Fitness is a versatile world waiting for you to explore. Hint, it's not just about growing a butt or getting Gainz. This read is for the fitness critical(s), those who are skeptical about how fitness can change lives.
My Fitness Journey: Embracing Change
Let me take you on a journey through my own experience with fitness. Let's go into a quick backstory:
Once upon a time lol, I was once a college athlete who attempted to play professional basketball, then I became an instructor and gym rat. I used to believe that fitness meant spending hours on the treadmill, in the sauna, waling up the stair climber, and maxing out on deadlifts and pre-workout drinks and powders (man...the jitters), yelling at my clients, creating a whole other persona to fill up my classes.... ugh. I had no idea what true fitness was.
I will also admit I have taken before- and-after-photos on every single part of my body, not my finest hour. Did I have body dysmorphia? I did.
I have always been in the fitness world in some form of capacity: gym manager, sales manager, spin instructor, fitness instructor, row coach, front desk worker, assistant manager, gym girlies, gym influencer, and... the gym janitor (at O2 Fitness).
I have worn all these hats, and I felt like I did a pretty good job.
But then I hit a wall.
Some call it burned out others call it depression.
I call it FED THE HELL UP.
The current gym culture is focused on membership sales not wellness or community.
As a gym manager, I have learned that "it's about community" is just a way to get people to buy a gym membership.
Some gyms do, do things well, so if you are gym that does things in a honest way, then this isn't about you.
I felt like every gym I worked for was only focused on selling memberships, heck, we only did events for the leads.
As a gym manager, I was that sleazy snake oil salesman that everyone cringes at.
I wanted something more, I love fitness, and I love the gym, but I don't love the current gym culture.
In December 2022, I left the studio world and 6 months after that, I stopped obsessively gym training.
The rigid routine wasn't sustainable for me. The grind wasn't making sense anymore. I wanted something different; I wanted more flexibility and to help others more! I could no longer be caught in the four walls and be boxed in!
I needed to get out and do more than fitness. I needed to define my own fitness journey and that included many things:
For Myself:
-Not sticking to a rigid routine
-Trying other fitness modalities
-Taking off days' aka REST
-Eating what makes me feel good
-Working out outside and enjoying nature
For Others
-Finding fitness that can fit everyone
-Making fitness accessible to all
-Collaborating with others to make fitness more community-based
-Making Fitness Fun
Fitness is Yours to Define
Listen, I'm not here to tell you how your fitness journey should be or what gym workout you need to do to look like this or look like that. That was so 2016.
I'm not even here to show you my workout routine or show you the way that I eat (Tik Tok 2022).
I'm here to create fun fitness events that will help you get your body moving and introduce you to the better way to fitness.
The better way to fitness, is to find what works for you.
Explore different ways to keep your body moving, to keep things fresh, and fun.
We live in time were opinions about fitness, exercise, weight loss, is extremely polarizing and opinionated.
And I'm telling you that is not how to get people moving. That is the best way to turn people off from fitness. Shifting the fitness culture is truly about the celebrating different types of fitness and making it accessible to everyone.
Fitness is a multifaceted journey that welcomes diversity and individuality. It's not about fitting into a mold but about embracing the activities that make you feel alive and empowered.
Real life advice:
Let your fitness journey be a reflection of your passions, your goals, and your unique essence. Remember, fitness is for everyone, and the path to a healthier, happier you are as diverse and vibrant as you are.
So, what are you waiting for? Lace up those shoes, roll out your mat, or hit the dance floor - your fitness adventure awaits!
And remember,
Stay active, stay curious, and most importantly, stay true to yourself on this exciting path to fitness!
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