The Evolution of Growth: From Reading to Fitness
When it comes to exercise and reading, one thing’s clear: the important part is that you’re doing it. We all know the benefits of physical and mental growth, and we’ve heard the advice countless times — you need to start working out or you should read more. But here's the thing, similar to how we learn and grow mentally, also applies in our physical health: it’s not just about what you do at the start, but how you evolve from there.
Take reading, for example. If your first book is Harry Potter, it’s a great entry point. Maybe it’s the first time you’re genuinely hooked, flipping through pages, hungry for more. And before you know it, you’ve read the whole series. What happens next? Most of the time, you don’t stop at Harry Potter. You start branching out, discovering new authors, new genres, and new ways to challenge yourself. That’s how it works for most people — a natural progression toward deeper, more complex material.
The same goes for exercise. Take Orangetheory, for instance. Orangetheory is like the Harry Potter of the fitness world. It’s better than doing nothing, and for many people, it’s a fantastic introduction to group workouts. It’s structured, energetic, and delivers results. But just as reading Harry Potter repeatedly might not deepen your capacity for learning, over time, Orangetheory participants often find themselves wanting more, with newfound confidence to explore other activities.
At Gym Force, we’ve seen many of our members start at Orangetheory or similar programs. It was their first step into a more active lifestyle, and that’s fantastic! But over time, they wanted more. They sought new challenges, more variety, and ultimately, a deeper connection with their fitness journey. They wanted to lift heavier, move better, or otherwise seek out new challenges and engage with communities that pushed them beyond where they started.
Don’t get me wrong, Harry Potter is great. I know many people who found their love for reading through those very books. The same goes for Orangetheory — it’s a great starting point for many people. But just as you wouldn’t spend the rest of your life re-reading the same book, we believe your fitness journey is meant to evolve. Growth is natural, whether in your reading habits or your workouts.
Occasionally, I’ll start a book that’s clearly beyond my ability to fully comprehend, but that doesn’t stop me from giving it a try. At Gym Force, we think fitness should be a lifelong and vital part of your life. Maybe you find that one thing you love and do it forever. But maybe, over time, you gain the confidence to try something new, regardless of how challenging it seems.
So, take pride in where you start, but don’t forget that we’re all meant to learn, grow, and move forward in everything we do. This growth happens naturally as you change directions, guided by your own curiosity and what you find fulfilling and enjoyable. There’s no right or wrong path — just know that there is a path, and it’s yours to follow.
