A member recently came to us unhappy with their training program.
At first, it wasn’t clear why. The conversation was respectful but tough—something felt off, but we couldn’t quite pinpoint it.
So I started asking more questions.
Because when it comes to custom programming, I believe we do something that very few do well:
- We troubleshoot.
- We dig.
- We refine.
We don’t just write programs—we look for ways to maximize results, adherence, and enjoyment. All at once.
After going through a bunch of examples of what they did or didn’t like, it finally clicked.
The entire issue came down to one exercise.
One single movement—on just one of the four days in their plan—was making them dread their training sessions.
So much so that they were considering skipping multiple days just to avoid it.
The crazy part?
After we talked to the team, it turned out we were under the impression that this person actually liked that exercise.
In fact, we thought it was one of their favorites.
Even crazier?
When we swapped it out for a different variation of the same exercise, their entire perspective changed.
- The new version caused no discomfort.
- They felt strong doing it.
- And they had historically progressed well with it.
That’s the power of custom programming—and the importance of communication.
It’s easy to misfire on even one small variable.
But the right questions can make all the difference.
- How much strength training do you actually want to do?
- How heavy are you comfortable lifting?
- Do you want more cardio—or less?
- Upper body or lower body focus?
- Abs: want more of it or don’t care?
- How many reps feel right for you?
- Any past injuries or pain we should work around?
- How many days per week do you plan on coming?
- Do you like themed training days? Or full-body every day?
A great program isn’t just smart.
A great program is right for you.
If it were just about building a technically solid workout plan,
we could make one “best” program and give it to everyone.
But success in the gym is personal.
And long-term success requires that your plan works for your body, your preferences, your goals, your schedule—and even your mindset.
It’s not uncommon for one misstep in programming to throw someone off.
But when we get every variable right, it creates a training experience that feels effortless to stick with.
And when that happens, consistency becomes second nature.
And consistency is what keeps you training for life.
That’s the goal.
– James Pratt