Chapter 1: The Cost of Transformation

I invested $1,941.28 over eight months for online fitness coaching, and the cost per pound of fat lost was $58—a shocking revelation.

I was apprehensive about spending my hard-earned money, and I understand if you feel the same way. In today's world, where self-proclaimed experts abound, it can feel like navigating a minefield. My good friend and three-time world body fitness champion, AJ Ellison, often reminds me, "Fitness mirrors life. Your external appearance reflects the effort you invest, and results are never deceptive."

When searching for a fitness expert, it’s essential to focus on their results. Admittedly, it might seem superficial, but if your trainer resembles a potato (like I once did), or if their health and wellness are out of order, they may not be the right choice for you. Yes, I may face criticism for this viewpoint, but it holds true.

From 92kg to 76kg: My 8-Month Online Fitness Transformation

Having been misled by a pyramid scheme and spending a fortune on Robber Kiyosaki's conferences, I became highly skeptical about paying for education and mentorship. I watched individuals with full-time corporate jobs preach about self-employment and "taking control of your destiny," while they collected my money.

There is a proper place for mentorship, coaching, and education when executed by the right individuals. I once listened to a video by the esteemed entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, where he stated, "Fitness isn't my strong suit, but I've managed to succeed by being accountable to someone else—someone I couldn't let down." This resonated deeply with me. My fitness and diet were erratic due to a lack of accountability.

Previously, I went to the gym or followed exercise routines without a fitness-minded partner, never tracking progress or having a structured schedule. I lacked a game plan altogether. However, that changed drastically. By embracing accountability and making a financial commitment, I transformed from being clinically obese to sporting shredded abs, shedding over 33 pounds in just eight months.

The turning point was committing to an all-encompassing system with the watchful eye of an online coach.

Let’s delve deeper.

Authors' Note: Below are some non-affiliate links. My friend Chris, who is now a full-time online trainer, is behind the program I joined.

The saying "success leaves clues" is one that holds true. When seeking assistance, prioritize actual results, beginning with the trainer's physical appearance. Yes, it may seem shallow, but it's a valid concern.

While I recognize that some trainers may not have a lean physique due to genetics, you’re investing in someone for guaranteed results, and they should embody the principles they preach. Here’s what I sought in a trainer (being certified was just the baseline):

1. Is the trainer in good shape?
2. Are they living by their own advice?
3. Does their lifestyle mirror yours? For example, if you have a family and they are single, they might not relate to your situation effectively.
4. Have they consistently delivered significant results for others, particularly those results you aspire to achieve?
5. Most importantly: do you like them and their communication style? This might seem trivial, but it’s vital. Liking someone fosters a desire to impress them.

Once you commit, you’ll begin to seek those rewarding feelings as you witness your weight loss journey unfold. As momentum builds, you'll find yourself more engaged in your fitness journey.

Effective technology acts like a compass guiding you, revealing aspects you might not want to face. I once paid $40 for in-person sessions three times a week for three months, only to discover my budget couldn't sustain it. And we didn’t even cover nutrition!

Finding an online coach who leverages technology allows for comprehensive tracking and accountability. You can log your water intake, weigh yourself daily, take monthly progress pictures, track your steps, measure your body weekly, and scan your meals for calorie and macro tracking.

Let’s take a look at the Trainerize app dashboard.

Chris skillfully overlays his face on the screen and reviews each section with me weekly, fine-tuning my progress (I opted out of daily check-ins). One valuable insight I gained was the importance of tracking.

For breakfast, I usually had peanut butter on toast. Initially, I estimated the amount, but Chris pointed out, "Peanut butter is high in calories. How are you measuring it?" My response? "I just use my eyes!"

Now, I weigh everything, a small change that has kept me on track.

Having "skin in the game" serves as a constant reminder to persevere. I didn’t foresee spending so much money, which posed an initial hurdle.

While pyramid selling with Kleeneze, I was introduced to the wisdom of Jim Rohn, whose teachings left a lasting impression on my perspective about education. He famously said, "Free is easy. I used to belong to the 90% who wouldn't bother, even when it was easy."

This notion resonates deeply with me, especially reflecting on my fitness journey. The commitment I made kept me engaged, preventing a return to self-destructive habits.

The recurring reminder of my monthly payment motivated me to maximize my investment.

This mindset shift is often overlooked. Online trainers utilize apps that inadvertently foster motivation.

Research indicates that fitness apps can create a "dopamine loop," similar to the negative effects of endless scrolling on social media. But in this case, it's for a positive cause.

After completing workouts, the app rewards you with applause and badges, subtly motivating you.

Here are some of my latest accomplishments:

Research supports that tailored fitness apps can enhance motivation through simple rewards, such as digital badges.

Incorporating this into workouts stimulates motivation, making it far more effective than wandering aimlessly through the gym without a plan.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but I needed guidance through setbacks. Rebounding from poor dietary choices is a crucial habit to develop.

My Achilles heel has always been binge drinking on weekends, followed by indulgent meals. With Chris’s guidance, I learned to track everything, even after a night of revelry.

After a night out, my calorie consumption often exceeded 4,000, a stark reminder of the reality of binge drinking.

Using MyFitnessPal synced with Trainerize allowed my coach to monitor my intake.

The revelation of how much money I spent each weekend was eye-opening. Between drinks and takeout, my spending often surpassed my monthly coaching fee.

This feedback loop made me confront my binge drinking, transforming my program into a near break-even cost as I cut back on alcohol.

For a deeper dive into my journey, here are two insightful resources:

1. Tiny Steps to Enormous Progress
2. How I Transformed From Clinically Obese to a Dedicated Athlete

Final Thoughts

At 37, I've always aspired to be fit and have abs. Now, I do, thanks to the accountability that expert coaching provides.

Seeking help is paramount when you desire direct results. The investment cost me $58 per pound lost, but I gained lifelong strategies that will serve me well.

This journey starkly contrasts with my previous life as an overweight office worker, navigating without direction and blaming my metabolism.

Before embracing accountability and direction, my fitness journey was a chaotic cycle of poor eating habits and failed training attempts.

If you’re struggling with consistency in your fitness journey, I highly recommend seeking an online trainer. Find someone you connect with. Investing in someone who holds you accountable can be the key to your success.

You might just discover it’s the significant breakthrough you need.