NHS Orthopaedic Waits Push British Workers Out of Jobs

Photo by Dom J, Pexels.com

In the UK, over 800,000 people are waiting for orthopaedic treatment. For many workers, the delay means long spells away from work or even early retirement. Musculoskeletal pain costs employers around £3.36 billion each year.

October 2, 20257.36 million people are on the NHS waiting list now; trauma and orthopaedics are the main causes of the largest backlogs, exceeding 800,000 patients in 2024. Patients needing a hip or knee replacement often wait longer than half a year. Many lose their ability to keep working during that time. Each month of waiting adds more pain, deformity, and risk of lasting mobility loss, surgeons warn.

People in constant pain often cut their hours, and some leave work altogether.UK workers lost 148.9 million workdays due to sickness or injury in 2024. Musculoskeletal problems made up 15.5% of those days, which is around 23.1 million lost ones.

That much time off work results in increased costs for both employees and employers. Based on a median weekly pay of £728 in April 2024, or about £146 a day. At that rate, musculoskeletal absences cost the UK economy around £3.36 billion a year.

Risks of delayed surgery


The biggest percentage of people waiting are orthopaedic patients. In some UK regions, more than 3,000 people had to wait for an operation for over a year. On average, the waiting time is 28.7 weeks. For many, that means worsening pain, restricted mobility, and weaker supporting muscles. Surgeons warn that the longer the delay, the higher the chance of permanent problems. Those range from joint deformity and stiffness to loss of bone mass.

“Extended delays limit mobility and force patients to rely on pain medication for longer. When anti-inflammatory drugs stop working, many turn to opioids,” said Sarunas Tarasevicius, MD, orthopaedic surgeon at Nordorthopaedics Clinic. “Opioids are stronger, but they carry the risk of addiction. That dependency affects both physical and mental well-being, and it only grows the longer people are left without surgery.”

Medication use has more risks. “Prolonged use of anti-inflammatory drugs raises the chance of stomach bleeding, while untreated arthrosis can cause permanent bone loss. In those cases, surgeons must use more metal implants to rebuild bone structure, which increases both the scale and cost of surgery,” added Tarasevicius.

The physical toll is severe too. Patients trying to protect a painful joint often shift weight to the other leg.

“Over time, this can cause pelvic tilt, back pain, and spinal changes. Muscles around the damaged joint weaken, making post-surgery recovery slower and more difficult. If the operation is delayed too long, muscle atrophy sets in and the surgery itself becomes more complex,” Tarasevicius explained.

Pain does not only affect the body. Patients often reduce hours at work or leave jobs entirely when they can no longer manage the demands of daily tasks. “This is especially true for people in physical roles. Pain makes work almost impossible, but it also affects everyday life – from housework to simple movement,” elaborated Tarasevicius.

Some patients try to cope by reducing activity, since joints hurt less when not under load. Yet this strategy comes with its own cost, as inactivity speeds up muscle wasting and further reduces mobility.

“A shadow of my former self”

Anne Hyde, a resident of Norwich, needed a right hip replacement after an accident in 2016 that had gone undiagnosed. By 2021, her mobility had collapsed – she relied on a walking stick, needed workplace adjustments, and often worked from home. Driving was painful, walking her dog was no longer possible, and her dependence on Tramadol grew. “At 57 I felt like a shadow of my former self,”  the 61-year-old woman said.

Told that an “urgent” operation would still mean waiting about a year, Anne began looking at private options. The cost in the UK was close to £15,000 with little aftercare. Research and contact with past patients led her to Nordorthopaedics Clinic in Lithuania, where she had already travelled before. “I spent less than half the UK price and was supported from the airport through to flying home 13 days later,” Anne explained. Her GP later removed the staples and praised the quality of the surgical work. “I would not hesitate to recommend the decision I made to anyone in the same position.”

A faster route for patients


Nordorthopaedics Clinic reports that patients can usually undergo surgery within two to four weeks, compared to months of waiting in UK hospitals, including private providers. Hip and knee replacements remain the most common procedures, followed by rehabilitation and physiotherapy carried out on site.

Demand for orthopaedic care in Lithuania has risen steadily in recent years, as patients in countries with longer waiting times seek alternatives. Surgeons note that intervening in time not only reduces pain but also helps people retain their work and soften the economic burden.

“Timely surgery restores function and protects employment. It is always better to treat the joint before the cascade of problems begins,” concluded Tarasevicius.

ABOUT NORDORTHOPAEDICS

Nordorthopaedics is a private clinic in Kaunas, Lithuania, part of Nordclinic, offering high-quality services and focusing on foreign patients. It is equipped with modern diagnostic and surgical facilities. Medical professionals at the clinic speak fluent English and show personal attention to every patient. www.nordorthopaedics.com/en.

1 in 3 Employees Have Cried at Work, Most Feel Pressure to Hide It
Zety Report Explores Emotional Masking, Strain & Gaps in Psychological Safety

Wednesday, October 1st 2025 - A new survey from career platform Zety® uncovers the hidden emotional toll of workplace stress - and what Dr. Jasmine Escalera, career expert at Zety, calls corporate masking: employees feeling compelled to hide their emotions in order to appear professional.

According to the Workplace Emotional Safety Report, based on responses from over 1,000 employees, nearly 1 in 3 workers say they have cried at work, yet most report feeling pressure to conceal their struggles. These findings point to a deeper, often overlooked dimension of workplace stress: the burden of silent emotional labor.

Key Findings

  • Masking emotions is common: 67% of employees have hidden their feelings at work to appear professional.
  • Work stress drives tears: 61% have felt overwhelmed to the point of tears in the past year, and 30% have cried in front of a coworker or manager.
  • Burnout is widespread: 43% cite chronic stress and 42% cite heavy workloads as top triggers.
  • Judgment is real: 44% feel judged when they show stress, and 1 in 3 have been told to “toughen up” or “leave feelings at the door.”
  • Support gaps persist: Just 16% would turn to their manager for help, while many lean on peers, friends, or family.

The State of Psychological Safety

  • Only 32% rate their workplace’s psychological safety as high.
  • 1 in 3 feel uncomfortable expressing negative emotions at all.
  • 1 in 4 say they wouldn’t feel safe telling their manager if their mental health were suffering.

“These numbers show that many employees don’t feel fully safe to be themselves at work,” says Jasmine Escalera, Career Expert at Zety. “When people mask their emotions, it hurts individuals, and it also impacts workplaces by limiting openness, trust, and collaboration.”

Emotional Strain and Burnout

  • Workplace pressures are fueling strain: 1 in 4 feel emotionally drained multiple times a week, and 1 in 10 say they feel this way daily.
  • Top causes: conflict with managers or colleagues (29%), lack of recognition (28%), toxic culture (23%).
  • 36% have reported a false reason when taking a mental health day; 7% avoid mental health leave entirely.

Barriers to Speaking Up

Employees often silence themselves after being invalidated:

  • 1 in 3 have been told to “calm down” or “toughen up.”
  • 21% say colleagues dismiss their emotions, while 14% say peers are unaware altogether.
  • 36% have reported a false reason when taking a mental health day, and 7% avoid mental health leave entirely.


Methodology

The findings presented are based on a nationally representative survey conducted by Zety UK using Pollfish on July 30, 2025. The survey collected responses from 1,023 U.S. workers, examining their experiences and perceptions related to emotional safety in the workplace, including stressors, burnout, barriers to expressing feelings, coping strategies, and overall psychological safety. Respondents answered different types of questions, including yes/no, scale-based questions where they indicated their level of agreement with statements, and multiple-choice where they could select from a list of provided options. The sample consisted of 50% female and 50% male respondents, with 15% Gen Z, 33% Millennials, 35% Gen X, and 17% Baby Boomers.

About Zety

Zety’s articles follow strict editorial guidelines. Zety resume templates and Zety's resume and cover letter generator are trusted by 12 million users each year. With 100s of options to choose from, including professionally designed resume templates to beat the ATS, users can create a professional resume in less than 15 minutes. Since 2016, Zety’s career bloghas provided free data-driven insights to over 40 million readers annually, empowering professionals at every stage. The editorial team includes Certified Professional Resume Writers, with the best career advice and evidence-based findings featured in Business Insider, CNBC, and Forbes, among others. Follow Zety on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, X, andInstagram for free expert career tips and updates.

IS YOUR JOB MAKING YOU SICK?

7 Work Related Anxiety Triggers and How to Ease the Stress

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Whether you work from home or go to an office daily; you are always working for someone else. Your services, talents, skills and knowledge are being exchanged for money and that means meeting expectations. It also means dealing with daily triggers that frustrate us. According to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, these triggers build up stress which may negatively impact our personal relationships physical health. Dr. Hafeez, a NYC based licensed clinical neuropsychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, offers 7 work related anxiety triggers with tips on what we can do to deal with them.

 

  1. Fear Based Bosses

Bosses who focus on possibilities and solutions inspire creativity and collaboration. Fear-based bosses aren’t leaders they are energy drainers. They have quick tempers, focus on problems, complain and threaten. According to Dr. Hafeez people make the mistake of remaining in a job for the wrong reasons. “Being spoken to harshly every day is no way to live. It’s abusive and causes anxiety. My advice, file a complaint with human resources and resign. Your well-being matters first and most.”

 

 

  1. Co-Worker Cliques

Some work cultures include gossip, passive aggressiveness, undercutting, sabotage, and verbal jabs that would rival any high school clique. “If your work is solid, align with others who are focused and keep your eye on the prize. You have a job to do and your focus will be thrown off by unnecessary cattiness. When you hear a group of co-workers gossiping, politely excuse yourself,” advises Dr. Hafeez.

 

  1. Technology Glitches

We’ve all had instances where we want to throw our computers out the window, stomp on our cell phones and kick a vending machine after it gobbles up our last 2 singles. “Technology is what led to a higher standard for speed and efficiency. When we can’t get what we want in .005 seconds we get agitated. It’s conditioning,” she explains. “Centering is a great technique that helps delay reaction time to stressors. Before pounding on the copy machine, step back count to 5, breathe and pivot to fixing whatever may be wrong or finding someone who can assist.”

 

  1. Presenting

You can be the most articulate, outgoing person and still have anxiety when it comes to presenting to a group. It is common for people to experience insomnia, nausea and tension headaches leading up to an important presentation. Preparation is key. “Allow ample time to gather key points and mentally rehearse your presentation while doing another unrelated activity such as cooking, cleaning, walking or running, to release stress and remain present suggests Dr. Hafeez.”

 

  1. Your Commute

“Once you exceed 30 minutes one-way, your happiness level drops and your stress level rises,” says Dr. Hafeez. A coping mechanism she suggests is to use the commute as a time to learn. If driving, tune off the negative news talk radio and opt for interesting podcasts or audio books. If stuck on a bus or train, reading a book, watching a show on the iPad, or getting a head start on email are also ways to make the time fly.

 

  1. Business Travel

Rushing for airplanes and dealing with weather delays and over-booked flights not to mention navigating an unfamiliar place will stress anyone out. “Preparation and a solid backup plan is a great way to ease pre-business travel stress. While face-to-face meetings may be optimal, skipping a flight and opting for a video conference may be a less stressful option.”

 

  1. Quotas and Commissions

While most workers love the self-determined earning potential of a commission-paid job, they still find it stressful when they look at the numbers and fear coming up short. “Anxiety is cause by excessive worry about future events you believe you cannot control, explains Dr. Hafeez.” It may sound harsh but setting higher targets can be helpful. When you raise the bar at making 50 sales calls instead of coasting by with the usual 20, you’ll most likely complete 30 and will feel accomplished. “Acknowledge daily wins and break down the effort into smaller chunks of time so you focus on what’s in front of you,” she advises.

 

About the Doctor:

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical neuropsychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens. 

 

Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz.

Connect with her via twitter @comprehendMind or www.comprehendthemind.com 

Twenty years ago, we hardly heard of ADHD, an acronym for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Today, the term ADHD is so loosely used that anytime anyone feels they are unfocused, overly scheduled or mentally cluttered they may say “I’m so ADHD”, but are they? When is it just a simple lack of focus due to stress or bad habits and when might it be ADHD?

 

Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a NYC based licensed clinical neuropsychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services specializes in ADHD and other learning disorders. She offers some characteristics that when chronic tendencies could mean ADHD and is worth getting screened for it.

 

  1. You have NO filter and are highly impulsive.

Being candid, bold, opinionated is one thing and many people with strong personalities possess these traits. If you find you are getting into frequent arguments with family, friends and co-workers who accuse you of not thinking before speaking or acting, then there could be more going on. “You have to look at how certain behaviors impact the general well-being of your life, explains, Dr. Hafeez. If you are unable to keep a job, and 50% of people with ADHD struggle to do so, then it would be wise to get an assessment for ADHD,” she says. "People who find they consistently miss deadlines and simply forget or rush through them without a careful eye on quality of the output are red flags. Of course, there are other psychological considerations and implications but having an ADHD assessment is a good suggests Dr. Hafeez.”

 

  1. You’re constantly putting out fires.

People with adult ADHD frequently lose important papers, documents on their computers or their personal belongings like cell phone, credit cards, keys etc. They find they consistently miss appointments, arrive to work late, feel disorganized and scattered. This inattention to the details of life leads to being in crisis mode cleaning up your own messes. According to Dr. Hafeez this is a recipe for high stress, poor confidence, second guessing oneself, and low self-esteem. "When you are constantly cleaning up mistakes or apologizing for lateness you start to question your abilities and judgment. This is the uneasiness that may even lead to depression if adult ADHD isn’t properly diagnosed and treated with the help of a trained licensed therapist who specializes in ADHD,” cautions Dr. Hafeez.

 

  1. You are either easily distracted or off in your own world.

ADHD often has people focusing in two different ways. First, they may have such trouble focusing that they can’t sit through meetings at work, dinners with family or friends, can’t remain engaged in conversations and just feel antsy and always onto the next thing. The second way ADHD impacts focus is where they are so immersed and deeply focused in something that everything else around them is non-existent. “Someone who is in this hyperfocused state can easily lose track of time, their kids, and other commitments because when you have ADHD, nothing is more important than what you are on hyperfocused on,” explains Dr. Hafeez. She goes on to say that people with ADHD feel they “lost time” because they were focused on one thing for so long and didn't realize where the time went.

 

  1. You feel like there’s never enough time for anything.

This is because people with ADHD typically overschedule themselves and under-estimate the time it takes for certain tasks. Time management is a big challenge for people with adult ADHD. They often add to their anxiety by creating unrealistic to-do lists then struggle to get things accomplished because they’re distracted. Anxiety is often an overlapping condition, as are obsessive compulsive traits. “There’s a self-defeating cycle going on where they take on too much then feel inadequate when things aren’t completed. They frequently say that there aren’t enough hours in the day,” says Dr. Hafeez.

 

It is important to really do your research and be honest with your overall quality of life. Then seek out a professional who can offer a detailed assessment which is the first step to diagnosing and effectively treating ADHD. “It is never just one thing. When I offer a thorough assessment, using not just a very comprehensive interview but a complex battery of standardized tests that measures brain functioning, I discover loads of information the patient never saw coming, and so the treatment I design is accurate, long lasting, and can bring about lasting change,” Dr. Hafeez says.

 

About the Doctor:

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical neuropsychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens. 

 

Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz.

Connect with her via twitter @comprehendMind or www.comprehendthemind.com

Creating a healthy workplace maximizing team happiness and productivity

Graphic designers in a meeting at the office

Those who embrace omens and adhere rules could pursue eternal workplace happiness. As in, it is the uncertainty of success which eventually lead even ‘The Kid’ to the far-side………

 

The Alchemy of workplace happiness

 

Rule #1. Draw a line for Rumor ----- of, course. One must.

 

Rumors tend to have a merger-effect on people. Based on situation, the same rumor can evoke laughter or bring about a molehill out of a molecule. And, moreover, most rumors tend to circle around leaders thus making grievance management a virtue of good leadership. Of, course. One must.

 

Rule #2. Embrace the odd showmanship

 

The HR should keep a watch on showmen whose hobby is to self-efface humorous stories. They should interfere if deemed, and differentiate good humor Vs. bad humor based on situations. And, embrace timely and appropriate reaction to humor sense for the cross-cultural Corporates or Office quorum.

 

Rule #3. Fulfill Self-Actualization Goals

 

Work satisfaction stems from the fulfillment, or the lack of it, of self-actualization goals. For that, the company HR should build a sizeable team of talent hunters who knows how to track careers. And, tackle professional ego without much personnel discretion.

 

Rule #4. Make HRM a Zero-Sum Game.

 

Best of HR makes Human Resource Management a zero-sum game it is being said. Meaning they must meet the economies of staffing and training and development, and form a healthy sync with clients. This would enact both the Company policy w.r.t financials, and an HR’s duty of employee motivation.

 

Rule #5.  Allow seamless communication.

For that, there are many options like having an “Open Door Policy” in place. Empowering team leaders who knows their team inside-out. Providing platforms - Corporate Games - to break the railings in one-on-one discussions. And least of all set a benchmark between expectation and reality, performance and ‘post-truth.’

 

Rule #6. Provide Entertainment Value

 

Office ergonomics have influenced even SMEs (Small and Medium Scale Enterprises). And, thus, corporates are forced to invest on tawdry furniture which may add to the employee discomfort. Although, for a healthy workplace one must sacrifice money to simply buy the best branded furniture or suchlike. And, provide a couch for employees to endure long working hours. (Note: Ergonomics mean space and comfort.)

 

Rule #7. Mend outdated rules and regulations.

 

If a rule is in-sync with the new-millennials nobody would question its practicality. Here is an outdated rule as prescribed by NRLB - “Employees are not allowed to take unauthorized pictures” it says.

Of, course. The 2016 version of the same rule shall be apostrophe-d “Taking selfies on bathrooms are strictly prohibited.”

If anything happens, this would bring home clarity of thought and keep judgment to within confined limits.

 

Why Happiness Matters?

 

We keep hearing outrageous excuses to leaving one’s job to concur dreams. In fact, if you connect those excuses you could see an irony…….

 

(A) I quit job to confine myself with VR gaming.

And,

(B) To Travel around the world!

 

Bottom line is it is the engagement, or the lack of it, which gives a healthy and productive work place from both an Individualistic point of view, and holistic. The takeaway from this blog should be plain and simple. You can maximize team happiness and productivity by limiting rumor (#1) with proper rules and regulations in place (#7) that has a tinge of humor in it (#2). And, by fulfilling self-actualization goals (#3) with tactical HR management (#4). The byproduct of it all would give you some entertainment value at the workplace (#6) it shall be deemed. Welcome Feedbacks. Thank You.

 

Author- bio: Levin George is a Search Engine Optimizer at OfficeRock.com. He actively pursues interests related to latest internet marketing trends. He spends his leisure time reading, meditating and enjoying the joys of technology.

 

 Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life

My friend and Photographer, Katherine Kerr, had a question that many of you have, whist with a little twist.  “How do I find time to go to the gym?” I’ll use this analogy to emphasize the necessity of having a Personal Trainer and not just any trainer. You really need an educated, knowledgeable trainer to help you get there.

Kat, formally a varsity athlete, a martial artist and dancer moved into the work world, and far from her team and training masters. Now, trying to balance her career and love for fitness, she asked me her pertinent question about finding time for the gym. While this is a prevalent question for trainers, keep in mind this question was coming from a person who was still training Capoeira five times a week, grabbing conditioning and yoga classes, time permitting, and jogging for fun. This is where the familiar complaint of balancing work and health takes it twist. Kat just wanted a few extra days to build strength balance her other fitness activities.

In the words of Confucius, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. You can probably see where this story is going. Herein, I told her ‘Kat, have you ever thought about being a trainer, because your life is what we do as a profession.’ She did, of course, need some fine tuning to take her fitness aptitude and turn it into an informed career. But don’t get excited and think I’m in any way suggesting that you become a trainer. The purpose of this story goes to show just how dedicated to health and fitness the life of a Personal Trainer is.

There are two points I want to make.  First, with a good trainer you can find direction to balance your goals and what you like to do for exercise.  Second, get a good trainer. They will be the driving force, organization and motivation behind your success.

I used Kat as an example of someone I took on to help train to be a trainer because she was already eating, living and breathing fitness. She spent her non-work hours conditioning and eating like a health guru and herein, I saw a bit of myself.  Not all, but a bit. Myself, an Olympic qualifier, track and field participant and coach (including my plethora of hard earned certificates therein), Bachelor of Science major with a focus in Kinesiology and I was living the life of a trainer before I officially became a trainer. This also goes to show that even trainers need trainers. As I was a more advanced and qualified fitness professional at that stage of my training career when I met Kat, the solution seemed obvious. If Kat wants to live and breathe fitness similar to when she was on her university Rugby team and training martial arts she needs to be paid to be in a gym.

Personal Training is not for everyone but getting a good trainer is the key element to success. I can’t stress this enough. Even Jackie Chan has a teacher, and if you’re not one of us, already living the disciplined life of no sugar, no alcohol, no white bread/rice, 6 day a week balanced fitness regime like my prototype here, with the mental calorie in calorie out counter and know how to exercise with form… then you need a good trainer. If you don’t also already have a periodization exercise plan catered to the functional output, balancing and grouping muscle groups from big to small, and I could go on, then you need the guidance of a trainer. If you’re not already doing a week of interval training to combat a weekend in Vegas then you need a trainer.

The pressure of being a trainer is intense as you cannot only talk the talk you have to walk the walk. This can be as simple as being able to demonstrate exercise for a particular muscle group to as complicated as being a walking business card; the physical embodiment of what a fit person should look like. But let’s break this down a little, there is a reason trainers can keep up the image of being trainers. We love it! You don’t in anyway need to have the intense lifestyle Kat had when I met her. You need to leave all the worrying to the experts and know that those of us who can help you meet your goals no matter how big or how small are already living the dream, working, studying and practicing.

All you need to know is the time you’re ready for us!

 

I found out about this app just recently and it's so good to show your athletes and clients what they need to improve on and where things are going wrong. It's called coaches eye. It costs only $4.99 and is totally worth ever cent. Search for it In the App Store.

20140116-225647.jpg

My friend and Photographer, Katherine Kerr, had a question that many of you have, whist with a little twist.  “How do I find time to go to the gym?” I’ll use this analogy to emphasize the necessity of having a Personal Trainer and not just any trainer. You really need an educated, knowledgeable trainer to help you get there.

Kat, formally a varsity athlete, a martial artist and dancer moved into the work world, and far from her team and training masters. Now, trying to balance her career and love for fitness, she asked me her pertinent question about finding time for the gym. While this is a prevalent question for trainers, keep in mind this question was coming from a person who was still training Capoeira five times a week, grabbing conditioning and yoga classes, time permitting, and jogging for fun. This is where the familiar complaint of balancing work and health takes it twist. Kat just wanted a few extra days to build strength balance her other fitness activities.

In the words of Confucius, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. You can probably see where this story is going. Herein, I told her 'Kat, have you ever thought about being a trainer, because your life is what we do as a profession.' She did, of course, need some fine tuning to take her fitness aptitude and turn it into an informed career. But don't get excited and think I’m in any way suggesting that you become a trainer. The purpose of this story goes to show just how dedicated to health and fitness the life of a Personal Trainer is.

There are two points I want to make.  First, with a good trainer you can find direction to balance your goals and what you like to do for exercise.  Second, get a good trainer. They will be the driving force, organization and motivation behind your success.

I used Kat as an example of someone I took on to help train to be a trainer because she was already eating, living and breathing fitness. She spent her non-work hours conditioning and eating like a health guru and herein, I saw a bit of myself.  Not all, but a bit. Myself, an Olympic qualifier, track and field participant and coach (including my plethora of hard earned certificates therein), Bachelor of Science major with a focus in Kinesiology and I was living the life of a trainer before I officially became a trainer. This also goes to show that even trainers need trainers. As I was a more advanced and qualified fitness professional at that stage of my training career when I met Kat, the solution seemed obvious. If Kat wants to live and breathe fitness similar to when she was on her university Rugby team and training martial arts she needs to be paid to be in a gym.

Personal Training is not for everyone and getting a good trainer is the key element to success. I can’t stress this enough. Even Jackie Chan has a teacher, and if you’re not one of us, already living the disciplined life of no sugar, no alcohol, no white bread/rice, 6 day a week balanced fitness regime like my prototype here, with the mental calorie in calorie out counter and know how to exercise with form… then you need a good trainer. If you don’t also already have a periodization exercise plan catered to the functional output, balancing and grouping muscle groups from big to small, and I could go on, then you need the guidance of a trainer. If you’re not already doing a week of interval training to combat a weekend in Vegas then you need a trainer.

The pressure of being a trainer is intense as you cannot only talk the talk you have to walk the walk. This can be as simple as being able to demonstrate exercise for a particular muscle group to as complicated as being a walking business card; the physical embodiment of what a fit person should look like. But let’s break this down a little, there is a reason trainers can keep up the image of being trainers. We love it! You don’t in anyway need to have the intense lifestyle Kat had when I met her. You need to leave all the worrying to the experts and know that those of us who can help you meet your goals no matter how big or how small are already living the dream, working, studying and practicing.

All you need to know is the time you’re ready for us!