How Liam Found Confidence Again: A 20-Year-Old’s Journey Toward Strength and Self-Esteem  

Post date: 8 Dec, 2025 3:00 PM

Many people assume personal training is just for the super-fit or the already-motivated. But some of the most meaningful transformations come from people who simply want to feel better in their own skin — like Liam, a 20-year-old who came to see me during a time when he felt unhappy with his weight, coordination, and confidence.

Working with younger clients isn’t my usual focus, but something about Liam’s honesty and attitude made me feel he would respond well to a calm, supportive environment. Over the next six months, he proved that right.

Starting Out: Low Confidence, Sore Knees, and Past Frustrations

When Liam arrived for his first session, he described himself as overweight, “geeky,” and uncoordinated. He had tried personal training the year before at a busy commercial gym in Petone, but it never clicked. He felt out of place, rushed, and unsure what to do. Although his previous trainer had tried to help, the noisy intimidating environment and constant distractions made it hard for him to learn or build confidence.

In contrast, we took things slowly. I taught him the foundations of compound exercises, focusing on form, focus, and body awareness. He had sore knees, so we included targeted corrective exercises to help him recover and prevent problems before they developed.

Small Wins Became Big Motivation

One of the standout parts of working with Liam was how delighted he was with each improvement. Even small steps — better coordination, smoother technique, or lifting a little more — gave him a real sense of achievement. As he became more capable, we added new movements and gradually increased weights.

He started getting positive comments from colleagues and family. Those remarks mattered. They reinforced the internal progress he was already feeling. Week by week, you could see his posture, energy, and self-belief rising.

By month four, he told me, “I feel like a different person.” He was proudly showing me his signs of muscles growth.

New Confidence Beyond the Gym

As Liam’s physical ability improved, his personal confidence flowed into the rest of his life.

He met someone online and started travelling up north on weekends to see her — a big step for someone who previously felt unsure about himself. His sense of independence and optimism was growing, and it was great to see.

His mother was also planning a holiday with him to the Islands and was pleasantly surprised at his progress. But with travel costs, petrol for the long weekend drives, and a modest "starting out" income, Liam eventually needed to pause training to save money.

A Pause — Not a Step Back

Although I was disappointed to see him go, I understood. Life shifts, finances tighten, and priorities change. What mattered most was that Liam had already achieved the thing he wanted most: greater self-esteem.

Before he finished, I made sure he had a clear plan for how to continue his training at home. I showed him equipment options and exercises that would help him maintain the strength, mobility, and technique he’d gained. While it can be difficult to keep momentum outside a supportive environment, he left with real skills — and a genuine belief in himself.

I hope he’ll return one day, but even if he doesn’t, he walks away stronger and more confident than when he arrived.

A Quiet Reminder for Anyone Reading This

Liam’s story is a gentle example of what can happen when you work in the right environment, at the right pace, with someone who listens.

You don’t have to be fit, coordinated, or confident to start.
You just have to turn up — and be willing to learn.

If you’re in your 40s–70s and worried about aches, low fitness, or past bad gym experiences, you might be surprised at what you can achieve with supportive, one-on-one guidance.

Thinking About Starting?

If you’re in the Lower Hutt or wider Wellington region and want a quieter, more personal approach to strength and corrective exercise, you’re welcome to get in touch.
My studio near Petone offers a calm, patient environment where you can build confidence at your own pace.

Additional Reading

How to get started with exercise: A step-by-step guide
You will be amazed at what you can achieve
15 Benefits only a Personal Trainer can provide
What is the best exercise for knee pain
Injuries, Arthritis, and Inflammatory Conditions