For some of us having a fitness trainer is a dream. Many of us have goals when it comes to our weight, muscle tone and just overall health; but quite often we don’t know where to start. I sat down with fitness trainer and actor Leslie Lissaint to talk about the journey she takes with some of her clients.

One of the first things she talks about with her clients is the “why.” Why do you want to lose the weight, why do you want to tone your body in a certain area? Being honest with yourself and recognizing where the desire comes from is a great start to change. The game changer for me though, was Leslie’s second question she likes to ask her clients. What needs to be sacrificedin order to achieve your goals? Pin pointing the exact areas in which we need to makes sacrifices helps set us up for success. When we see different areas of sacrifice before we begin our new health journey, we can input a plan of action to make sure we don’t quite right after starting.

Food journaling for a week is also a great way to access what your eating habits are and bring attention to what and when you are eating. I like how Leslie clearly states it’s not to judge her clients but to bring awareness to different areas that might need attention or change. I know at times I can be my hardest judge but when it comes to my eating habits, sometimes I don’t even realize I am doing something until I’m consciously taking note of it.

When it comes time to actually set goals, Leslie suggests we attack our goals in shorter increments. For example setting goals in 3-month periods. Making clear and decisive goals in designated shorter time frames can help us see results and stay on track. It can also help us adjust things as well. And it’s here in the adjustments that we need to remember to be kind to ourselves and continue to adapt our short-term goals. Especially because life is busy, things come up and we have to remember it’s not the end of the world. From the beginning we knew there were going to be sacrifices, so continuing to recognize that is key to ensuring your success.

I love how Leslie gives us a quick HIIT (high-intensity interval training) cardio circuit to do anywhere and without any equipment. You can do high knees, plank tucks and star jumps in your living room, in the park, and on vacation. Spend 30-45 seconds on each exercise, then after completing all three, take a 15 second pause. Repeate this 3 more times. Watch the video here.

As the old saying goes, “getting started is the hardest part,” but hopefully these tips will make it easier once you start. To learn more about Leslie Lissaint check out her website LeslieLissaint.com.

Photography and video by Alejandro Leon