Prior to beginning my lifting journey, which is where most of these tips arose from, I was once an athlete. I played basketball for years, as well as being a black belt and instructor in taekwondo. I think it’s important to preface that, because I have been surrounded by fitness my entire life, so these tips have been accumulated and molded over years of discipline. Some choose to enter later in life, which is totally 100% acceptable. That is the beauty of fitness. There is no set date or time to begin. NOW is the time to begin. However, I do believe my knowledge spans back to when I was 8 years old, and I have learned many things over the years, and because I am so passionate about fitness, I want nothing more than to share everything I can to help others. Here are four of many of my biggest tips for those just starting, and truly for anyone at any point in their timeline in fitness!
#1: Fitness Is NOT Linear.
Fitness is not linear in a variety of ways. There is not one split built for every person on the planet. A perfect split (your workout program) is the one that accommodates your goals and makes you leave the workout feeling your best self. There are days where a lift feels more intense than the day after. There are periods of change within your body. There are times when you slip up and don’t hit your goals on your predetermined timeline. BUT that is the beauty of fitness. Fitness is a journey that is meant to span a lifetime. Throughout different seasons of our life, we are built to change. We are made to be a runner one season, and the next a powerlifter. We are made to eat more to grow our muscles and give our body fuel. We sometimes learn that a slow and steady build up to a goal, like 6 months, is better than a 4-month timeline. Because at the end of the day, it’s about the habits that you build along the way and the creation of a balanced lifestyle for a lifetime, rather than a lifestyle whose only duration is a couple months and then failure.
#2: Consistency Is Key!
Anything in life that is worth achieving requires discipline. To get an A++ you must study over an extended period to retain the information long term. To get your dream job, you may have to be promoted or work a variety of different jobs and learn to accept each opportunity thrown your way. This is the same with fitness. To really achieve a goal, whether it’s a physique goal, or a mental state, it requires time. In this generation people typically want a quick fix, instant gratification, but that is not science. The science of your body is not going to tell you to lose 40 lbs instantly, because that is scientifically unhealthy. It takes time, just like waiting in line to check out your groceries or waiting to ride your favorite roller coaster. The key to discipline is waking up every day and imagining how your future self would feel after you complete the workout. I don’t think your future self would be disappointed or regretful. Discipline is building the habit of showing up for yourself every day, even if every day isn’t perfect. One of my mottos is discipline> perfection. However, it’s important to note that to achieve any goal you need to be giving your all a majority of the time, but it’s okay if a day here is not full effort.
#3: Memories Over Macros
Memories over macros simply means if I go out with my friends to celebrate their birthday and there is ice cream and cake, I am going to eat it. Food is what connects us in our society. It’s a big part of any culture. Food is meant to be enjoyed, and I wouldn’t want to say when I grew up, I didn’t share the Christmas cookies that I made with my brother because I was too worried, I wouldn’t reach my goals. Again, fitness is not linear! A holiday meal is not going to stop you from achieving your goals in the long run, especially if you combine the tip of discipline and consistency with a mixture of a little fun here and there. This whole point is meant to illustrate that fitness should be incorporated into your life as a part of your life, but fitness is not your WHOLE life.
#4 Nobody Cares as Much as You Think and It’s Okay to Take Up Space
For all my people that are afraid of judgement at the gym, I’m here to tell you, nobody is paying attention to you as much as you think they are! If they’re watching you that hard, they have a personal dilemma, and it’s not a reflection of you. Almost all the people at the gym are there to achieve their own set of goals, just like you! It is a safe space that curates a bunch of people striving to better themselves. Truly, it is a place of inspiration, and nobody should compare themselves to the next, because everybody has different goals, different genetics, and a different timeline. Just because someone is using 10 lbs instead of 50 lbs, doesn’t mean their workout is not effective for THEIR goals. The weight is not directly correlated to fitness. Also remember that they were once beginners too! They didn’t know how to do a certain exercise at one time too! You are not alone, even if you feel that way, it’s not a reflection of the reality, so do the exercise, even if you think you look crazy doing it. It is the only way to improve! Even if you are scared to do it the first time, just keep building the habit of showing up to that environment, and I promise it will get easier and less intimidating. By forcing yourself into the setting repeatedly, comfort is built, because you form a sense of “I belong here.” Really think about how they got to the level they’re at. It was because even when they were afraid, unmotivated, or confused, they just kept going! Again, I am emphasizing time. Time is in your favor. We make time for the things we want to make time for.
 So, be brave. Take the steps to achieve your goals, learn patience is a virtue, and be kind to yourself. There is no rush in something that is until death do us part, so don’t be afraid to have fun doing it. It might, for lack of a better word, suck, but in time, it becomes a beautiful, fulfilling habit and lifestyle!