My Story - Simon Dainton - Guildford Personal Trainer

Fitness - My Own Journey (Part 2)

So When Did Things Change?

Well, it wasn't until my early twenties that my mindset began to change, and I looked at exercise in a whole new light. Believe me, it didn't happen overnight, but with a gym membership offered as one of the perks of a new job, I thought I might as well dip my toe in the water and give exercise a second chance.

I couldn't promise to enjoy it, but it was worth having a go. After all, what did I have to lose? The answer is nothing. Potentially I had plenty to gain.

Those first few weeks were tough - I won't lie to you. I was forced to start slowly and lightly, and my body didn't know whether it was coming or going! Exercise seemed like hard work, and I wondered how long it would take me to get where I wanted to be.

That said, the feelings it gave me were phenomenal. I began to feel alive.

I was starting to feel parts of my body working that I barely knew existed!

My energy levels started to rise and I began to feel more focused at work. The sense of satisfaction it gave me made the effort worthwhile. I actually felt good for putting the effort in!

The idea of exercise was beginning to stick. For the first time in my life, my mind had come round to the idea of feeling good about exercise, because it was now on my terms, no one elses.

I had nothing to prove to anyone else. No one was expecting this of me. I was in complete control. With this approach I soon started to move away from the mindset that I had to exercise.

Now I actually wanted to exercise and be active, because I realised that I enjoyed the after-effects.

I was looking better than I had ever done. I was holding myself better and standing taller. I gained a new sense of confidence that nothing else had been able to give me to that point. People around me started to notice the change and compliment me on my appearance.

As you can imagine, all of these things made me feel great!

Over the years my body has changed beyond recognition, as well as my health, my confidence and my outlook on life. Since then I haven't looked back, except to see how far I have come.

I may not be a 20 stone Hercules, but who cares? The body I see now is sculpted, toned and athletic looking.

Having realised the many benefits of improved health, both physically and mentally, I felt it was my duty to educate others of my discovery and help them share in those same after-effects that I once 'magically' stumbled upon.

It was at this stage that I decided to leave a career in media and follow my heart; a burning desire to help others achieve their fitness goals, by moving into the field of health and fitness. Today, I feel like the glove is on the other hand. Friends from school who were once the holders of medals, cups and team ties now respect the commitment and hard work that have gone into my own physical transformation.

More importantly, I am proud of my own dedication and progress. Believe me, I'm not telling you all of this to blow my own trumpet and proclaim how great I am. Far from it.

Although I am proud of what I have achieved, I am recounting my own experiences to prove just one thing to you all:

It is NEVER too late to make a decision to change.

Whoever you are, wherever you may currently be, improved health and fitness is only a step away.

A step in the right direction is all it takes to get started.