Welcoming a New Year is an exciting time for fresh starts with renewed energy, vision and MO’tivation. As we step into 2025, I’m thrilled to share my vision for this year—one of reflection, growth, and achievement. “The Next Level” isn’t just a theme; it’s a call to action for all of us to raise the bar on what we believe is possible in our fitness, career and life journeys in pursuit of becoming MO’re of the person we want to be and legacy we want to leave.
This January is particularly special for me. It marks the celebration of my 40 years in the fitness industry, a journey captured in my story (reflected here in my legacy video created by the amazing Tony Hall at See My Clients). Watching this video gave me a pause for reflection on the incredible MO’ments, lessons, and transformations I’ve been fortunate to experience as a leader at GoodLife Fitness. It’s a milestone that reminds me how far we can go when we dedicate ourselves to our deep, driving purpose (mission).
Equally fitting, January 2nd is National Personal Trainer Awareness Day. As someone who values the guidance of a personal trainer in my fitness regimen, I know firsthand how transformative this partnership between coach and client can be. Personal trainers help us set realistic goals, stay accountable, and achieve results that might not be possible to reach on our own.
With “getting in shape” being one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions, personal trainers are often in high demand. Their expertise not only motivates us to reach our health and fitness goals but also ensures we do so safely and effectively. Personal trainers design tailored programs that cater to individual needs, preferences, and limitations—and their impact can be transformative.
National Personal Trainer Awareness Day offers a chance to appreciate the professionals who help us achieve our fitness resolutions, one step at a time. While this day originated in the USA, it also provides an excellent opportunity for Canadians to recognize the significant role personal trainers play in the fitness industry.
I’ve worked with a personal trainer for years, and my current trainer, Nick at GoodLife Talbot Village in London, is instrumental in helping me prepare to compete in a new sport called HYROX (the sport of fitness racing). HYROX is a global fitness racing event. I first learned about HYROX attending FIBO in April 2024, in Cologne Germany. I was immediately inspired by the design of this competition. Later, attending the inaugural HYROX Canada event in October further inspired me to level up my fitness. With the help of a Personal Trainer, my goal is to compete in a HYROX event in 2025. Nick’s passion and commitment to my success reaffirm the incredible value personal trainers can bring to their clients. From keeping me on point with correct techniques to creating a customized training plan, Nick is essential in guiding me toward achieving this goal ensuring I don’t get injured and that I’m ready to compete. Personal trainers like Nick provide encouragement, help build our confidence, keep us accountable, and ensure we’re progressing safely and sustainably.
Why Personal Trainers Matter
Personal trainers do much more than guide workouts. They:
- Teach proper form and technique: Reducing the risk of injury and improving workout efficiency.
- Customize fitness plans: Tailoring programs to meet individual goals and address physical limitations.
- Provide motivation and accountability: Helping clients stay on track and celebrate milestones.
- Track progress and set new goals: Ensuring continuous improvement and adapting plans as needed.
- Challenge and inspire: Encouraging clients to push past limits safely while maintaining proper form.
Here are three ways to honour personal trainers on National Personal Trainer Awareness Day:
- Reflect on your fitness resolutions: If your goals include improving physical fitness, consider consulting a personal trainer. Their expertise could be the key to achieving your aspirations.
- Show appreciation for your trainer: If you already train with a personal trainer, take a moment to thank them. Share a shout-out on social media or in person, acknowledging their role in your fitness journey.
- Book a consultation: If you’re curious about how a personal trainer can help you reach out for an introductory session. Many trainers offer complementary consultations to understand your goals and demonstrate how they can guide you.
Why Everyone Needs a Trainer
As a fitness professional who trains others, I’m often asked, “Why do you have a personal trainer?” My response is simple: Everyone needs a coach. A coach/trainer zeroes in on your specific goals provides accountability, and acts as a cheerleader when the going gets tough. Even fitness professionals can benefit from the structure, expertise, and motivation a personal trainer brings.
This National Personal Trainer Awareness Day let’s celebrate these professionals who help us become healthier, stronger, and more confident versions of ourselves. Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just starting your journey, a personal trainer could be the key to unlocking your full potential.
To help celebrate National Personal Trainer Awareness Day I would invite you to listen to my kickoff podcast “A MO’ment with MO” featuring Kyla Faganely who is canfitpro’s 2024-2025 Personal Trainer Fitness Professional Of the Year. Her story will inspire fitness professionals seeking to learn and soar in their careers and fitness enthusiasts who would like to understand what drives a personal trainer to serve clients as they do.
https://amomentwithmo.mohagan.com
This week, I challenge you to think about what “The Next Level” health and wellness means for you in 2025. Whether it’s your energy management and, or your fitness level, investing in yourself—perhaps with the support of a personal trainer—can make all the difference. Together, let’s commit to taking this part of our life to the next level by not quitting but by creating a year of breakthroughs.
Ever thought about becoming a personal trainer? Maybe this year is the year to commit to taking it to “The Next Level”. Learn more and get certified as a personal trainer to make your vision a reality through the Personal Training Specialist course offered by canfitpro.
Note: This is Part 1 of a special 4-part series to kick off in 2025. Look for Part 2 next week!
