15 Years, 10 Lessons: What The Fitness and Wellness Industry Have Taught Me

After 15 years in the fitness and wellness industry, these are 10 things that I've learned through experience and supporting others.

1. There isn’t one diet that suits everyone

Believe me when I say I’ve tried every diet—Keto, low carb, paleo, vegetarian, Ray Pete, Zone, etc. At times, I’ve been obsessed and extreme in my attachment to finding the ‘perfect’ diet. I’ve been lean and eaten incredibly clean, but nothing brought me as much physical and emotional connection as finding my own way and choosing foods that truly worked for my body. This includes eating chocolate and ice cream without self-criticism, judgment, or fear of 'damaging' my body.

2. Consistency trumps the next new diet or exercise plan every day

We’re constantly bombarded by new exercise programs, diets, and ‘improved’ ways to lose weight. But at the end of the day, it’s not about which program or diet you choose—it’s about what you can stick with consistently that brings real results. True transformation comes from dedication and patience, not hopping from one trend to the next. The ones who succeed aren’t the ones who find the perfect plan, but the ones who keep going, even when it’s not perfect.

3. You can't undo 10 years of bad habits in 12 weeks

I know this may seem obvious, but most weight loss challenges are still built around this unrealistic model. Yes, 12 weeks can be life-changing, but true transformation takes longer. Changing habits and mindset requires time, patience, and commitment. First, decide that you are worth the change—then surround yourself with people who are committed and unafraid to support your growth.

4. It is very difficult to lose weight with exercise alone

As a fitness trainer, this is one of my biggest frustrations. While exercise does burn calories, it’s nearly impossible to out-train a poor diet. Sustainable weight loss requires dietary and lifestyle changes. You can’t build the body you aspire to have while holding onto the habits that created the body you have now.

5. A 'healthy' diet doesn't guarantee weight loss

Ask five friends what a ‘healthy diet’ means to them, and you’ll likely get five different answers. That’s because ‘healthy’ is subjective—it doesn’t automatically mean weight loss. While nutritious foods support overall well-being, weight loss comes down to overall energy balance, portion sizes, and how well your diet aligns with your body’s needs. Instead of chasing the ‘healthiest’ diet, focus on what works for you in a sustainable way.

6. Nutrition science is full of contradictions

If there’s one area in health and wellness filled with conflicting information, it’s nutrition. Science doesn’t always offer clear answers—while research is more accessible than ever, interpreting it correctly is another challenge. For every diet trend, there’s evidence both supporting and contradicting it. The real question isn’t just about the outcome of a study, but the quality of the research and the biases behind it. Instead of getting lost in nutrition debates, focus on principles that stand the test of time: balance, consistency, and listening to your body.

7. Building muscle takes time and commitment

Social media is both inspiring and misleading. We see endless images of lean, sculpted bodies but rarely get insight into the years of effort behind them. Instead, we’re bombarded with videos of skinny women lifting tiny dumbbells or doing trendy exercises, selling programs to women who don’t know any better. The truth is, real strength and muscle growth take time, consistency, and progressive overload. Sustainable results come from patience and dedication, not quick fixes.

8. Exercise is a powerful antidote to many of our mental ailments

Exercise can be the hardest thing to do when we feel stressed, anxious or depressed, but the changes in our hormones, energy and mood after the right doses and types of exercise are unmatched by any drugs available. By bringing awareness to how you are feeling before and after exercise, you can begin to connect the dots between your meant and physical wellbeing and movement. Movement has saved me time and time again, why would I ever give it up?

9. Without self awareness nothing will change

Self-awareness is the foundation for all the other changes we want to make. We need to be aware of our strengths and our weaknesses in order to continue being who we are as we are, but also being who we are as we grow. The world is constantly trying to mould us into what serves its agenda, it takes a deep level of commitment to ourselves to live out out wone story. But the thing is, it's only when we are living our own most authentic story that we will experience true health and happiness.

10. You are your biggest investment

Everything else comes first, and we’re the first to suffer. Everything else comes first, and those around us suffer too. Investing in yourself isn’t selfish—it’s an investment in everyone you love. When you truly believe you’re worth it and take action, that’s when real change happens.

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After 15 years in the fitness and wellness industry, I’ve learned that true health isn’t about following the latest diet, chasing quick fixes, or comparing yourself to social media highlights. It’s about consistency, self-awareness, and making choices that truly support your body and mind. Building muscle, improving mental wellbeing, and creating lasting change take time, patience, and commitment—but investing in yourself is always worth it. Here are 9 key lessons I’ve learned along the way. Which one resonates with you the most?

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