I Saw Something at the Gym That I Haven’t Stopped Thinking About…

I have to tell you about something I saw at the gym yesterday.

I was happily trotting along on the treadmill, minding my own business- probably daydreaming about my next coconut and nasi goreng (Bali, you are a vibe 🌴).

In my eye line, I see two girls, aged around 25-35 doing a Personal Training session with a female trainer.

Now, when I got to the gym, I usually I try not to watch people's PT sessions, otherwise my brain starts doing calculations "how many reps/ sets, did she balance that movement out with something hip dominant, why hasn't she corrected her spine position, that piece of kit isn't optimal for her, why don't they change the angle etc"...

You can imagine how my cog wheels start turning- it's something I struggle to switch off.

But unfortunately, they were right in front of my eye line, so I couldn't avoid it (unless I wanted to face plant the treadmill).

These poor girls looked absolutely miserable.

Now I get it, training should be challenging- it should be spicy!

So perhaps you won't be smiling the whole time.

But these girls looked fed up, the trainer was staring at her phone paying ZERO attention and worst of all, they were both in some very compromising positions, which might be fine unloaded but with heavy weights, I was starting to get worried.

And it really hit me- and overwhelming sense of...

THIS IS WHY I DO WHAT I DO!

In my life, I have experienced pure joy, elation, ecstasy from movement- whether that be competing in various sports or professionally dancing.

I have experienced the pinnacle of body expression- just how amazing your body can feel when you spin, jump or balance on one leg!

I remember distinctly when I hit my first triple pirouette- I was giggling like a little kid, skipping around the room.

Movement can be SOOOO joyful- it can evoke feelings you never knew you could feel.

It can brighten your day more that anything else- it can shift your mood from 'meh' to energised in less than 10 mins.

But in all honesty, I have also been in the opposite situation.

I've had debilitating injuries, ongoing pain, discomfort- all of which made me not what to train and tanked my mood.

And I think that’s exactly why I care so deeply about HOW we train.

Because yes, I want you to get stronger.

I want you to be pain-free!

I want you to improve your mobility, build muscle, challenge yourself and do things you couldn’t do before.

But I also want you to actually ENJOY using your body.

I want you to finish a class feeling better than when you started (maybe a little sweaty, maybe with slightly shaky legs 😂) but also energised, accomplished and more connected to your body.

And that’s why I’m so particular about the exercises I choose for you.

Why I give you different options.

Why I’m constantly reminding you about your positioning.

Why we work on mobility AND strength.

Why I sometimes make you do things that feel a little unusual or challenge your coordination.

There is always a reason behind it.

Because I’m not interested in just making you tired for 30 or 45 minutes.

I want what we do together to translate into your actual life.

I want you to feel strong carrying your suitcase up the stairs.

Confident trying a new sport.

Able to hike, run, dance, swim, surf, play with your kids... whatever brings YOU joy-without constantly worrying about whether your body can handle it.

And I want you to experience those little moments where you suddenly think…

“WAIT. I couldn’t do that before!”

or

"My back isn't hurting as much today"

Because those moments are magic.

So next time you’re doing a class with me, remember:

We’re not just training to get better at squats, lunges and planks.

We’re training so your body gives you more options for how you want to live your life.

And hopefully, we can have a bloody good time while we’re doing it (even if my jokes are pretty terrible) 😂

Charlotte Tooth
Founder of Body Bond Online