Inspiring exercise moment - Power Walk

For me being a Personal Trainer is the greatest 'job' in world. It does not feel like 'work'. Getting paid for something I genuinely enjoy doing - exercise and fitness is my hobby - and crucially making a difference to people's lives. It is a great feeling knowing I am helping, supporting and inspiring clients to change their lives and to live more active and healthy lifestyles.

Yesterday – as always – was a busy and action packed day. Lots of cycling, running, power walking and circuits including press ups, lunging and squats. Living life in the active lane.

I wanted to share with you an inspiring exercise moment from yesterday. One of my regular clients had worked fantastically well during our session in a local park including multiple squats, lunges, press ups, boxing and #1MinuteChallenge – whole body workout. The final challenge I had for them was to power walk back to their house – which was approximately half a mile and all uphill!! My client after such a challenging workout looked at me and said “are you joking!!”

My client has walked this uphill route back before from the training park at a steady, stop start pace in approximately 16 minutes. My final challenge of the session was to power walk all the way back to the end in 11 minutes whilst also carrying a bagpack (containing training equipment e.g. drink, skipping rope, boxing pads). The client in question after a few moments of doubt and reluctance set off on their power walking challenge (with tired legs from the exercises we had already done) uttering the words “I can do it”.

Soon, they were into a fluent, regular walking stride – with consistent arm and leg drive and head lifted looking forward – powering through the steps. I could see the determination in their face to achieve their uphill power walking challenge in 11 minutes. The effort and hard work they had to put in was inspiring. As we got closer to the ‘finish line’ the hill got steeper but my client maintained the powerful walking speed. They were in the zone, not talking just focusing on the walking. My client’s legs were tired & muscles aching, their heart rate was elevated and sweat dripping off of their forehead.

We passed other walkers and people driving past in cars – they all looked at my client power walking in amazement. My client really was setting an inspiring example to others – to challenge yourseld and get out of your comfort zone.

For the final 100 meters, we had one last push to increase the power walking speed. We made it to the destination. My client was relieved, exhausted but most importantly proud and satisfied at their efforts. What a great workout and way to end another positive training session. As for the time, my client completed the uphill power walk from the training park in an inspiring 10 minutes 51 seconds. Just shows that we can achieve by being focused, in the zone and challenging ourselves. Well done.

It’s always great to hear peoples inspiring exercise achievements and workouts. Please share and spread the get active inspiration.

Live life in the active lane,

Matt