Or: It’s not what you know, it is finding a way to fit it into your life that counts.

Last week, whilst in Mexico, my Sunday morning DrTLifestyle circuit training group met on Tunbridge Wells Common and completed their session without me.

The WhatsApp photos appeared later that day as proof.

I was depighted.

Not because they completed a workout.

Because they didn’t need me there.

At almost exactly the same time, Claudia and I found ourselves discussing a different phenomenon.

The previous evening we had attended a 49th birthday party in Guadalajara. The hosts were intelligent, educated professionals, in fact they were dietitians. The food included the usual selection of botanas—crisps, snacks, amorphous pink “meat” – all ultra-processed treats that appear at countless social gatherings throughout Mexico.

The next morning, Claudia reflected on how difficult it is to change these traditions. As a dedicated nutritionist, she has spent years helping people improve what they eat. She insisted on serving healthier food at her own children’s parties: fresh fruit, vegetables and home-made egg salad sandwiches. The children ate it happily. It was the  adults who complained. She explained that a culture had emerged where making UPFs readily available at social events has become a sign of success and status.*

That struck me as fascinating.

Because both stories are really about the same thing.

The Information Problem

Most health campaigns assume that people make poor choices because they lack information.

If that were true, the solution would be simple.

Tell people:

• to eat more vegetables
• to exercise regularly
• to sleep well
• to drink less alcohol

Problem solved.

Except it isn’t.

Most people already know these things.

Knowledge is important, but knowledge alone rarely changes behaviour.

The Power of Culture

Humans are social creatures.

We do what the people around us do.

Food at celebrations is not just food.

It represents:

• hospitality
• belonging
• status
• tradition
• comfort

Exercise is similar.

Many people know they should be more active.

What often stops them is not ignorance but:

• confidence
• habit
• identity
• environment
• lack of social support

Culture is powerful because it influences what feels normal.

And normal feels safe. And safe usually beats knowledge.

A Small Culture Change

When I started working with my current clients, the goal was never to create dependence on a personal trainer.

The aim was to help them develop:

• confidence
• knowledge
• skills
• consistency

Over time, something else emerged.

A community.

Two members began with structured gym sessions before gradually moving towards independent exercise. A third joined the circuits as a friend. A fourth recently completed the DrTLifestyle Foundation Programme and bravely joined the group.

Now they have met, exercised and supported one another.

Without me.

That’s not a fitness achievement.

That’s a culture change.

The Real Goal

I often talk about exercise, nutrition, sleep and stress management.

But perhaps the bigger challenge is creating an environment where healthy behaviours become normal.

Not perfect.

Not obsessive.

Just normal.

The birthday party in Mexico reminded me how difficult it can be to change long-established cultural habits.

The circuit session on Tunbridge Wells Common reminded me that it is possible.

Slowly.

One person at a time.

One group at a time.

The DrTLifestyle Way

The goal of DrTLifestyle is not to create clients who need us forever.

It is to provide the knowledge, tools, confidence and support needed to build sustainable health practices.

The true test of coaching is not what happens when the coach is present.

It’s what happens when the coach is 5,000 miles away.

Last Sunday, our clients showed that they didn’t need me.

And I couldn’t be happier.

*Addendum: In fact, the UK comsumes 57% of total daily calories as UPF (up from 45% in 2000) as oppossed to 30% in Mexico. The reasons behind UPF consumption in the 2 countries are very different (still a treat in Mexico, pushed as everyday food in the UK), as is the response. In Mexico, legislation was introduced in 2014 surrounding food labelling (HUGE black hexagons) and education; in the UK laws have been introduced which have largely been bypassed by “health halo”-ing and a highly developed advertising industry. Whilst the Mexican % calorie UPF intake has stayed static, in the UK, the relentless rise continues. This is a massive and vital topic that can’t be covered in this, or any blog.