every session fits into a bigger picture of structured progression. This includes: ✅ Full training plans that develop strength, athleticism, and body composition. ✅ Nutrition strategies tailored to your goals—whether that’s fat loss, muscle gain, or performance. ✅ Ongoing support and coaching—adjustments, accountability, and solutions to roadblocks. ✅ Injury management &amp; movement optimization to keep you progressing safely. A session is just the tip of the iceberg. Real coaching is about everything outside of those sessions too.3. How Your Training is Structured for Maximum ResultsThe key to transforming your body isn’t just working hard—it’s working smart. I apply athletic performance principles to general fitness, meaning:You train for strength, movement quality, and athleticism, not just aesthetics. You build a foundation of fitness that translates to real-world strength and resilience. You avoid the common mistakes that slow progress and cause injuries. Most trainers just make you tired. I make you better.<h2>So, How Much Should You Pay for Personal Training?</h2>The price of personal training is only expensive if you’re not getting results. If you’re not improving, even £20 per session is too much. But if you’re building strength, gaining confidence, and transforming your body, then quality coaching is an investment, not a cost.At Rise with Marcus, you’re getting: ✅ A structured coaching system, not just random workouts. ✅ Decades of experience applied to your individual goals. ✅ A methodical approach to strength, movement, and injury prevention. ✅ Support beyond the gym—nutrition, programming, and accountability.Yes, personal training at this level is an investment, but the results speak for themselves. The difference between spinning your wheels for years and actually progressing comes down to who you choose to guide you.<h2>Why Rise with Marcus? (The Best Choice in Coventry)</h2>There are plenty of trainers in Coventry. But if you want a complete system for body transformation, athletic strength, and long-term progress, there’s only one choice.This isn’t just about sessions—it’s about real coaching. It’s not just about getting in shape—it’s about staying strong, moving well, and building resilience for life. I bring experience from two professional sports, applying elite-level principles to everyday training. The question isn’t “How much does it cost?” It’s “What are you getting for your money?”And at Rise with Marcus, you’re getting the best coaching available in Coventry.Want to get started? Message me, and let’s get to work.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Trainer in the UK?

Unrecognizable young woman eating delicious donut.

Cravings can feel like an unstoppable force, derailing even the best-planned diets. Whether it’s the sudden urge for something sweet, salty, or just anything in sight, cravings aren’t just about willpower—they’re physiological, psychological, and environmental. Understanding why they happen and how to manage them effectively is key to long-term success.This blog will break down what cravings really are, why they happen, and most importantly, how to handle them without feeling miserable or constantly battling yourself.<h2>Why Do We Get Cravings?</h2>Cravings aren’t random. They’re caused by a mix of hormonal shifts, habits, emotions, and environment. Here’s what’s really going on:<h3>1. Blood Sugar Fluctuations</h3>When blood sugar drops, your body craves quick energy—usually in the form of high-sugar, high-fat foods (Hall et al., 2019). This is why skipping meals or eating a carb-heavy diet without enough protein and fats can make cravings worse.<h3>2. Dopamine and Reward Response</h3>Certain foods trigger a dopamine release, activating the brain’s reward system (Volkow et al., 2011). Highly processed foods, especially those high in sugar and fat, create an addictive response, making you want them even more.<h3>3. Habit and Conditioning</h3>If you always eat chocolate at night or grab a snack when stressed, your brain learns the pattern. Over time, cravings become less about hunger and more about routine (Schultz, 2016).<h3>4. Hormonal Influence </h3>Leptin &amp; Ghrelin: Leptin controls hunger, while ghrelin stimulates it. Poor sleep disrupts these hormones, making you hungrier and increasing cravings (Spiegel et al., 2004). Cortisol &amp; Stress: High stress leads to increased cravings for high-calorie foods (Epel et al., 2001). <h3>5. Nutrient Deficiencies </h3>Sometimes, cravings indicate a lack of essential nutrients. A craving for chocolate? It could be a magnesium deficiency. Constantly want salty food? You might need more sodium or hydration (Rodríguez‐Moran &amp; Guerrero‐Romero, 2001).<h2>How to Control Cravings Without Feeling Deprived </h2>Cravings don’t have to control you. Here’s how to handle them effectively:<h3>1. Balance Your Meals to Prevent Cravings Before They Start </h3>Protein is your best friend: It stabilizes blood sugar and keeps you fuller longer (Leidy et al., 2015). Aim for 1.6–2.2g of protein per kg of body weight. Healthy fats slow digestion and reduce cravings. Include sources like avocado, nuts, and olive oil (Kirkpatrick et al., 2019). High-fiber carbs keep energy steady (whole grains, fruits, veggies). Avoid ultra-processed carbs that spike and crash blood sugar. <h3>2. Identify Your Triggers </h3>If you crave sugar at night, is it hunger or habit? If stress makes you snack, can you manage stress differently? (breathing exercises, movement, journaling). If boredom leads to snacking, can you distract yourself with an activity? <h3>3. Use the “Pause &amp; Plan” Method </h3>When a craving hits:Pause—Wait 5-10 minutes before acting on it. Ask yourself: Am I actually hungry? Bored? Stressed? Plan a response—If you’re hungry, eat a balanced snack. If you just want a taste, have a small portion mindfully. <h3>4. Hydration &amp; Sleep: The Craving Killers </h3>Drink water first—Thirst is often confused for hunger (Jequier &amp; Constant, 2010). Get 7-9 hours of sleep—Poor sleep increases ghrelin and cravings (Spiegel et al., 2004). <h3>5. Don’t Ban Foods—Strategically Include Them </h3>Strictly avoiding certain foods makes cravings worse. Instead:Use the 80/20 rule: 80% whole, nutrient-dense foods, 20% flexibility. Plan indulgences: If you love chocolate, schedule it so it doesn’t feel off-limits. Use volume eating: A small piece of chocolate + high-fiber fruit = satisfaction without a binge. <h3>6. Keep Craving-Friendly Alternatives On Hand </h3>Craving chips? Try popcorn with sea salt. Want sweets? Greek yogurt + berries + cinnamon. Chocolate cravings? Dark chocolate (70%+ cacao) in moderation. &nbsp; What If You Do Give In? Cravings aren’t failures. One meal won’t ruin progress, just like one workout won’t make you fit. If you overeat:Don’t guilt-trip yourself—This fuels an unhealthy cycle. Get back to normal eating immediately—Don’t try to “compensate” with extreme restriction. Learn from it—What triggered it? How can you handle it differently next time?<h2>Final Thoughts: Master Cravings, Don’t Let Them Master You </h2>Cravings are normal. But with the right nutrition, strategies, and mindset, you can control them instead of feeling controlled. Remember:✔ Balance your meals to prevent cravings ✔ Identify and manage your triggers ✔ Allow occasional treats without guilt ✔ Prioritize sleep and hydration ✔ Have better alternatives readyWhen you shift from fighting cravings to understanding and managing them, they lose their power. And when you learn to navigate them, your results finally become sustainable.<h2>References</h2>Epel, E. S., Lapidus, R., McEwen, B., &amp; Brownell, K. D. (2001). Stress may add bite to appetite in women. Psychosomatic Medicine, 63(5), 698-706. Hall, K. D., Ayuketah, A., Brychta, R., Cai, H., Cassimatis, T. M., Chen, K. Y., ... &amp; Zhou, M. (2019). Ultra-processed diets cause excess calorie intake and weight gain: An inpatient randomized controlled trial of ad libitum food intake. Cell Metabolism, 30(1), 67-77. Jequier, E., &amp; Constant, F. (2010). Water as an essential nutrient: The physiological basis of hydration. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 64(2), 115-123. Kirkpatrick, C. F., Bolick, J. P., Kris-Etherton, P. M., Sikand, G., Aspry, K. E., Soffer, D. E., ... &amp; Skulas-Ray, A. C. (2019). Review of current evidence and clinical recommendations on the effects of low-carbohydrate and very-low-carbohydrate diets. Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 13(5), 629-640. Leidy, H. J., Clifton, P. M., Astrup, A., Wycherley, T. P., Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S., Luscombe-Marsh, N. D., ... &amp; Mattes, R. D. (2015). The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 101(6), 1320S-1329S. Rodríguez‐Moran, M., &amp; Guerrero‐Romero, F. (2001). Low serum magnesium levels and metabolic syndrome. Acta Diabetologica, 38(2), 73-77. Schultz, W. (2016). Dopamine reward prediction error coding. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 18(1), 23-32. Spiegel, K., Tasali, E., Penev, P., &amp; Van Cauter, E. (2004). Brief communication: Sleep curtailment in healthy young men is associated with decreased leptin levels, elevated ghrelin levels, and increased hunger and appetite. Annals of Internal Medicine, 141(11), 846-850. Volkow, N. D., Wang, G. J., Tomasi, D., &amp; Baler, R. D. (2011). The addictive dimensionality of obesity. Biological Psychiatry, 69(10), 950-956.

How to Handle Cravings and Stay on Track

MMA boxers fighters fight in fights without rules

There’s a moment before you step into the cage where the noise fades, and all that’s left is yourself. It’s just you, the preparation you’ve put in, and the unknown waiting on the other side. For me, that moment wasn’t filled with nerves or doubt—it was filled with curiosity.I didn’t pursue MMA for glory or the thrill of the fight. I did it to see what I was made of, to reclaim something I felt I’d lost. After a knee injury sidelined my dreams of American football, I needed to test myself as an athlete and as a person. Could I rise to a new challenge? Could I push past fatigue, fear, and doubt to prove something—not to others, but to myself?I realized early on that it wasn’t about the outcome—it was about the process. That’s what I live for. The outcome is fleeting; it’s the journey that shapes you. And this was the journey I had chosen, for reasons I didn’t fully understand at the time.<h3>The Journey to the Cage</h3>I trained at Starkey’s Martial Arts in Earlsdon, Coventry, a gym that struck the perfect balance of technique and live sparring. Unlike other gyms, where sparring is rare, Starkey’s emphasized gentle but consistent practice. This environment sharpened my instincts and gave me the confidence to trust my abilities in a live fight.But preparation wasn’t easy. Balancing full-time work, MMA, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and gymnastics to improve my body control meant days that started early and ended late. Fatigue was my constant opponent. Yet, I stuck with it because I believe in one simple truth: You get out what you put in. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort—it happens in the grind.<h3>Fight Day: The Calm Before the Storm</h3>I wasn’t nervous on fight day. While other fighters paced nervously or had heart rates spiking between 80–100 beats per minute, mine was steady at 60–70. I’m not the type to dwell on what could go wrong. For me, preparation is everything. Once you’ve done the work, the rest is out of your hands.If you die, you die. What’s the point in worrying about what you can’t control?There wasn’t much time to warm up; the fights moved quickly. As I watched the other matches, I wasn’t tense—I was simply curious. What would this experience be like? Would all my preparation pay off?<h3>The Fight: A Test of Fitness and Will </h3>From the first round, I realized that MMA fitness is its own beast. My lungs were burning, my legs felt like lead, and my chest heaved with every breath. No amount of preparation can truly simulate the intensity of a real fight.But in those critical moments, I relied on my training. My strength lay in my ground game, and I found it easier to fight for position. I recognized opportunities for submissions, but my opponent fought hard to stay in the game.There were flashes of control: a takedown, an uppercut, a clean dodge of his counter. But the fight was exhausting, and I had to dig deep to stay focused. In the last round, he dipped his head for a takedown and pinned me against the cage. My whole body felt like I was stuck in cement. Out of the corner of my eye I see my coach, Kieran, waving a single finger back and forth. "One minute marcus! One minue!" "Oh... go on then". I whisper to myself. I hook under his knee with my hands and drive him back trying to tip him. Success. I release my hands to let him go to the floor thinking I would be able to take his back and finally finish the fight. He gets up too fast and I lose my opportunity but stil have the upper hand. Maintaining pressure on him from his side, I recognise another clear chance. I pivot to hook my right wrist under his chin for the guillotine. <blockquote>"C'est l'heure."</blockquote>I fall back and secure one of his legs with mine. My fingers working tirelessly through blood and sweat and tempered leather to find one another. My hands and arms constrict like a starving python. "Lift the Elbow", Coach orders. Compliance. And slowly I feel defeat beset my opponent.<h3>Victory Without Joy</h3>When the fight ended, I expected to feel pride, relief, or even accomplishment. But what I felt was emptiness.My opponent congratulated me graciously, then returned to his pregnant partner, defeated. I couldn’t shake the thought: What was the point of this?I didn’t step into that cage to hurt someone. I did it to test myself, to be prepared for a world where harm is sometimes necessary to protect those you love. But what did I truly accomplish by beating someone who wasn’t my enemy?I wish there were a way to practice fighting only against “bad people,” but life isn’t that simple. The lesson wasn’t in the fight itself—it was in the process, the preparation, and the parts of myself I discovered along the way.<h3>What I Learned About Myself</h3>The most surprising thing I learned wasn’t about my opponent—it was about me.People often see me as carefree, non-chalant - as someone who doesn’t take things seriously. But when the stakes are high, I rise to the challenge. Everytime.I’ve realized I’m the type to do the hard work quietly, when no one is looking. People won’t see the grind, and they might not believe in my preparation. But when the moment comes, they’ll see the results.This experience taught me something else: I can’t pursue everything. Preparing for the fight demanded everything I had—time, energy, focus. In the future, I know I need to narrow my efforts, to approach challenges with more focus rather than trying to hit multiple goals at once.<h3>Advice for Those Considering an MMA Fight</h3>If you’re considering an MMA fight, here’s my advice: If you’re scared, it’s exactly what you need to do.Fear is natural, but it’s also something you can overcome. I wasn’t anxious or nervous, but I did feel the fear of being hurt. I chose to accept it. If you’ve made the decision to fight, then deal with what comes with it—it’s your choice, your responsibility.Stepping into the cage isn’t about enjoying every moment. It’s about proving to yourself that you can handle discomfort, pressure, and the unknown. If you choose to stay in your comfort zone, that’s fine, but know that comfort comes at the cost of growth.<h3>Gratitude, Growth, and Resilience</h3>The fight changed how I view life. I’m grateful that I don’t have to fight every day, that I don’t live with the constant pressure of survival that so many around the world face.But it also taught me resilience. Life isn’t easy, and there will always be challenges—physical, mental, or emotional. The fight reminded me that preparation is everything. You may not control the outcome, but you can control your readiness.Personal growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable. It comes from stepping into the arena, facing what scares you, and putting in the work when no one else is watching.<h3>The Lesson: Fighting Is About More Than Winning</h3>MMA taught me that fighting is as much about preparation and self-discovery as it is about victory. It’s about finding out what you’re capable of, even when you’re exhausted or unsure.You don’t fight to prove yourself to others—you fight to understand yourself. Whether it’s in the cage, at work, or in life, the effort you put in behind the scenes is what defines you when it matters most.So, if you’re facing a challenge—whether it’s a fight, a career change, or just a hard day—remember this: The work you do in the dark will shine in the light.You don’t need to shout about it or seek validation. Just put in the effort, and trust that when the moment comes, you’ll rise.<h2>A Big Thanks </h2>With the victory in mind I would like to thank Coach Kieran at Starkey Martial Arts in Earlsdon and would highly recommend him for anyone who is considering starting a combat sport and isn't sure where to start.<h2>The Fight</h2><figure id="figure-qpkyn2z2b4m7yyuzzi" class=""><iframe id="qpkyn2z2b4m7yyuzzi" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9YepuXq686A" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YepuXq686A" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9YepuXq686A" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

Lessons from My First MMA Fight: Fighting for More Than Victory

Middle-aged man licks his lips as he caresses nude dummy

When it comes to picking a personal trainer, the number one thing that matters is trust. It’s not about whether they’re male or female—it’s about whether they can get you to where you want to be while making you feel comfortable, respected, and confident in the process.That said, I get it. The idea of working with a male trainer can bring up concerns—will he understand my goals? Will he push me too hard? Will I feel awkward? These are all valid thoughts, and if you’ve ever hesitated about hiring a male PT, you’re not alone. So let’s break it down: the concerns, the red flags, the green flags, and why this won’t be a problem when working with me.<h2>Common Concerns About Working with a Male PT</h2><h3> 1. "Will he understand my goals?"</h3>A lot of women worry that a male trainer won’t "get" their goals—whether it’s wanting to feel strong, tone up, lose fat, or build confidence. Too many male PTs assume every woman just wants to "get smaller" and throw them onto a treadmill for an hour. That’s bad coaching, and it’s exactly why you need someone who actually listens.A good PT—regardless of gender—should ask you what you want and then structure your training to fit that. If your coach just assumes your goal, walk away.<h3>2. "Will I feel uncomfortable?"</h3>If you’re stepping into a gym for the first time or doing exercises you’re unfamiliar with, feeling a bit awkward is normal. But feeling uncomfortable with your trainer? That’s not.A professional PT will make sure you feel safe, supported, and respected in every session. No weird comments, no pushing you beyond your comfort zone in an inappropriate way, and definitely no ego-driven coaching. If a trainer makes you feel uneasy? Find someone else.<h3>3. "Will he push me too hard?"</h3>Some women worry a male trainer will go full ‘military bootcamp’ mode and push them beyond what’s realistic. But good training isn’t about running you into the ground—it’s about progressing you at the right pace for long-term success.You don’t need a trainer screaming in your face, making you feel like you’re not doing enough. You need a trainer who challenges you just enough to keep you progressing without overloading you.<h2>Red Flags: What to Watch Out For</h2>If you’re considering working with a male PT, look out for these warning signs:🚩 Ignores your goals. If he doesn’t listen to what you want and just puts you on a generic plan, that’s a problem.🚩 Oversteps boundaries. If a trainer ever makes you feel uncomfortable, even slightly, trust your gut and find someone else.🚩 Doesn’t adjust for you. Yes a coach should push you outside your comfort zone. But, If he pushes you to do exercises you’re not comfortable with or ignores concerns about injury or discomfort, that’s bad coaching.🚩 Overly hands-on. There’s no need for excessive touching when coaching. A good trainer knows how to cue movements without unnecessary physical contact.🚩 Lack of professionalism. If they make inappropriate jokes, flirt, or make comments about your appearance that feel off—walk away immediately.<h3>Green Flags: What a Great PT Looks Like</h3>✅ Listens to you. Your goals, your concerns, your feedback—it all matters. If a trainer genuinely listens and adapts, that’s a good sign.✅ Explains everything. A great coach doesn’t just tell you what to do—they tell you why you’re doing it, so you feel confident in your training.✅ Makes adjustments. If something doesn’t feel right or you have an injury, they should be ready to adapt on the spot.✅ Respects your space. There’s no excessive touching, no weird comments—just professional coaching.✅ Gets results. At the end of the day, you want someone who actually knows how to get you to where you want to be.<h2>Why This Won’t Be a Problem with Me</h2>Let’s cut to the chase—none of this is an issue when working with me because I do things differently.🔹 I listen. I don’t assume your goals—I ask and then build a plan around them.🔹 I coach like an expert, not a drill sergeant. You’ll be challenged, but in the right way, at the right time. No burnout, no pointless suffering—just smart progression.🔹 I explain everything. You won’t just "do an exercise" because I said so. You’ll understand why it’s in your program and how it benefits you.🔹 I respect your space. There’s no need for excessive contact. Coaching should be professional, and that’s exactly how I keep it.🔹 You’ll get results. At the end of the day, that’s why you’re here. My coaching isn’t based on trends or generic templates—it’s built around what actually works.<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>It’s not about whether your trainer is male or female. It’s about whether they’re the right fit for you. If you’re working with a male PT OR a female PT and something feels off, trust your gut.But if you find someone who listens, adapts, and actually knows what they’re doing? You’re in good hands.If you’re ready to work with a coach who gets results without the BS, let’s talk. Feel free to check all my reviews.

Should Females Work with a Male Personal Trainer? How to Know If It’s the Right Fit

When Pav first walked into the gym, I saw it instantly—he could be a solid Olympic weightlifter. The raw potential was there. But here’s the thing: I see that in a lot of people.What really matters? Who’s willing to do the work.So we started. First day on the snatch, 30kg on the bar. He pulled, dropped under… and wiped out completely.No surprise. Everyone eats the floor at some point in weightlifting. But I looked at him, completely certain of what was coming.“Very soon, you’ll be hitting 70kg.”He laughed. Scoffed. “Yeah, whatever mate.”Little did he know, he was in for one hell of a journey.<figure id="figure-c0jutzqa4fm7nj6fnc"><iframe id="c0jutzqa4fm7nj6fnc" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LsG0cCxU4Y0" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtube.com/shorts/LsG0cCxU4Y0?si=GQ4W4pxId4V8Rd1U" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LsG0cCxU4Y0" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><h2>Confidence vs. Control</h2>Pav wasn’t the type to hesitate. Some lifters get timid as the bar gets heavier—he didn’t. He attacked his lifts, moved fast, and trusted himself.But confidence without control? That’s a dangerous thing.I told him to slow down on the weight increases. To build his foundation. To trust the process.But like so many lifters eager to prove themselves, he pushed forward. And because his technique wasn’t bad, I let it slide.Big mistake.One session, 55kg was on the bar. He pulled, but his feet weren’t quite right. He caught it awkwardly, lost control, and before he even realised—CRACK.The weight slammed down onto his knee. Hard.But here’s the thing—he got up like nothing had happened. Shook it off. Brushed it aside. Said he was fine.And to be fair, he seemed fine at the time.Until the next morning.<figure id="figure-cengy3whjlm7nif3vb"><iframe id="cengy3whjlm7nif3vb" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tI4GtIs49DI" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtube.com/shorts/tI4GtIs49DI?si=2S4xl_HV8zieHKUb" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tI4GtIs49DI" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><h2>The Reality of Injury</h2>The next day, he couldn’t walk.That’s how these things go. You think you’re alright in the moment, adrenaline masking the damage. Then the pain hits later, and you realise just how bad it was.When I went to check the barbell, I had to scrape his skin off the knurling. That’s how deep the impact had been.This wasn’t just another missed lift. This was real.And in weightlifting, reality checks like this can make or break a lifter.<h2>The Turning Point</h2>Most people, when they get injured, spiral. They lose motivation, lose confidence, and never come back the same.Pav could’ve been one of them.But something changed in him.When he returned, it wasn’t just about healing his knee. He came back with a different mindset—more patient, more focused, more willing to listen.He respected the weight. And more importantly, he respected the process.We didn’t rush back in. We rebuilt from the ground up.30kg, clean reps. Then 35kg. Then 40kg.Every lift was methodical. We weren’t chasing weight. We were chasing mastery.It was slow, frustrating at times. But he stuck with it.And then, after weeks of hard work, we reached 55kg again—the weight that had crushed him.He pulled. Caught it. Stood it up. No hesitation.He looked at me. I nodded. We were back.But this time, we were doing it right.<h2>Chasing 70kg: The Battle Against Himself</h2>As the weights climbed, 60kg came fast. Then 65kg.But 70kg? That was his mountain.He’d tried it multiple times. Some attempts were close, but close isn’t a lift. Each failure chipped away at him.And every time, he’d say, “Yeah, I did it in another gym.”But to me? That didn’t count.If I didn’t see it, if there was no proof, it wasn’t real. Lifting is about undeniable results—not stories.So we kept working. And then, on one seemingly ordinary session, the breakthrough came.<h2>The Moment of Truth</h2>We were drilling power snatches. His catch was off—we weren’t even thinking about heavy weights. I slowly started adding plates, bit by bit, without saying a word.He wasn’t paying attention to the numbers. Just moving.And then, suddenly, the bar was at 70kg.I looked at him.“Just yam it and catch it.”No hesitation. No overthinking. He pulled. He caught. He stood it up.70kg.I erupted with exclamations of another language. Just me, him, and one other person in the gym.We were both grinning.“Now it counts.”He looked at the bar, processing what had just happened. And then he said something that stuck with me:“Dropping 55kg on myself was the best thing that could have possibly happened.”He meant it. And he was right. <figure id="figure-pxbah6csw7m7nj6v0d"><iframe id="pxbah6csw7m7nj6v0d" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HTuhEQMVP_c" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="" data-url="https://youtube.com/shorts/HTuhEQMVP_c?si=snHTO-kS-UVjnjhY" data-corners="default" data-fullWidth="false"></iframe></figure><h2>Why Failure Is Your Greatest Teacher</h2>Pav’s journey wasn’t just about hitting a number on the bar. It was about how he got there.He didn’t climb straight to 70kg. He fell. He got injured. He rebuilt from 30kg. He struggled. He failed again.But he kept going.That’s the reality of success. Everyone wants the win, but not everyone is willing to take the setbacks that come first.Failure isn’t the end. It’s the lesson. It’s the opportunity to adapt, learn, and come back better.And now? He sees it everywhere.When a new lifter starts pushing weight too fast, ignoring my advice, he watches.I’ll say something like, “That’s going to catch up with them when they go heavier.”Sure enough, they struggle. They get stuck. They fail.And they always come back with the same line: “You were right.”And without fail, Pav turns to them, shakes his head, and says:“He always is.”Because some lessons...You don’t believe them until you live them.

Pav’s Journey: How Failure Forged Progress

Worried adult man sitting on ground at home

When we think about improving our fitness, growing a business, or building strong relationships, we often focus on strategies. The right workout plan, a structured business strategy, or effective communication techniques. But what if the real barrier isn’t about “doing more” or “trying harder”? What if it’s something deeper—something unresolved inside of us?I’ve seen this play out countless times as a personal trainer. One story, in particular, has stuck with me—a lesson in how the problems we carry silently can show up in unexpected ways and hold us back in every area of life.<h3>The Hidden Blockage </h3>A client of mine, let’s call him James, came to me with a clear goal: he wanted to lose weight, gain strength, and feel more confident in his body. At first, everything seemed on track. He was consistent, showing up to every session, following the program, and asking thoughtful questions.But two months in, there was no progress—not physically, mentally, or emotionally. Week after week, we hit the same roadblocks. Every session felt the same. James would come in, sit down with a heavy sigh, and say, “I just don’t want it enough” or “I’m the problem.”It was a cycle, repeating itself over and over. And like many of us, James was trying to push through it by doing the same things, expecting different results. That’s when the words of Einstein came to mind: <blockquote>The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.</blockquote>I realized James wasn’t lazy, unmotivated, or broken—he was stuck. Stuck in a pattern that couldn’t be solved by simply working harder. It wasn’t the program or the effort that needed to change—it was the approach.<h3>The Breakthrough </h3>One day, instead of going straight into training, I asked James to sit down and talk. For an hour, we peeled back the layers. He opened up about how his business—a chaotic, all-consuming venture—was draining his energy and confidence. He was drowning in responsibilities, stressed about finances, and struggling to keep up.It hit me then: the gym wasn’t the problem, and James wasn’t the problem. The problem was the weight of his personal struggles bleeding into his ability to focus, commit, and grow.Together, we came up with a plan—not for fitness, but for his business. We identified small, actionable steps to help him regain control and feel less overwhelmed. This wasn’t about working harder; it was about doing something different.Once James started tackling his business challenges, something amazing happened. The energy and clarity he found there started to flow into his workouts, his mindset, and his confidence. Progress finally began.<h3>The Depth We Know Ourselves Defines Our Growth </h3>James’s story is a reminder of something we often overlook: the barriers in our fitness, career, or family life are rarely isolated. They’re symptoms of something deeper. A chaotic mind can’t build a strong body. Unresolved stress at work or home will eventually surface in your health, your relationships, and even your self-esteem.And if you keep repeating the same patterns—focusing only on the surface-level issues—you’ll stay stuck. Real progress requires change, even when that change feels uncomfortable.The depth to which we know ourselves—the courage to sit with our fears, our challenges, and our truths—is the depth to which we can grow.<h3>Reflect, Break the Cycle, and Realign </h3>If you’re feeling stuck, whether it’s in the gym, your career, or your personal life, take a step back and ask yourself:What patterns am I repeating that aren’t working?What am I avoiding addressing? Is there something in my life draining my energy or holding me back? What’s one small, different action I could take today to shift things? Growth starts with reflection and a willingness to break the cycle. Sometimes, it’s not about pushing harder—it’s about stepping back and finding a new way forward.<h3>Closing Thoughts </h3>James taught me that real progress isn’t just about showing up. It’s about showing up for the right things—the things that truly matter and align with where we want to go.If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, I encourage you to reflect on what might be holding you back. And if you want to talk it through, I’m here to help. Sometimes, all it takes is one honest conversation to change everything.Feel free to email me with any thoughts, realizations, or struggles you’re facing. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

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