One important aspect that I take seriously while training a client is the support system that they have at home, I always ask about their cheerleaders. The most successful people I've trained surround themselves with a powerful, encouraging group of people who stand by them throughout it all. There are many peaks and valleys when making big changes in your life, taking on a new fitness program is no exception. For some, it may be the hardest thing they ever take on.

Friends don't let friends lunge alone!

Those who don't get the results they want while training either have no one to lean on or are surrounded by constant naysayers. This doesn't apply to everyone, there's always an exception to this rule but I've found changes come much faster with a constant flow of encouragement coming from all directions. That old saying, "You are who you hang with" definitely applies when you begin to change your diet and exercise habits because eating is such a social activity. Heading to the gym begins to replace going out to see a movie, getting to bed early replaces the bar scene and these changes can mean walking a lonely path if you have to break away from the pack.

There's a simple story that depicts the fear involved when one chooses to be different and make their own way in life:

THE STORY OF THE CRAB BUCKET

One time a man was walking along the beach and saw another man fishing in the surf with a bait bucket beside him. As he drew closer, he saw that the bait bucket had no lid and had live crabs inside.
"Why don't you cover your bait bucket so the crabs won't escape?", he said.

"You don't understand.", the man replied, "If there is one crab in the bucket it would surely crawl out very quickly. However, when there are many crabs in the bucket, if one tries to crawl up the side, the others grab hold of it and pull it back down so that it will share the same fate as the rest of them."

So it is with people. If one tries to do something different, start a fitness program, improve oneself, escape their environment, or dream big dreams, other people will try to drag them back down to share their fate. Out of jealousy, envy and fear those around will begin to act different in an effort to pull you down to the depths of their despair.

Moral of the story: Ignore the crabs. Charge ahead and do what is right for you even if it means losing people you once thought were friends. A true friend and member of your support system will be there to pick you up if you fall, sweat next to you on the treadmill and lend an ear if you just need to vent. When starting a fitness program make sure you center yourself around a great bunch of people who want you to achieve big things!