Recently, I re-watched Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and it reminded me why it’s a timeless classic. My favorite concept from the series is the law of equivalent exchange, the principle that nothing can be gained without sacrificing something of equal value in return. While alchemy itself may be fiction, I argue that this principle holds valuable lessons for those of us on our health and fitness journeys.

Many individuals embarking on a fitness journey face a myriad of frustrations, one of the worst being plateaus. This is where progress stagnates before reaching a desired goals. Even worse, some individuals regress from their plateaus. Finding themselves in a worse state than when they started. The reasons for this are multifaceted, but a common factor is the lack of necessary skills and knowledge to tackle their goals in entirety.

For instance, many people overlook the cyclical nature of fat loss. Achieving the desired aesthetic often requires multiple bouts in a calorie deficit. Furthermore, understanding the importance of when to transition between calorie deficits and maintenance phases is vital. The aforementioned can be a delicate process and success rarely happens on the first try.

This is where the law of equivalent exchange becomes relevant. After years in the fitness industry, I experienced my biggest aesthetic transformation only after getting a coach. Even though I had a  background in health, fitness, and nutrition, working with a nutrition coach was the game changer I needed to get results. I realized that to achieve my goal of having six-pack abs, I had to do something I'd never attempted before: seek objective nutrition guidance from someone.

If you’re on a fitness journey and feeling frustrated by your lack of results, consider investing in a coach. Sometimes, the support and accountability provided can make all the difference. I’m here to help if you’re interested!