Definition: (noun) a place or situation where one feels safe or at ease and without stress.

Ex. “Times when we must act beyond our comfort zones”

About two months ago, I stepped out of my comfort zone. I do it a lot in my attempt at success throughout my life, so this wasn’t any different for me. The only difference here was: I was taking on a client who I felt may have been almost beyond my range. Yes, I had studied senior fitness during my certification, but I wasn’t know-all about it. I explained that to my client during our consultation, and he said he had faith in me, still hiring me.

Two months later, and both he and I have made leaps and bounds. No, I’m still not know-all about senior fitness, and there is still the slight uncertainty I face when I pull into his driveway every Monday or Wednesday to work with him. But self-doubt is common when you have taken yourself outside of your comfort zone. And it’s surprisingly pretty easy to shake off.

He has become stronger in eight weeks. Small gains, but they are gains. He has improved his balance immensely from the start. And his flexibility has improved. Since I watch my clients as they work out, keeping an eye on form, movement, facial expressions (you can tell me your okay, but I can read your face and if I see otherwise on it, we stop and take a break or call it quits for the day), etc… I typically notice the improvements before my clients do.

My 83-year old client is mostly on a stretching, light weight and light band work out. When he started, rising to his toes had him wobbly. His shoulders and chest were so week, 5-pounds was too much. Core band stretching was almost impossible.

Now he is rising straight up and steady to his toes, his shoulders and chest have started to become stronger, the movement in his core has loosened. I watch him go through his workout with a smile on my face seeing the change. And I smile even more when now, before each session he is telling me how strong I have helped him become. Things he struggled with before, he can do easier now.

He has told me he is doing this for his wife, his children and his grandchildren. He knows his health is important and he wants to stay active and strong in hopes he can enjoy them all longer.

His mindset is, without doubt, in the right place.

His mindset is what had me stepping outside of my comfort zone, hitting the books and doing my research on proper fitness for seniors well over the age of 60. His mindset is what had me wanting to work with him and help him.

Sometimes you are rewarded greatly for taking that step.