I'm lucky that I get to work with some great people, who have been for the most part, guided to me through a referral. So they know before beginning, what to expect.

My clients participate in the programs I design. I don't mean that they just do what I tell them, but that they are required to understand what we're doing and why. In this way, they will learn information that they can use on their own and won't need me for any longer than necessary.

I like to warn people who are interested in hiring me, "This will not be a passive experience. If you want to just mindlessly go through the motions, then I'm not the guy for you. If you want to do something passive, go get a massage."

What I do is active; for more than just the body. As Jack Black would say, "You're going to need to use your brain, your mind and your head."

Years ago, I had a trainer ask me to cover for him while he was out of town and work with one of his clients.

The session didn't last very long.

This guy expected me to hand the dumbbells to him for each exercise. When I asked him if he had a disability that I wasn't made aware of, he said, "No. I'm as strong as I've ever been in my life. "

I proceeded to explain to him that most people get injured weight lifting at the beginning and the end of a set when their concentration is less focused. Preparing for the exercise, rather than performing it. "So I'm actually increasing the possibility of a future injury, especially outside the gym, by relieving you of the pleasure of un-racking and replacing your own weights. If you train with me, you'll need to do it yourself."

He stared at me blankly and handed me his water bottle to be filled up. If you were in the gym that day and were hit by that empty water bottle, I apologize. It was a big gym and I never bothered to watch it land after I launched it across the room as I walked out.

Believe me, I'm not one of these "boot camp" guys that do that garbage you see on shows like The Biggest Loser or Work Out. But, I do advocate that my clients take some responsibility for themselves.

That they come to a training session earnest about understanding the lessons I'm teaching and above all, that they be proactive in putting what they have learned to use, sharing what they can with their family and friends.

If you can be actively engaged in your training, on every level, then all other activities you participate in will benefit from your increased awareness and enthusiasm; your relationships, your job, your future.