My Client Marena Just Gets It
You know one of the toughest feelings as a coach?
It’s working with someone for months, explaining the same concepts a dozen different ways…
—and they still don’t get it.
What don’t they get?
The fundamentals. The basics you have to understand for lasting fitness results.
Here’s how I know when someone’s missing the mark:
They obsess over “eating clean” but still consistently overeat calories.
They panic when the scale doesn’t budge for a few days, even though body recomposition is happening.
They stress about the “perfect” supplement stack but get barely 5 hours of sleep.
They ask if they should train fasted… but haven’t been consistent in the gym for 3 weeks.
Now, to be clear: If someone works with me for 3+ months and still hasn’t grasped these basics, that’s on me—I haven’t coached them well enough.
Because trying to get leaner, stronger, or healthier without mastering the fundamentals is like building IKEA furniture without instructions. You might get close, but it’s probably going to wobble.
But when a client does get it—when that lightbulb clicks—that’s one of the most rewarding moments in coaching.
Marena is one of those clients. She gets it.
Marena’s Progress
Since starting her fitness journey, Marena has:
✅ Lost over 30 pounds
✅ Learned how to lift and gotten significantly stronger
✅ Improved her cardio fitness
✅ Drastically improved her health
But you want to know the most impressive part?
She went from not getting it... to getting it.
When we first started working together, Marena—like most people—had all the usual questions:
“How many calories should I eat to lose weight?”
“Wait… you want me to eat how much protein??”
“Do I really need to lift weights? Why?”
“How many steps should I walk every day?”
“And hold on… it’s going to take that long?”
Totally normal. Most people start there.
What truly sets Marena apart is this:
She didn’t just listen—she absorbed, adapted, and acted.
She stopped chasing quick fixes and started building sustainable habits. She focused on the “big rocks” that move the needle. Most importantly, she trusted the process even when it wasn’t glamorous or instant.
Over time, she made three powerful mindset shifts that transformed her journey:
1. Real transformation is a marathon, not a sprint.
Instead of racing toward a goal weight or ideal physique, Marena learned to value who she was becoming—the consistent, disciplined, resilient version of herself.
She shifted from “I want results now” to “I’m building a foundation that lasts.” This patience turned progress from pressure into a habit.
2. Prioritize the fundamentals relentlessly: strength training, daily movement, and protein intake.
These weren’t optional extras—they became her non-negotiable anchors.
Even on hectic days, she found creative ways to get steps in, lift weights, and fuel her body with protein. This consistent foundation meant progress didn’t rely on perfection, just persistence.
3. Imperfection is inevitable—and learning to course-correct is the real skill.
Marena stopped beating herself up over a missed workout or an indulgent meal.
Instead, she planned ahead, like checking menus before eating out, and chose smarter options without guilt. Her mindset shifted from “all or nothing” to “progress over perfection,” which keeps her moving forward without burnout.
Marena learned how to adapt without spiraling. As she recently said:
“I have more meals out than I want to this week. But I’m just going to go for the healthier option. I already checked the menu for one of the places we’re going! I’m not in a super rush to get to my goal weight. I mean I’ve made it this far. So I’ll work towards it but no rush.”
That’s someone who gets it.
And that’s why her results are just the beginning.
Final thoughts
Marena, huge shoutout to you—your dedication and progress are truly inspiring!
For anyone reading, when you fully commit to these core principles—real change takes time, prioritize strength, steps, and protein, and accept that not every day will be perfect—you unlock a power that goes far beyond the scale.
Imagine waking up energized, confident, and in control, knowing your habits support you no matter what life throws your way. You enjoy social events and busy weeks without guilt, making choices from strength, not restriction.
Setbacks don’t derail you because your foundation is solid. You bounce back faster with a stronger body, clearer mind, and a sustainable routine.
This isn’t just about smaller clothes—it’s about building a life where health feels natural, where you show up fully for yourself and your loved ones, and where peace replaces frustration.
That’s the power of mastering the basics—exactly what Marena’s done, and it’s within your reach, too.
To learn more about my online coaching, fill out the quick 2-minute form below:
Best,
John
3 Steps You Can Take
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