By Dave Patania

Question: You make it seem like this fitness stuff is easy. It may be easy for you - it's your job - but what about the rest of us?

Answer: From the outside looking in, I can see how you would think that training people is just standing around with a clipboard, telling people to do more push-ups and eat more veggies. There is also validity in you saying that it is my job to be in shape, but there are many people in the fitness industry who don't live the life. On the first day of my first job in fitness, I went into the staff office and the manager and all the trainers were scarfing down cheese steak hoagies, french fries and milkshakes. I mention this because every day trainers leave the business because they don't have the discipline and focus to truly make fitness a part of their life. Many trainers get a shock when they find out that getting certified doesn't supply you with the energy to get up every day and walk the walk in terms of exercise and nutrition. Leading by both word and example takes a special person. There are trainers who yo-yo diet, slack off during the holidays, eat tons of junk food and - believe it or not - don't exercise.

Trainers and fitness pros, like everyone else, have differing levels of motivation, dedication and discipline. We have hectic schedules, deadlines, kids, and all the other stresses of everyday life. Fitness pros who live the fitness lifestyle don't use those events or responsibilities as excuses for not taking care of their body and not eating the foods necessary for proper function and overall health. Anyone can achieve this high level of fitness if you make the decision to live the life and let nothing stop you. Open your mind - there is a whole other level of conditioning waiting for you.

Contact certified personal trainer Dave Patania by e-mail: davpatania@aol.com.