Embracing Practicality, Possibility, and Productivity in Health: Insights from Carlos Reyes

A conversation with Carlos Reyes, a veteran health coach and personal trainer with over 34 years of experience. Here, we uncover Carlos' unique approach to fitness, focusing on practicality, possibility, and productivity, and the evolution of his practice over the decades.

A Holistic Approach to Fitness

Carlos Reyes has always been passionate about health and fitness. Over the years, his philosophy has shifted from a body-centric approach to a comprehensive one, aiming to address the total well-being of his clients. Carlos emphasizes the importance of customizing workouts to fit clients' lifestyles, especially those over 50, and underscores empathy and comprehensive care through health coaching. During the discussion, Carlos pointed out how his practice has evolved, stating: "Whenever I'm working with somebody, I try to think of it three ways: the practical, the possible, and the productive." Carlos elaborates on these three pillars, explaining the need to balance what is practical for clients based on their lifestyles, what is possible for them to accomplish, and how to make it all productive.

The Power of Personal Connection

Throughout his career, Carlos has established long-term relationships with many of his clients, some for multiple decades. One of his most touching stories is about a 92-year-old client who, after working with Carlos, managed to stay out of a wheelchair. This kind of transformation illustrates the profound impact of personalized and empathetic health coaching. Carlos' dedication to his clients goes beyond physical training. He emphasizes the significance of mental and emotional well-being, highlighting his WellCoaches certification as a way to better support his clients through various challenges, whether they are dealing with stress, anxiety, or serious health issues like cancer.

Health Coaching Integration

Carlos integrates health coaching with personal training, providing a holistic service that benefits his clients immensely. He shared how his health coaching certification has equipped him to better understand and empathize with his clients' experiences, particularly those undergoing life-changing events like cancer treatment. By putting himself in their shoes and adjusting expectations, Carlos helps his clients navigate their health journeys more effectively.

Practical Tips for Aspiring Trainers

For those looking to work with the over-50 demographic, Carlos advises seeking out experienced professionals in the field. Learning from those who have direct experience working with older adults is invaluable. Advanced certifications and continuous learning from experts can greatly benefit aspiring trainers.

The Impact of Health Coaching

Carlos shared numerous success stories, including a client who, post-back surgery, went from being in constant pain to playing golf again, even getting the chance to play with Michael Jordan. Such stories underscore the transformative power of combined health coaching and personal training.

Importance of Self Care

The episode wrapped up with Carlos discussing the importance of self-care. Carlos passionately stated: "Nobody's ever going to take care of you better than you can take care of yourself. It's not selfish to prioritize yourself care because when you take care of yourself, you not only are able to take better care of those around you but also the world around you." Carlos emphasizes that while time may not be on our side, it is never too late to start prioritizing our health. Carlos Reyes’ approach to fitness is not just about the physical body but about nurturing the complete individual. His empathetic and holistic approach has helped countless over-50 clients improve their quality of life, making his work as a health coach and personal trainer invaluable.

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