James’ Fitness Journey: Progress Through Consistency

James working out

Meet James — a hard-working young professional navigating life in the big city (and yes, he’s single, ladies 😄). Like many of you, James started his fitness journey by hiring a personal trainer to help him reach his goals. That trainer just happened to be our own Chris Parnell.

During a recent training session, James joked,"I've been training this long, I should look like He-Man by now."They both laughed — and then got right back to work.

But behind the joke is a powerful truth: progress takes time, and James has made plenty of it. He’s been training consistently with Chris for four years and the gains are undeniable. When he started, curling 55 lbs (25 kg) with limited range of motion was a real challenge. Today? He’s repping 75 lbs (34 kg) with full range — a solid 20 lb (9 kg) increase in strength!

The Key to a Successful Fitness Journey: Consistency

James' results didn’t come from shortcuts or crash diets. They came from consistently showing up and putting in the work, week after week. That’s the core of any sustainable fitness journey — not perfection, but commitment.

Life doesn’t pause when you start training. James balances work, social life, and everything else that comes with living in NYC. But no matter what, he makes training a priority, and it's paid off.

Our goal at The Parnell Plan is to help every client build a lifestyle like James’. One that allows you to train hard, live fully, and stay on track — even when progress feels slow or the results aren’t immediately visible.

Realistic Expectations, Long-Term Results

We get it — some days it might feel like you “should look like He-Man by now.” But fitness is a long game. Your only job is to keep showing up.

Progress doesn’t always show in the mirror right away. But it's happening — rep by rep, week by week.

So shout out to James! He’s not only stronger physically, but he’s a living example of how consistency builds long-term success. His fitness journey is far from over, and we’re excited to keep supporting him every step of the way.

Ready to start your fitness journey?

Apply now for a free assessment with The Parnell Plan today and take that first step — or recommit to showing up again. You’ve got this.