Why you should train for performance, not for aesthetic

A vast majority of people who start working out do so to achieve a certain look. As a personal trainer, I get really specific requests when it comes to how people want to look: big, round glutes, tiny waist, toned arms, defined back, visible abs, big biceps etc. A lot of people start working out to lose a few sizes, some to gain a few sizes (men, usually), or just because they don’t like the way they look. There’s nothing wrong with this, and it makes sense: sport is the best way to look healthy, fit, and get that toned body we’re all looking for.

But I usually find people get discouraged really fast when they only work out for looks. I used to do this too: I would start working out to lose weight and when it wasn’t happening fast enough I’d just lose motivation and give up. Also people often ask me about exercises to target specific fat spots (in the back, arms, waist, thighs etc.) and they get discouraged when they learn that there’s no such thing: you lose fat from cardio and calorie deficit, and you can tone those areas by growing your muscles, and it takes time. Health as a goal is also super important but not motivating enough in the short/medium term: we all want to be healthy but as long as we’re not sick, we always postpone the work it takes. That’s why it’s so hard to quit smoking for example. 

That’s why I usually focus on performance, because you can see first results really fast and it’s motivating. I try to run faster, do more pullups, lift more weight, improve my coordination and explosive strength: I set different goals short/medium/long term so I can track my progress, see regular results and just feel motivated to show up to the gym. Because if my only goal is to be skinnier, I will skip the gym and go tomorrow because it’s not motivating and specific enough.

And when you train for performance, you usually see the aesthetic results you aim for. By improving my running, I lose fat, by lifting heavier, I gain muscles that help me have a toned appearance, by working on my explosive strength, I get leaner.

So try to focus on performance, not looks, you’ll be much prouder of yourself when you can finally do a pull up than when you lose 1 kilo. That’s why I always focus on making progress with my clients as well, increasing their strength and their overall physical skills (balance, coordination etc.). For my clients who want to lose weight, I recommend a calorie deficit and at least one or two sessions of intense cardio, but we really work on strength and skills during our sessions together.

I am a licensed Personal Trainer based in Berlin. I am a French mom of two girls. I support others in their journey towards their best self and I want to empower anyone who wants to feel good outside and inside and thrive in their daily life. I am happy to help you with your fitness goals and your diet.