Some thoughts and discussions from me.
Taking a Step Back
Hi, everyone! I hope you had a lovely weekend. Mine was in one word: cold. I spent all day skiing on Saturday, and then all morning working a race for KIND on Sunday. I think I’m still thawing out! Saturday I took my first skiing lesson here in Colorado, and I absolutely loved it!
I caught on quick, and didn’t want to stop! Unfortunately, spending 5 hours outside skiing lead to the worst Raynaud’s attack of my life. My feet have never hurt so badly in my life.
Oh yeah, and although I’m a Bears fan, as far as the Super Bowl is concerned, I was rooting for the Broncos, and well…
(womp womp)
I also spent a lot of time thinking this weekend. When I started training clients in 2009, I didn’t really know just how much I’d love it. Since then, I’ve trained all sorts of clients of all ages, with all sorts of ailments and all sorts of goals. I’ve trained in my house, in my clients’ homes, in the park, in a box gym, and in privately owned studios and clubs. Through all of that, there were things I enjoyed and not so much enjoyed, but one thing remained the same: I love my job.
There’s just something that gets me going about being able to transform lives through programming and coaching. Of course I love seeing and training my 1-on-1 clients, but what’s surprised me the most that I really enjoy is online training and coaching. It’s really rewarding for me to be able to get to know a person from across the country, write a program for that person, and then coach them toward their goals as they get stronger, fitter, and healthier. It amazes me that all of that can take place in a virtual setting.
Another reason I love it is because I love writing programs. Of course I enjoy the interaction, too, but I really like the process of assessment, gathering information, and then writing workouts.
Ironically, because I have so much passion for training my online clients, I’m taking a step back from it. Over the past couple weeks, I’ve told my current clients that we’d be taking a little hiatus, and my wait list that the wait would be extended a little longer.
It took a lot of thought to come to this decision, but there has been something nagging at the back of my mind that it could be better. My schedule’s gotten pretty filled up lately, but I want to dedicate more and more time to my online clientele. So over the next month, I’m going to be working with a web designer to re-vamp my online programming. After thinking about some priorities, I realized I want to to make it better by: providing more of a community for my clients, for better motivation and support. And I want it to be easier for them. The easier the program and use of the tools, the easier they can apply it to their life.
So, come March, Your Trainer Paige Personal Training is going to be more interactive, streamlined, and easier. I’m excited for the changes!! 
I also took a step back by quitting (going on a hiatus, rather) one of my teaching jobs. I now only train at one studio, and only teach at another. Three gyms, plus my online business, plus KIND work proved to be a little too much for me right now. This was also a tough decision because a) I loved my class members energy in my early morning classes, 2) the staff is so wonderful, and c) I got free indoor rock climbing out of the gig. But in the end, it was the best decision for my time, finances, and sanity.
I’d like to say I came to these decisions because I’m wise, and so in-tune with myself, my priorities, and my stress levels, but that’s not the case here. I was go-go-going, as I do as an all-or-nothing-person, and I came to this decision at the beginning of the year, in a state of pure exhaustion and frustration. Sometimes that’s the state of being it takes to take a step back and evaluate priorities – for me, at least. But hey, I’m learning as I go…
When’s the last time you had to take a step back from something you love?
Super Bowl: did you watch it? Who were you rooting for?
Good for you for coming to a decision based on priorities! I’m excited for the changes, and I’m excited for YOU!
I’ve actually had to step back from intense exercise recently, which is something I love, but my priority right now is to make sure my body goes through all its normal processes.
I sort of watched the Super Bowl…but I had some homework to do, so I just vlogged, cooked, and watched Bruno Mars instead 😉
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves recently posted…Solo Superbowl Vlog {MIMM #22}
That’s great that you were able to come to a decision based on what you know is best for you!
Lately (as in over the weekend) I’ve made the decision to up my calories and cut back on exercise (particularly high intensity) to try and get my body functioning properly. Which is slightly terrifying and I don’t really want to do it, but I know it’s better for me in the long run.
I was cheering for Seattle last night, so needless to say, i wasn’t disappointed. But overall, it was just a really uneventful game!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted…Rehashing January.
That IS scary, Sam, but so often it’s the right decision. Good for you, girl!! <3
I feel your pain regarding the Raynauds Paige. My husband is an avid skier and always wants me to join him, but this year I’ve had to say no. It’s hard, but I need to take care of me. Btw: Don’t know if it’s this winter or what..but my Raynauds has been really bad as of late.
Ugh, it’s so horrible!
So proud of you for kicking ass Saturday!! 🙂 I can’t wait to go together!
And good for you for focusing on priorities. You do have SO much going on and work some crazy hours- constantly having to shift your way of thinking and focus. You can only do 500 things at once for so long! Looking forward to the NEW Paige page.
Lauren @ Me and the Mountains recently posted…Super Ski Weekend
I can’t wait to ski with you!!
So proud of you for coming to a decision that was best for you Paige! I really enjoyed working with you online and will be back! Can’t wait to see what March and the new site has in store!
Jennifer Dunham recently posted…Not Running on Empty, Running On Sober: A Blogger Profile
Thank you so much, Jennifer!
Always a brave and wise decision. I had to cut back on organizations I volunteer with this year as all were suffering. It was tough picking the one “to go” as they were all near and dear to my heart. But, the decision was made and now I move on. It sounds like you are too. Best of luck.
I’m sure that was a very tough decision, Sherry!
We had the game on but none of us watched it really. We weren’t rooting for either team really.
I loved working with my students, but had to move on to better, more promising and full-time opportunities (working with other students).
Julie recently posted…MIMM: Second New Year
Good for you girl!! I so need to take a few steps back with the new little one, but I’m having a hard time figuring what to cut. I so need to email you!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted…January-A Blessed Month
Please do! <3 xo
Good for you for prioritizing what is best for you! 😉
I didn’t really care about the Super Bowl since my Patriots got knocked out, but there is no way in heck I was going to hope a Manning would win. Sooo….Seahawks all the way!
Courtney @ Don’t Blink. Just Run. recently posted…Chiropractor: The Sequel
Hey! I just recently found your page and, as somebody who has just started as a trainer a few months ago, I think it’s a great blog! I look forward to reading more!
I tend to do the same things as you…..I sign up for too many things and because I want to give every single one of them my best, I get frustrated and stressed. I think my daughter has helped me slow down a bit. Obviously, she needs the most attention:)
Laura @ RunningJunkie recently posted…A Week of Blah Running
Thanks, Laura! Glad you’re finding it useful 🙂
And yes, I’m sure a child would do that – in a good way, of course 🙂
Sounds like you know what you want and are willing to do what it takes to get there! And to help other people get there. 🙂 So neat, Paige, despite the tough letting go at the same time. About how many online clients do you have, if you don’t mind me asking? I’ve dabbled in it and am curious what would be full or half time for you. Thanks!
Bonnie recently posted…Firing Through February: Thoughts on Resolutions
I’m proud of you for making some tough decisions! Better to make them before your love of training suffers though. Nice job!
Looking forward to seeing what is next for you!
Erin @ A Girl & Her Mutt recently posted…Miami or Bust!
I’m glad you’re doing what’s right for you and your family. I think it’s so hard to take that leap, but it sounds like you’re moving in the right direction my friend!
Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) recently posted…Friday Fodder…Refocusing and Finding Inner Peace