Today a fitness participant broke my heart.

She came to me in tears, telling me she was in pain. One of the fitness teachers had pushed her too hard, into positions she couldn’t do because of her back injuries and now all she felt was pain. She couldn’t get out of bed without crying.

Maybe it’s my training but I work with people who have injuries, disabilities, and those who have been told by their doctors, “If you don’t start working out, things will get worse.” If you are just starting out after years of sitting on a coach you should not be forced into a twenty-something workout session.

I never understood why fitness instructors and personal trainers don’t listen to their participants. If you are in so much pain the next day you can’t walk, you need to find another trainer.

We are not on a top-rated weight loss show, this is real life, and we are everyday people trying to start taking care of ourselves. You should never be saying “ouch” in a fitness workout, if you are pushing through pain you are only injuring yourself further. I’m not talking about being sore, I’m talking about pain. Soreness is good, it means you are building muscles. Pain and tears are bad, it means you are injuring yourself.

You are your own teachers, personal trainers and fitness instructors are there as guides. You know your limitations, what you can and cannot do. A great fitness teacher will listen to your needs, there are modifications for almost every workout move. Ask for them if something hurts and you need to try something different. If the instructor is not listening to you and pushing you too hard try to find another instructor. Remember you are paying them to help you, not the other way around. I know I’m not the coach for everyone but I will always take feedback from my participants and try to incorporate what they need in my classes and trainings.

If you have been out of a healthy life style for years, it will take time to get back into health. Be patient with yourself.

Find a coach that will work with you on your level and help you develop healthy habits.