Inspiring exercise moment - Steep hill cycling challenge

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.

Today – 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 training with one of my regular and inspiring clients this morning. We were training in the ‘outdoorgym’. The training session centered on cycling and getting a great CV workout with 3 steep hill climbs – the final one which was approximately three quarters of a mile.

Whilst cycling – my client had got into the zone – and was building up a consistent and regular pace on the flat part of the cycle ride. We had been cycling for about 10 minutes when we came to the bottom of our first steep hill climb (approximately 8% gradient)  that comprised of 1 bend half way up and a steep, bank at the top. The challenge to my client was to get to the top of the first hill with-out stopping.

Soon, my client was into a fluent, regular cycling action going up the hill and moving forward – with consistent leg drive and head lifted looking forward – powering through with turn of the peddle. I could see the determination and desire in their face to achieve their uphill challenge. The effort and hard work they had to put in was inspiring and made me proud. Along the uphill route to the summit of the first hill there were lamp posts. “That’s 1 lamp post completed, 3 more to go”, “That’s 2 lamp posts completed, 2 more to go”, etc I said to my client. As we got closer to the ‘summit’ the hill got steeper. They were in the zone, not talking just focusing on the cycling whilst I was talking to my client and constantly encouraging them. My client’s legs were tired & muscles aching, their heart rate was elevated. My client had made it to the top of their first hill climb challenge – brilliant.

We then had a flat and downhill ride for approximately 8 minutes until we reached the bottom of the next hill climb challenge. A steep hill with approximately10% gradient and 2 bends. This hill was steeper than the first climb challenge and longer. Again the challenge was to get to the top without stopping. Soon, my client was into a fluent, regular cycling action again going up the hill and moving forward – with consistent leg drive and head lifted looking forward – powering through with turn of the peddle. I could see the determination and desire in their face to achieve the second uphill challenge. The effort and hard work they had to put in was inspiring and made me proud. Whilst cycling up the second hill and moving forward my client showed great confidence whilst cars were passing and overtaking. They were in the zone, not talking just focusing on the cycling whilst I was talking to my client and constantly encouraging them. My client’s their heart rate was elevated. As we approached the final steep bend I said “last push and we are nearly there – keep going”. My client had made it to the top of their second hill climb challenge – brilliant. We celebrated by giving a big ‘high 5’ and having a well-earned drink of water.

We then had a flat and downhill ride for approximately 8 minutes until we reached the bottom of the final hill climb challenge. This was the least steep of the 3 hills but by far the longest – it was a long hill. We turned the corner and soon my client was into the zone – still moving forward, not stopping. They kept on turning their peddle whilst I was cycling ahead saying “nearly there”, “stay focused”, “be inspired”. They kept on going and were determined not to stop. After about 8 minutes we had made it to the top of the final hill climb.

My client really was setting an inspiring example to others – to challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone.

For the final 30 meters (approximately), we had one last push to get to the top of the hill. We made it. My client was relieved, tired but most importantly proud and satisfied at their efforts. We gave a big ‘High 10’ to celebrate getting to the top of the hill. What a great achievement – I was proud and inspired. Just shows what 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

 

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"Matt tailors every session to my needs, and believe me, you feel worked at the end of it, but it’s fun at the same time, with great banter and teamwork, it just flies past every time."