Get Fit for Life!

22 November 2010 No Comments

BY: Jon Sarpong

Come on ‘Jon-O’…Let’s get to work. Rock and roll!”

Rohan Francis walks toward me with a warm smile. We shake hands and move toward the weights located near the back of the gym. For the past eight weeks, I’ve been working with Rohan with a very specific goal in mind: developing a lifestyle that will allow me to stay fit and strong for the rest of my life.

Before our first session, I met with Rohan at a local coffee shop to discuss my goals. We talked about a few of the personal trainers on TV that have made a living helping brides shed pounds or trudging teams through difficult obstacle courses.

“I think what those TV trainers do is fine for entertainment,” says Rohan. “But that’s not what I’m about. I’m interested in helping you create a healthy lifestyle; understanding what your limits are right now and how to grow them.”

I instantly like his perspective. At this point in my life, I’m not interested in the cycle of losing weight for summer, gaining it all back by Christmas, and resolving in the New Year to get fit again by spring. Instead, I’m looking for the steps that will help me gain a deeper understanding of how to incorporate health into my busy life.

My first week in the gym is my most difficult. I feel awkward learning new exercises and, by my third session, I am questioning my decision to get fit. Rohan must sense my feelings and pulls me aside during our workout.

“Don’t worry about making gains this early on,” he says. “Remember, this is a process. In a little bit of time you’ll begin to feel the difference. Your food, exercise and dedication will begin to show in the changes that you feel.”

He’s right. Over the next few weeks I not only feel stronger and more fit, but I come to understand how to reach and maintain a new level of fitness. As Rohan suggests, I begin logging what I eat each day. He takes a look and makes comments including getting rid of processed foods, timing my meals, and even suggests a great shop with delicious organic peanut butter. Our workouts become more interesting — one day we’re using cowbells, the next, I strap on the gloves and I’m learning how to box. One Saturday morning, we hit the treadmill and run almost 10km (believe me when I say that before this, my running consisted of the distance from the door to the bus stop).

During our eight weeks of training, there are a few bumps along the road. My busy schedule forces me to miss a few sessions, our gym undergoes renovations causing us to gym-hop for a little while, and I fall off the food wagon during the holidays and eat a few things that I shouldn’t. But throughout it all, Rohan pushes the idea of a long-term goal.

“Everybody eats a little bit too much; everybody misses a few sessions; that shouldn’t be an excuse for not pushing for your goal,” says Rohan. “Everyone has a different goal and a different timeframe during which they will get there. The important thing is to stick with it, be consistent, and don’t give up.”

At the end of our eight weeks, I feel and see some noticeable differences: increased stamina and strength, better digestion and deeper, more restful sleep. Most importantly, I’ve gained the mindset that there is no ultimate goal, only the process of maintaining a good level of health and fitness regardless of my schedule (and in spite of my excuses).

We’ve moved past the eight-week mark and I’ve decided to continue with my training. We’re in the gym and I move toward the weight rack and pick up a pair of 35-pound dumbbells. Rohan looks at me instantly, letting me know I’m not getting off that easy.

“Pick up the 45s. Trust your strength, Jon-O. I won’t let anything happen to you,” he says smiling. “Now let’s get a move on — rock and roll.”

Originally published in Sway Magazine, Spring 2009

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