I usually refer to 1998 as an important turning point in my life. Living in Paris as a student, eating and drinking a little too much and even smoking now and then (hard to believe, I know); my bad habits were leading me towards an unhealthy lifestyle. However, my “salvation” was discovering the pleasure of running and the Paris Half Marathon 1998 changed my life. So, what started in Paris has now, this summer, lead to another possible turning point.

When you are in your forties, you might realize that life is short. I want to make the best of what’s left. Recently, I read a book about Aristotle and his philosophy*. He believed that every human has potential to become or do something of his or her life and that every man should strive to become the best version of him or herself. In order to find this potential, I believe that it’s important to follow your passions and do what you love to do. So, this summer, I have fulfilled a dream. For a while I’d been thinking about taking my passions of running and exercising to a new level. Therefore, I decided to become a Personal Trainer. So, in order to dedicate all my time to become a qualified and top of the line PT, I took time off from work for two months and studied at The Academy in Stockholm.

What a journey!

Everything I thought I knew about physical exercise and weight lifting was being questioned and much of it was wrong. Now, I know even less…just kidding but there’s an ounce of truth in the saying “the more you learn, the less you know”. However, when you study the body – what it does and the fantastic things it can do – then you will always learn something new. You’re never fully skilled and that’s what’s so amazing!

During the course I had a lot of realizations. For example, learning about the body’s functions made me understand the meaning of why you should do certain exercises in order to get stronger or to get rid of an injury or pain. The brain is tricking us by sending signals which might make us feel pain that is not real. As I wrote in my earlier blog post about pain, the brain is programmed to act immediately if you start to feel aches in a previously injured body part. In many cases it’s just a question of activating the correct muscles and then get rid of the pain. It’s about learning your brain the “new” correct behavior.

If you want to know how the body works and why, study anatomy. The first part of my PT course was entirely about anatomy and I understand why. When you go to a gym and do a certain exercise, I believe that it is much easier to do it correctly if you know about the origin and insertion of the muscles that you are training.

I believe in moving the body in order to feel well. Physical exercise is what our bodies are made for and it can solve a great many problems. Not only does it make you feel better; also, it prevents deceases and mental illnesses and it gives you more energy in your every day life. I am convinced that if more people worked out, both society and the single person would save money in the long run. Less sick leaves and less money on medication would be the result. And everyone would be so much happier!

The only thing I regret is that I myself did not consult a Personal Trainer; someone who could have helped me much earlier with my hamstrings problems. Therefore, my wish now is to be an inspiration and to help people working out. Everyone can do something. However, it’s crucial to adapt a new habit – a new lifestyle – and many people need help with that. So, getting a PT is an investment for life; a pension insurance.

I am determined to become the best version of me and I wish to help others to find the pleasure of working out and become healthier and happier!

* Aristotle’s Way by Edith Hall.