Enough Already With The Apologies

I would like to know why my clients feel the need to apologize for, say, not being able to keep their balance on a lunge or completing eight reps instead of the ten I requested.

"Sorry, I'm so sorry." Why?! Why are you sorry? And what does apologizing accomplish? I realize that you are trying to communicate to me that you recognize that you are not a superstar weight lifter. We both know that already. You are in the shape you are in. There is no reason to pretend that anything should be any different than it already is. You started working out! You took the magnificently difficult step to show up for your session. You should be raving mad, shouting from the rooftops how proud of yourself you are for busting out of the status quo and pushing yourself beyond.

Falling over and maxing out are signs that you are pushing yourself to your limits. This is a GOOD thing. I have purposely assigned a series of movements or a weight that will be difficult for you to achieve. That is the whole point! It is my job to push you, and it is your job to try and possibly fail. If you are not having a hard time coordinating your next move, I am not doing my job and you should fire me.

So please stop apologizing to me and definitely stop apologizing to yourself. Fall over loud and proud. Do it with dazzling style. The floor will be there to catch you.