From Mechanical Engineering to Health & Fitness
In 2012, I graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the National University of Ireland in Galway. As part of my journey, I worked for an engineering company in London that built underwater pipelines. Engineering taught me a lot—mainly that things are either black or white. A pipe can either handle the pressure, or it can’t. If it can’t, it bursts.
Now, while I didn’t exactly have a deep grá (love) for engineering, what I did take away was an appreciation for systems and processes. When you follow a set of steps consistently, you achieve predictable results. And as it turns out, the same principles apply in health and fitness.
Why Your Health is Just Like an Engineering System
In life, you either rise or fall to the level of your systems. A goal is just a desired outcome, but your systems are the collection of habits and routines that help you reach that goal. While motivation is fleeting and unreliable, systems are dependable. The moment you shift your focus from sporadic bursts of motivation to consistent, effective habits, everything changes.
That’s why at The Trinity, we’re passionate about structured programs. A well-designed fitness program provides you with a clear system that leads to consistent, measurable results. Just like a pipe that holds its pressure, a body following the right systems will grow stronger and healthier over time.
The Tale of Two Scenarios: Sarah vs. Sophia
To illustrate how systems trump motivation, let’s look at two scenarios.
Scenario 1: Sarah’s Story
Sarah is motivated. She feels inspired to get healthier and wants to feel better about herself. She heads to the gym, but without a plan in place, she hops from machine to machine, trying everything that seems useful. She leaves sweaty and tired, feeling like she’s had a great workout.
The next day, however, Sarah wakes up sore—really sore. On day two, she’s even more sore, making every movement painful. Discouraged, Sarah promises herself she won’t go back to the gym anytime soon. Six months later, she feels that same spark of motivation and repeats the cycle, each time ending in the same result.
Scenario 2: Sophia’s Journey
On the same day Sarah feels motivated, so does Sophia. However, Sophia knows that she’s experienced this motivation before without much success. This time, she decides to set up the right systems and hires a personal trainer.
On Day 1, Sophia and her trainer spend 30 minutes discussing her goals, lifestyle, and challenges. They create a structured program and set small, achievable milestones. The first workout is tailored to her current fitness level, leaving her feeling energized but not overly sore. The trainer explains that progress isn’t about feeling pain; it’s about consistency, practice, and sticking to the program.
Six weeks later, Sophia is still going strong. She exercises three times a week—once with her trainer and twice in a group class, having built up the confidence to join others. Her sleep has improved, her energy levels are up, and she’s made new friends at the gym who share her newfound love for fitness.
Why Systems Make the Difference
Does Sarah’s story sound familiar? So often, we rely on motivation to push us forward, but the reality is that motivation is like a flame—it burns bright but quickly dies out. Systems, on the other hand, are like embers; they keep burning long after the initial spark fades.
When you follow a program that’s tailored to your needs and goals, you know exactly what to do, how to do it, and how to progress safely and effectively. And if you’re unsure of where to start, working with a coach can help you build a system that sets you up for success.
Ready to Build Your System?
At The Trinity, we’ll soon be launching our Intro Female Health Program, designed for those who haven’t exercised consistently in a while—or perhaps have never exercised at all. Our goal is to help you gain confidence, build effective habits, and feel better about your health. This isn’t just about workouts; it’s about creating a system that supports long-term well-being.