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Embracing Discomfort for Sustainable Growth
In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, host Erica D’Eramo welcomes health and fitness professional Eliza Simmonds to discuss setting realistic and sustainable fitness goals. Eliza shares insights from her journey, her teaching philosophy, and how fitness parallels professional coaching in fostering growth and resilience.
Introduction to Eliza Simmonds
Eliza Simmonds brings a wealth of knowledge to the table as a health and fitness professional. She began her career teaching preschool, which inspired her passion for helping others overcome challenges—a passion that ultimately led her to fitness training.
Eliza emphasizes the importance of setting goals that integrate seamlessly into daily life, both in fitness and the workplace. She draws connections between coaching approaches, highlighting how both fitness and professional coaching thrive on a growth mindset, realistic goal-setting, and sustained effort.
From Preschool to the Gym: Eliza's Fitness Journey
Eliza’s journey into fitness was shaped by her active upbringing and her experience as a preschool teacher. Teaching gave her a foundation for empowering others and helping them face challenges with confidence.
Her teaching philosophy revolves around building sustainable routines, empowering clients to take ownership of their fitness journey, and focusing on enjoyment and incremental progress.
The Bigger Picture: Fitness in Everyday Life
Eliza explains how fitness influences more than just physical health—it impacts work, family, and overall well-being. She encourages clients to redefine fitness by focusing on personal standards rather than societal expectations or unattainable media portrayals.
Busting Myths: What Fitness Really Means
In their discussion, Erica and Eliza tackle common misconceptions, such as the idea that fitness is solely about appearance. Eliza stresses that health is deeply individual and should align with each person’s goals and values.
Her approach focuses on small, incremental changes to create routines that are realistic and sustainable. Just as with professional coaching, she advocates understanding the “why” behind goals to ensure they are meaningful and achievable.
The Growth Mindset: Embracing Discomfort
Growth in fitness, much like personal or professional development, requires stepping out of comfort zones. Eliza introduces the concept of progressive overload—making gradual, manageable increases in effort to achieve lasting results.
This process, she explains, fosters resilience and reframes goals as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles to overcome.
Strength Training for All
Eliza champions strength training as an essential component of fitness for everyone, regardless of age or background. She also emphasizes the importance of choosing activities that are enjoyable and fit into a person’s lifestyle, creating long-term sustainability.
Erica and Eliza explore the idea of avoiding the “shoulds” in fitness—letting go of external pressures and instead aligning choices with individual values.
A Positive Shift in Fitness Culture
Eliza reflects on changes in the fitness industry, including the shift towards inclusivity and sustainable practices. She envisions a future where health and fitness are integrated into daily life, making well-being accessible for all.
Final Takeaways
As the conversation wraps up, Eliza offers practical advice for anyone looking to improve their fitness:
Embrace discomfort as part of the growth process.
Prioritize sustainability by creating routines that fit your lifestyle.
Find joy in your fitness journey by choosing activities you genuinely enjoy.
For those ready to start their fitness journey, Eliza encourages connecting with her directly. You can reach her on Instagram @eafitme or via email at Eliza@EAfitnessandperformance.com.
Take the First Step
Whether you’re setting fitness goals or striving for personal and professional growth, Eliza’s advice applies: small, intentional changes lead to big, sustainable results. Start your journey today.