How I Started My Fitness Journey

Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.

— Oscar Wilde.

I have always lived a very active life style growing up. I was always in sports, and my parents were always encouraging me to do more. But there is a difference when you’re younger because you naturally have energy, and you play the sports for fun not for exercise. As I got older and moved out of my sports phase I was lost. I could tell that I was adding a few more pounds on the scale, but I did not know what to do. I could run? I hate running. I could go to the gym? I don’t know how to use the equipment. The intimidation factor really sank in and I let that affect my journey until one day I decided enough was enough.

            I got in the car and drove to the nearest gym and signed up for a membership. I decided to go to join a smaller gym while I got the hang of “how to work out.” A trick that I found to be extremely helpful was watching other people’s workout routines while I was on the stair climber. I would always start with cardio before I took on the weights, and would take mental notes on exercises I could do from watching others. Now this might seem creepy, but I know I am not the only one! After a few weeks of observing others and navigating my way through the gym and equipment I began to finally feel a little bit more confident. The employees started to know me by name as I walked in which made me feel more accountable to show up!

            The first time I worked out I KILLED myself with cardio, weight training, and over an hour of exercises. For almost the next five days I was so sore and HATED working out. I did not go back for a while because who wants to feel that way when they first start out? Nobody! I quickly learned to always start small and then SLOWLY work your way up. We don’t need to kill ourselves with long hours in the gym and an excess of cardio. I could only do 30 minutes in the gym before I felt like my body was going to fall part, and for the next few weeks I would show up for 30 minutes. 30 minutes of movement is what our body needs to relieve stress and increase our energy. After months of showing up everyday I found a routine that worked FOR ME.

            We will never forget the beginning of our fitness journey because of all the kinks, but looking back at the progress is so rewarding. Throughout the start of my journey I learned one important thing; SHOW UP. Show up on the days you don’t want to, and show up on the days when your sore. Making this a habit into your daily routine will change how you feel about yourself, your mood throughout the day, and will boost your confidence so much more!