If the Worst Thing That Can Happen Is That You Get Better… How Bad Would That Be?

A Coach’s Reflection on Effort, Fear, and Growth

In my 17 years as a coach in the fitness industry, I’ve worked with everyone — men, women, children, athletes, and retirees. Most people come in with familiar goals: lose weight, build muscle, feel stronger.

But in 2017, I met someone who didn’t fit that mold.

At the time, my responsibility was to take over a handful of clients transitioning from a coach who had recently left. It was 11:40 a.m., and I was standing at the front desk when the double doors swung open.

In he came — pushing a walker, dragging his left foot, limping — with a woman close behind him, steadying his steps.

“Here he is!” our front desk attendant whispered nervously.

“Good morning!” I said enthusiastically.

“Good morning!” they both replied.

His sister smiled and said, “I’m guessing you’re his new coach?”

“You got it,” I replied.

Understanding the Challenge

After introductions, his sister took a deep breath and explained his situation:

• His left leg was shorter than his right, causing a severe hip drop (Trendelenburg gait)

• He had been hit by a car, worsening his condition

• He lived with muscular dystrophy, making it difficult to build muscle

• Scoliosis affected his posture and stability

• Frequent falls were common due to poor strength and balance

• He also had a speech impediment that made communication challenging

He had every valid reason not to come to the gym two to three times per week — for four years.

He could barely stand unassisted, let alone walk. His lower body was nearly unusable, and his upper body wasn’t much stronger. Every step caused his knees to buckle. Every fall set him back further.

He couldn’t even drive himself. His sister brought him to every session.

What Effort Really Looks Like

And yet — he showed up.

Consistently.
On time.

Some days, he didn’t have 100% to give. But he gave everything he had.

Yes, he could get stronger. Yes, he could build some muscle. But the ability to gain enough muscle to drastically change his body was unlikely.

And that wasn’t the point.

He was chasing something deeper — something only he could measure and feel.

He was chasing the best version of himself through exercise and self-improvement.

All it took was honest effort.

The Principle

Most people aren’t afraid of success because they don’t want it.

They’re afraid of how much time, effort, and resources it will require.

Improvement demands investment.

And many people would rather stay where they are than risk discovering what they’re truly capable of.

The Challenge

If getting better is the risk…

Then what’s really stopping you?