Where my passion for fitness came from
321go • June 8, 2023
In this article I thought it would be good to highlight why I am as passionate about health and fitness as I am today.
People are often surprised when I tell them a little bit about my story because they assume that I was always a fitness guru but that is far from the truth. In high school, my older brother would always ask me if I was going to workout with him since he was involved with sports as well and I usually gave him the same answer which was “I’ll think about it” which really just meant no. Junior and Senior year I started to lift more but then once I started college then my consistency went down the drain because I just thought of training only for sports performance and not for general health.
I wasn’t strong and was always lean so the thought of continuing to workout on my own in college wasn’t attractive to me at all. Nutrition wise, I would say I ate OK. Definitely not consuming near enough protein and fruits/vegetables though. I ate whatever I wanted and didn’t focus on my eating habits. This all resulted in me not feeling great about myself and sometimes pretty depressed because I didn’t have the energy, the body, the confidence that I always wanted which was a result of me not taking action.
I graduated college and right after that I hit a low point of my life in terms of how I was feeling about myself. Physically I was weak. Mentally I felt weak. It was just a really dark time for me. In my darkest moment, I had a decision to make. Either choose the path of continuing to feel bad about myself and do nothing about it. Or I could choose the path of transforming my body and my mind through health and wellness. As you can see, I choose health and wellness.
Boy, was it the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m glad from that moment on that I would be serious about consistently taking care of myself and making my health non-negotiable in my daily routine. Exercising 4-6 times per week and eating a nourishing diet which has changed more than just my physical well-being. It’s COMPLETELY changed my mindset on life. I no longer had limiting beliefs, I had way more confidence in myself and felt like I was finally in control of what happened in my life from many different perspectives. Which is such a great feeling and it all happened through just taking my health more seriously. This is where my passion for helping others with their health stemmed from.
Having good general health is more than just losing weight and other physical markers of progress. It’s about the feeling you get when you finally feel in control of your body. You have more energy. You feel stronger both physically and mentally. You can continue to physically do the things you love to do. Your day to day performance both at work and with your personal life get better. I could keep going but you get the point. Your health is your key to overall happiness. That’s where I come in because I understand struggles that my clients go through whether they have stubborn weight that they need to lose or if they physically are declining and need to get stronger so they can continue with day to day activities. I LOVE helping people reach their health milestones because I know the positive impact it makes for them in their quality of life going forward. That’s why I’m in this industry. To help people live healthier and happier lives.
So if you have a friend or family member who you think needs a little extra help with improving their health, I would love to chat with them.
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Walking into a gym for the first time can feel exposing. And if it’s been 20 years since your last workout, that first step can feel even bigger. Maybe you’re worried you won’t know where to go. Maybe the machines look like they need an instruction manual. Maybe you’re imagining that everyone will notice you, judge you, or somehow know you’re new. You’re not alone. For many people, the fear isn’t really about exercise. It’s about feeling like a beginner everywhere you look. So let’s make that first visit a little less mysterious. First: You’re not the only one who feels this way It’s easy to look around and assume everyone else knows exactly what they’re doing. But every person who now feels at home in a fitness studio had a first day once. And most people are far more focused on their own workout than on what you’re doing. That confident 6 AM regular isn’t keeping score of the newcomers. They remember what it felt like to start, and many will respect you for showing up. If you’re looking at fitness centers in Portland, Maine and wondering whether you’ll fit in, here’s what matters: you don’t have to arrive fit, experienced, or confident. You just have to arrive as you are. What your first visit at EA looks like Knowing what’s coming can make a big difference. Here’s how we make room for questions, conversation, and a comfortable start. 1. You arrive, and someone welcomes you You won’t be expected to wander around and figure it out alone. We’ll greet you at the door and help you get settled. Often, we’ll know your name before you know ours. No secret handshake. No test. Just a friendly hello. 2. You sit down and talk first Your first visit starts with a conversation, a success session, not a surprise workout. We’ll ask about your goals, your past experience, your schedule, and anything that’s affecting how you move, including injuries or concerns. And we’ll listen. Maybe you want to feel stronger carrying groceries, have more energy for your family, or finally find an exercise routine that feels manageable. That’s useful information. You don’t need to show up with a perfect goal or a five-year plan. 3. We show you around We’ll tour the space together so you can see where things are and ask whatever you’d like. Not sure what a piece of equipment does? Ask. Want to know where to put your things? Ask that, too. There are no “silly” questions here. If something feels unfamiliar, that’s exactly why a coach is there. 4. We can check how you move, if you want Depending on your needs and comfort level, we may offer a movement screen or an InBody scan. These can give us helpful information to guide your plan. They’re optional, and they aren’t a pass-or-fail test. You’re welcome to ask what a check-in involves before deciding. This is your starting point; you get to be part of the conversation. 5. Your first session is coached throughout When you’re ready to train, your coach stays with you and guides you through the session. We demonstrate every exercise and adjust it to your level. You won’t be handed a list and left to guess what comes next. You might choose one-on-one personal training or small group training . Either way, the goal is a session that fits you, not a workout designed to impress someone else. “But what should I wear? And what if I can’t do the exercises?” Wear something comfortable that lets you move. You don’t need fancy gear, the latest shoes, or a matching outfit. A T-shirt, comfortable pants or shorts, and supportive shoes are a perfectly good start. And you won’t be asked to do something you can’t do. Exercises can be adjusted. The weight can be lighter. The movement can be simpler. Taking a break is always an option. A few other worries we hear: “What if I get really sore?” Some muscle soreness can happen when you try something new. Tell your coach how you’re feeling so the plan can be adjusted. “What if something hurts?” Stop and let your coach know. Pain isn’t something you need to push through to prove you belong. “Will anyone yell at me?” No. Coaching should feel clear and encouraging, not intimidating. “Will people compare me to others?” Your training is based on your needs and starting point, not someone else’s workout. “What if I’m still nervous next time?” That’s normal, too. You can be nervous on visit one and still feel nervous on visit three. Familiarity often takes a little time. Stop. You don’t have to feel completely confident before you begin. Confidence can grow as you get to know the space, your coach, and what your body can do. “I’m over 40. Am I too far gone, or will I be the oldest person there?” That thought can carry a lot of weight. You might picture a room full of people decades younger, already strong and comfortable. But that picture isn’t the whole story. At EA, our community is largely made up of people in their 40s and 50s, and beginners are the norm, not the exception. People arrive with different histories, abilities, and goals. Some are getting back into exercise after a long break. Some are starting for the first time. That’s part of what makes the room feel welcoming. And you don’t have to keep up with anyone. Your coach will help you find a starting point that makes sense for you, then build from there at a pace you can manage. Why small group training can feel easier than going it alone Starting on your own can leave you with a lot of questions: Am I doing this right? What should I do next? Is everyone looking at me? In a coached small group, you have structure and support. Your coach guides the session, demonstrates the exercises, and helps adapt them. The people around you aren’t there to judge you. They’re there to work on their own goals, and many were in your exact seat a few months ago. That shared experience can make all the difference. You don’t have to be the most outgoing person in the room to feel part of it. Make the first step small If you’ve been putting this off, you don’t have to decide everything today. Your first goal doesn’t need to be a perfect workout plan or a new routine you’ll follow forever. It can simply be: visit, meet a coach, and look around. That’s enough for one day. And if you’re still deciding between personal trainers in Portland, Maine , you can ask about the coaching approach and what support is available before you commit to anything. Your first visit is a conversation, not a test You don’t need to prove that you’re fit enough to belong in a fitness studio. You belong because you’re taking a step toward caring for yourself. Whatever your starting point. Come in, meet a coach, and take a look around. Ask the questions you’ve been holding onto. If it feels like a fit, we can talk about what comes next. If it doesn’t, there are no hard feelings. Get started with a conversation , or contact our team with a question before you visit. You don’t have to walk in without nerves. You just don’t have to walk in alone. Evan Amell
The stretch from Thanksgiving through New Year’s can feel like a choice between two extremes: putting your goals on hold or trying to avoid every treat and celebration. You don’t have to choose either one. If you’re working on weight loss, a realistic holiday goal may be to maintain your progress, keep a few helpful habits going, and enjoy the moments that matter to you. Not gaining weight through a busy season is a legitimate win. You can arrive in January with your routine intact instead of feeling like you need to start over. And if family, work, travel, or a packed calendar make consistency harder than usual… you’re not alone. The answer isn’t perfection. It’s a plan that leaves room for real life. The biggest challenge isn’t one holiday meal A holiday dinner is one meal. It may be larger or richer than your usual dinner, but it’s just one point in a much bigger season. What can add up is the stretch of unplanned extras around it: cookies left on the counter, festive drinks at several events, frequent bites while cooking, and the “it’s the holidays” grazing that happens day after day. One meal is a blip. Six weeks of automatic snacking can become a pattern. That doesn’t mean you need to avoid seasonal foods. It means you can make them more intentional. A prospective study following adults over the holiday period found an average gain of about 0.8 pounds. Less than many people expect, but a reminder that small changes across several weeks can accumulate. Read the study . So instead of asking, “How do I make it through the holidays without eating anything fun?” try asking: “How do I enjoy what I love without turning every day into a celebration?” Make maintenance your holiday goal Weight loss usually requires a consistent calorie deficit. That can be harder to maintain when your routine changes and your calendar fills up. For many busy adults, especially if you’re over 40 and balancing work, family, and other responsibilities, a steadier goal through the holidays is to keep your momentum. That might mean continuing to lose slowly, or maintaining your weight while you protect the routines that support your health. You don’t have to chase aggressive results during a demanding season. Think of the next few weeks as keeping the foundation strong: regular meals, planned movement, strength training, and a little flexibility. Stop treating one celebration as a test you either pass or fail. Your progress is built from what you do most of the time, not what you eat at one dinner. A practical plan for holiday gatherings You don’t need a complicated set of food rules. A few small decisions can help you feel satisfied without arriving ravenous or leaving uncomfortably full. Before you go Don’t arrive starving. Have your regular meals. Skipping lunch to “save room” can leave you overly hungry later. Keep breakfast and lunch simple and satisfying. For example, try eggs with fruit at breakfast, then chicken or beans with vegetables at lunch. Decide what you’re most looking forward to. Maybe it’s your grandmother’s pie, your aunt’s stuffing, or a particular appetizer. Make room for the food you genuinely enjoy. At the table Take a look before filling your plate. Start with protein and vegetables, then add the holiday dishes you want to try. Choose favorites, not everything by default. Enjoy the homemade pie if you love it; skip the grocery-store cookies you don’t care about. Eat seated and take your time. Give yourself a moment to notice when you’re comfortably satisfied before going back for more. With drinks and snacks Sweet drinks and alcohol can add up without feeling as filling as a meal. You don’t have to skip them, but you can choose smaller servings, alternate with water, or decide ahead of time which occasions are worth a festive drink. And when you’re home? Put treats away rather than leaving them in your daily line of sight. Portion leftovers and decide when you’ll enjoy them, instead of grazing each time you pass the kitchen. Keep your anchor habits on the calendar When the season gets busy, it’s tempting to think that workouts only count if they’re long and intense. They don’t. If strength training is part of your routine, keep two or three sessions a week on your calendar when you can. If a full workout won’t fit, shorten it rather than canceling automatically. A focused 25-minute session is a useful way to stay connected to your routine. Try: Booking your workouts before the week fills up. Choosing session times you can realistically protect. Using a brisk walk as a simple way to add movement on a busy day. Taking a family walk after a big meal, or walking with a friend instead of catching up over another round of snacks. Movement doesn’t have to be punishment for eating. It can be a way to feel better, enjoy time with people you care about, and stay active during a season that often involves a lot of sitting. At EA Fitness & Performance, our personal training in Portland, Maine and small group training are built around your goals and starting point. A coach can help you choose a realistic plan for weeks when your schedule changes, so you’re not left wondering whether a shorter workout is still worthwhile. Leave room for the events that matter Trying to be “perfect” at every meal can turn the whole season into a battlefield. Instead, decide which celebrations matter most to you, and plan around those. If you have a big dinner on Saturday, you can keep your usual routine on Friday and Sunday. If you’re going to a party, enjoy the foods you really want there, then return to your normal meals the next day. That isn’t “making up for it.” It’s simply continuing with your life. A useful mindset: one indulgent meal is a data point, not a verdict. A missed workout doesn’t erase your effort. Neither does a dessert, a family dinner, or a busy week. What matters is the next choice, and you get to make it without guilt. If tracking your weight is comfortable for you, pay attention to the general trend rather than reacting to a single reading after a salty or larger meal. If weighing feels stressful or unhelpful, focus instead on behaviors you can see: workouts completed, walks taken, regular meals, and fewer unplanned snacks. Make your plan fit your life, not the other way around You don’t need to navigate the holidays alone, and your plan doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Our coaches can help you map out the season around your actual calendar. Small group sessions add accountability and community when motivation dips. And nutrition coaching focuses on practical habits you can carry into holiday meals and beyond, not crash diets or rigid food rules. If you’re looking for fitness in Portland, Maine, and want support that meets you where you are, we’d be glad to help you make a plan that feels realistic. Want to feel prepared before Thanksgiving? Book a free success session with our team. We’ll talk through your goals, your schedule, and a few simple ways to keep your progress moving through the season. You can enjoy the pie, show up for your workouts when you can, and keep taking care of yourself. You don’t have to choose between celebrating and making progress. 🎄 Evan Amell Owner, EA Fitness & Performance
If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’ll work out when I have more time,” you’re not alone. Work deadlines move. Kids need a ride. The weather turns. And after 40, your energy and schedule may not look the same from one day to the next. That’s why waiting to feel motivated, or deciding each day whether you’ll exercise, can make consistency harder than it needs to be. Try this instead: schedule your workouts in advance as real calendar appointments. Choose days and times you can repeat, and decide ahead of time what you’ll do if life gets in the way. It’s a simple way to make fitness part of your week, not one more decision you have to wrestle with. Why motivation isn’t a reliable schedule Motivation is useful when it shows up. But it doesn’t always arrive at a convenient time. If you decide every day whether to work out, you’re asking yourself to negotiate with a busy calendar over and over. “Should I go before work? Maybe after dinner? I’m tired today… I’ll try tomorrow.” Before long, tomorrow keeps moving. A calendar appointment gives your workout a place in the week before other tasks fill every open space. You’re not promising to feel excited. You’re making a practical plan for when and where you’ll move. Research on physical activity planning supports this approach. Studies have found that specifying when and how you’ll exercise can help people follow through. Planning isn’t a magic fix, though: the plan still needs to be realistic and flexible enough to survive a normal week. You can read a review of planning interventions for physical activity and a systematic review on implementation intentions . Think of your calendar as a helpful map, not a test you pass or fail. ✅ Pick repeatable times, not perfect times The best workout time isn’t the one that looks impressive on paper. It’s the one you can come back to most weeks. If early mornings are already a struggle, don’t schedule five 5 a.m. sessions because you think you “should.” If evenings often get swallowed by work or family responsibilities, be honest about that too. Start by asking: Which two or three days usually have the fewest conflicts? What time of day tends to work with your energy and responsibilities? How long can you realistically set aside? What kind of workout would you be willing to repeat? For example, you might choose strength training on Tuesday and Thursday at 7 a.m., plus a 20-minute walk on Saturday morning. Or perhaps lunchtime and an early evening session fit better. There’s no gold star for choosing a time that doesn’t suit your life. If you’re new to regular exercise, or returning after a break, begin with a manageable commitment. Two planned sessions are a solid starting point. You can build from there when the routine feels steady. Make the appointment specific “Work out sometime Wednesday” leaves a lot of room for delay. A more useful calendar entry answers a few simple questions: When will you start? Choose a time you can protect. Where will you go? Name the place, whether that’s your gym, home, or a nearby route. What will you do? Write down the type of workout, such as a coached strength session or a brisk walk. How long will it take? Give yourself a realistic window, including travel if needed. Instead of “exercise,” your appointment could say: Thursday, 5:30 p.m., 30-minute strength session at EA Fitness & Performance. That little bit of detail makes it easier to picture the plan and act on it. You’re taking a vague intention and turning it into an appointment you can prepare for. And please don’t make the session so ambitious that you need a perfect day to complete it. A focused 25-minute workout is more likely to fit into a busy week than a plan that requires an hour and a half, special conditions, and unshakable enthusiasm. Always have a backup plan Life will interrupt your schedule sometimes. That doesn’t mean you’ve lost your consistency. It means you’re living a life. Before the week begins, decide what you’ll do if a workout gets disrupted. Use a simple “if this happens, then I’ll do that” plan: If Tuesday’s session runs into a work deadline, then I’ll move it to Wednesday at 6 p.m. If I can’t make it to the gym, then I’ll do 15 minutes of bodyweight strength work at home. If I’m low on time, then I’ll do a shorter version instead of skipping the day completely. Your backup should be convenient, not punishing. A short walk, a few rounds of simple strength exercises, or a shorter coached session can keep the habit alive on a hectic day. Follow your coach’s guidance and choose movement that suits your current ability. A shorter workout still counts. You don’t need to “make up” for a disrupted day with an exhausting session later. Just return to your next planned appointment. Your simple weekly setup Try this once a week, perhaps Sunday evening or whenever you usually check your schedule. It should take only a few minutes. 1. Choose your minimum. Pick two or three sessions that feel doable, not your ideal week, your ordinary week. 2. Add each session to your calendar. Include a start time, location, and a simple description of what you’ll do. 3. Add a reminder and prepare one thing ahead. Set a notification, lay out your clothes, pack your bag, or put your walking shoes by the door. 4. Write down one backup for each session. Choose another time or a shorter version you can do if your day changes. 5. Review without judgment. At the end of the week, notice what worked. If a time repeatedly didn’t fit, change the appointment. The goal is a plan that supports your life, not a calendar you have to obey perfectly. That’s it. No elaborate tracking system required. Just a realistic plan, a backup, and permission to adjust. Support can make the plan easier to keep Sometimes the hardest part isn’t choosing a time. It’s knowing what to do when you get there, or having someone help you stay accountable when your week gets busy. That’s where personalized coaching can help. At EA Fitness & Performance , a coach can help you choose an appropriate starting point and build a plan around your goals, experience, and schedule. Our small group training adds coaching and community, so you’re not trying to figure everything out alone. If you’re looking for a personal trainer in Portland, Maine , you don’t need to have your routine all figured out before asking for support. Bring your questions, your schedule, and even the parts that have been difficult. We can help you find a starting point that feels practical. Consistency isn’t about never missing a workout. It’s about making a plan you can return to, and adjusting it when life changes. So take two minutes today. Open your calendar, choose your next realistic workout time, and give it a name. If the day gets complicated, use your backup. If all you can manage is a shorter session, that still counts. You’re building a habit one appointment at a time. 💪 Evan Amell EA Fitness & Performance
