Welcome to Your Fitness Journey at Gym Force
As a CrossFit coach for 15 years and a Jiu-Jitsu instructor for the last 2, I find myself experiencing the same sense of nervousness every time someone walks in for their first class or just to "check things out." This nervousness isn’t driven by a desire to recruit a new member, but rather by a deep-seated hope that I can somehow convey the incredible opportunity that lies in front of them if they just give themselves a chance.
I never stuck with any kind of workout my entire life until I did. When I look back at why I didn’t quit, I believe it was simply luck more than anything else. It wasn’t any one thing that I did; it was the things I didn’t do that made the difference. For the first time, I didn’t worry about convenience, price, amenities, or conventional wisdom. Or maybe it was my own naivete that actually worked in my favor for once! (I'm always falling for silly scams)
After 15 years, many people have come and gone, and it’s difficult to pinpoint why some people stick with something while others don’t. What I can say is that it’s almost never physical, even though many people will claim that it is. It’s usually something else—something related to mindset. It’s not necessarily a bad attitude, but more often a lack of realization of what they’re capable of.
More people need to give themselves a chance.
This blog is simply meant to help newcomers frame their thinking as they step out of their comfort zone to try something new.
Walking into a new gym, especially a Gym Force facility, can be an overwhelming experience. You're likely to have many thoughts running through your head. The great thing about Gym Force is that our trainers and instructors have been in your shoes. They know what it’s like to step into a gym for the first time, and that’s why they are uniquely positioned to help you in ways you might not have imagined.
As you enter, you might find yourself scanning the room, looking at all the equipment. It’s okay to feel uncertain. Most of us had no idea what any of it was on our first day either. Instead of feeling scared, get excited about learning what each piece of equipment is and how to use it.
It’s also important not to judge yourself by watching others doing things you can’t yet do. You don’t know their background or how far they’ve come. Chances are, they were once beginners just like you. Rather than compare yourself, look forward to meeting these people and learning from them. They’ll likely be happy to help you.
Never assume that you are beyond help or that your current state of health is unfixable. Our coaches pride themselves on taking on the toughest challenges, coaching those who might seem uncoachable, and helping people out of long-term struggles. They’ve seen it all and are ready to assist you no matter where you start from.
A bad day at the gym shouldn’t ruin your chances at a life-changing opportunity. Treat your initial experiences like the first semester of continuing education. You’re not just learning skills for work, but for your health. Commit to the first few months (3-4 months) and then see where it takes you.
Trust your coaches. Gym Force instructors are highly trained professionals with real-world experience in their disciplines. Just as you trust a plumber with years of experience to fix your pipes, trust that your coaches know what they’re doing and genuinely want to help you.
Don’t worry about how things will work out, how you’ll fit in, if you’ll hold people back, feel embarrassed, get hurt, fail, not know anybody, throw up, look silly in a gi, or any other potential mishap. Just take the plunge and see what happens. Do it for your health, for your family, or because your friend is doing it. Look for reasons to try instead of reasons to not.
Your health is the most important aspect of your life. Part of maintaining that health is expanding your capacity to do various activities. Joining a Gym Force facility will equip you with lifelong skills. Don’t give yourself an easy way out by doubting the abilities of your coaches or your own potential. Give yourself a real chance and see where it takes you.
