Finding a fitness plan when you’ve already given up

Founder and CEO of Cahaba Fitness Brian Burns has one thing to say for anyone who thinks they missed the New Year’s resolution fitness window:

“It’s never too late to start working on the best version of yourself,” he said. “Ever.”

Burns, who opened the Cahaba Heights facility 10 years ago, said he encounters many people who have tried to get fit, but gave up after only a short time.

Whether it is intimidation by “super fit” gym members and complicated exercise equipment or an already busy schedule, Burns said he has heard many reasons people give up on their fitness goals.

The first step to better health, Burns said, is to make it a priority. 

“If you want to stay motivated, you have to figure out what your ‘why’ is — the ‘why’ behind what you’re doing,” he said. “There has to be a big enough emotional reason for you to take care of yourself and be a healthier version of yourself for you to actually do it and stick with it.”

Burns said he also thinks people often give up their fitness goals because of injury or health problems that result from following trends rather than science when it comes to exercise and nutrition.

He said workout fads and diets that promise rapid weight loss may sound nice at first, but questions need to be asked about the long-term health benefits or risks. Often, individuals will join a group class or large gym where it is impossible for instructors to monitor everyone for good form, and end up suffering because of it.

“You wouldn’t go to a doctor to have them prescribe something that’s wrong with you with eight to 10 other people.” he said, “Why would you do that in fitness, with your health for the rest of your life, and risk doing something awful happening to your back or your shoulder and having to have surgery?”

In his opinion, Burns said, the solution is to find a one-on-one personal trainer that is credible and has the skills to provide both safety and results.

He said he thinks personal trainers, like the ones at Cahaba Fitness, provide not only these professional skills, but also the accountability that can make or break a fitness plan.

“We take the intimidation factor out of it, because we’re helping you and giving you the program, and walking you through it every step of the way,” he said.

Burns said that by balancing the accountability of training appointments with a flexible schedule and sound nutritional advice, his clients can find a way to make a long-term change.

“It has to become a lifestyle, it can’t just be a one-time event,” he said.