I remember her name like it was yesterday.
Judy. Or was it Janet? Patty?
One of the first clients at 24 Hour Fitness, my first training gig.
Judy and I walked back to the little room and I nervously picked up the calipers, those unforgiving instruments which grab at skinfolds like the carnival claw game grabs stuffed animals only way less fun.
Hands shaking and trying to remember the pinch and pull lesson my fitness manager gave me, I pinched Janet’s biceps skin followed by the triceps and that area under the bra strap eventually making my way to the waist.
I recorded the numbers on the sheet and delivered the news. “OK, Patty according to these measurements, your body fat is 36%”
You would’ve thought I told her I just ran over her cat. On purpose.
She freaked the f*ck out. “That is incorrect! I had it checked a month ago and it was 25%! You obviously don’t know what the hell you’re doing! Where is your manager?!
Long story short, Manager talked her off the crazy ledge and re-took her measurements. A more palatable 30%.
This was my first and last interaction with _____.
It was also a scary, intimidating time as a new trainer.
We’ve all been new at something with feelings of unfamiliarity and vulnerability in the pit of our stomachs. Ones causing you to have dreams of showing up to school naked and unprepared for your English lit final.
Maybe you’ve experienced this with going to a new gym or joining a new fitness class? Or trying a new sport – golf, pickleball, tennis, underwater juggling, you name it.
I was fortunate to have mentors at the gym, OG trainers who showed me the ropes (literally) and helped me feel more at ease.
Here's the thing: when it comes to fitness pursuits, it can be a solo affair but there’s one aspect that can make or break the consistency and the longevity of your endeavors: finding a sense of community.
A sense of belonging. It can support us through difficult moments, add some fun to our day, and remind us of something essential: we’re all in this together.
The community I’ve built (and continue to build) has helped me grow as a coach and I am beyond grateful for every person in it.
Have you found yours?
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