Coach Maria Alexandra Duenas shares one of the most common questions she hears from members and why the answer has less to do with the calendar than you might think.
The Question
If there's one question Maria hears almost every day on the training floor, it's this:
"How long will it take to reach my goal?"
Whether someone wants to lose weight, build muscle, feel stronger, or simply become healthier, almost everyone wants to know when they'll arrive.
But after nearly two decades of coaching, Maria has learned that this question isn't really about time.
It's about expectations.
And that's where many people get stuck.
Why There's No Universal Timeline
Maria's answer always begins the same way.
"It depends, but probably not for the reason you think."
Every person walks into the gym with a different story.
- Some have been active for years.
- Some are starting from scratch.
- Some are balancing work, children, injuries, or high levels of stress.
- Others have great nutrition habits but inconsistent workouts, while someone else trains regularly but struggles with recovery.
Those differences matter.
According to Maria, your results aren't determined by one workout or one healthy meal. They're shaped by dozens of small factors working together over time.
- Training.
- Nutrition.
- Recovery.
- Sleep.
- Stress.
- Lifestyle.
- Consistency.
When people compare their progress to someone else's social media transformation, they're usually comparing completely different starting points.
The Goal Will Probably Change
One of the things Maria loves most about coaching is watching people surprise themselves.
She explains that goals often evolve.
- Someone may begin wanting to lose 20 pounds.
- A few months later, they're asking how to improve their deadlift.
- Someone who only wanted more energy discovers a passion for strength training.
- Someone who felt intimidated walking into the weight room begins encouraging other members.
"What many people don't realize is that goals evolve. As your body changes, your mindset changes too."
That's one of the reasons Maria encourages people not to become overly attached to one destination.
Because reaching one goal often reveals another one you never imagined for yourself.
The Biggest Mistake People Make
Maria believes many people become so focused on the finish line that they miss what actually creates lasting success.
Instead of asking:
"How fast can I get there?"
She encourages members to ask:
"Am I building habits I can actually maintain?"
Quick fixes may produce quick results.
But sustainable habits produce lasting ones.
"I encourage my clients not to become obsessed with the finish line. Instead, focus on building habits you can sustain."
Why Maria Coaches the Way She Does
Maria has spent nearly 18 years coaching clients of every fitness level, from beginners taking their first steps into a gym to experienced lifters refining their performance.
Her coaching philosophy didn't develop overnight.
Before becoming a coach, she spent more than 20 years as a fitness enthusiast and eventually became a member of her country's National Bodybuilding Team. That experience sparked a fascination with the science behind training and nutrition and a desire to understand why the body responds the way it does.
That curiosity still shapes the way she coaches today.
Rather than offering quick fixes or one-size-fits-all programs, Maria believes every person deserves a plan that's built around their goals, experience, lifestyle, and physical limitations.
A Habit She Never Compromises
When asked about one wellness habit she'll never skip, Maria doesn't talk about a specific workout.
She talks about nutrition.
Not because she believes in strict diets.
Because she believes in consistency.
She explains that nutrition isn't something you practice only when preparing for a competition or trying to lose weight.
It's something that should fit into everyday life, whether you're working, traveling, celebrating with family, or simply enjoying a meal without guilt.
"Consistency is far more powerful than perfection. The best nutrition plan is the one you can truly enjoy and sustain for life."
Coach Maria's Advice
If Maria could leave every member with one message, it would be this:
Don't let a timeline determine whether you're succeeding.
Instead, measure your progress by the habits you're building.
Because the goal isn't simply to transform your body.
"The goal isn't just to transform your body. It's to build a lifestyle that keeps you growing long after your first milestone."