The constant barrage of confusing and contradictory information online and elsewhere about fitness and wellbeing can make the idea of getting in shape seem next to impossible, especially for beginners. There is so much snake oil and gimmicks out there these days that one really has to sift through – even suffer through – so much nonsense. Beginners sometimes spend a lot of money and waste a lot of time lost in this maze of misinformation. Some of you may remember things like Thighmasters, Abdomenizers, Shakeweights, etc. – all useless contraptions that falsely promised to get people in shape.

Add to that confusion, an avalanche of diets and recipes and it’s more than understandable that fitness and wellbeing seem like impossibly complicated goals to achieve, especially for beginners.

Often when beginners go down a complicated and confusing path of fitness it’s because they secretly hope that it will be easier, that they won’t have to work as hard as others to achieve the same results.

Fitness isn’t all that complicated and it shouldn’t be. It’s actually quite simple, but simple does not, in anyway, mean easy. Simplicity is the honest path. It’s the more challenging path that forces us to confront who we are and what our goals are without smoke and mirrors. The following quotes are just as applicable to fitness as they are to life:

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

– Leonardo da Vinci

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”

– Confucius

These two great minds were obviously onto something. Their experiences allowed them to understand that complexity is often a fool’s errand. Now Confucius and da Vinci may not have been experts on working out, but their wisdom holds true for fitness and wellbeing as well.

There shouldn’t be a whole lot of mystery or head scratching when getting in shape. Instead, there should be a lot of sweat and a fair amount of discipline in the kitchen and elsewhere. Those of you who have been working out with me long enough know this to be true.

“It is clear that we must trust what is difficult.”

– Rainer Maria Rilke

There are no magic potions, contraptions or secret techniques to getting in shape and staying in shape. There is only consistent effort and work. Sure, some workouts are more beneficial than others, some diets are better suited for some than others, but shortcuts don’t really exist.

This information shouldn’t be distressing or worrisome, it should be empowering!

If you’re just starting out with me, know that you have the strength and willpower within you to transform yourself inside and out with simplicity and consistency. It’s there, I promise!