This morning a young gorgeous gym professional asked me a question and caused an epiphany. (Epiphanies lead to blogs in case you didn’t know.)

I was paired with him to help kick-start a new era of fitness and well-being in my life. I hadn’t told him that, yet. Hadn’t admitted how long it had been since I worked out the way I should. Or at all. But then again, I suppose he could tell…

And he asked me, “When do you train?”

Being a corporate trainer my mind flashed the answers:

“Almost every day, lately”; “Lots of 20 hour days running from classroom to airport and from event to event”; “I have great stamina for someone whose not working out”; “I’m doing okay, right?”

Now anyone reading this knows what he meant. He meant “When do you workout?” And, had I asked the “doing okay” question he would have told me I am not doing okay. I have stamina, which means I can get through the long days. But I don’t have energy which means I am not enjoying the long days. I love my job. It needs to be fun again. I need to get in shape.

But my mind was still interested in his word choices. “What’s the difference between working out and training?” I asked. He thought for a minute while I admired his hazel eyes and many other attributes I am embarrassed to type. Especially considering his age. I am old enough to be his mother and then some.

Here’s what he told me: “Training means you are trying to get results. You’re working a plan where the workload gradually increases and gets harder as you improve. Working out usually means you show up and do an activity. People work out all the time and stay the same.” He glanced over at a large woman and man with clothes soaked through who were heading for the exit. “Which do you want, an activity or an outcome?”

Obviously I want an outcome. We talked about a training plan. Three hours later I left with more than just a fitness program. I left with a question for all the corporate trainers in my life. And for the executives currently considering an investment in training.

“Are you sure you’re not just designing and scheduling a workout?”