We see you. You're the ones who decided to make 2017 the year you finally fill-in-the-blank (lose the weight, start working out, become a runner, finish a 5K, etc). You've spend the first few days of 2017 eating veggies, turning down junk food, and finally bringing your lunch to work instead of going out.
We see you. We see all of you. And truth be told, you're the reason we can't find parking when we go to our gym. You're the reason there's a line of people waiting to use each of the equipment inside. You're the reason folks are standing around hoping to find an unused treadmill. And you're the reason our usually half-empty fitness classes are now overbooked.
Let me be honest here. Statistically, the majority of you will only hang in for a few weeks. A month, tops. You'll backslide on your diet, just a little at first but then a little more each day. Soon enough, you'll be back to your junk food and too-large portions. And another resolution will fall by the wayside.
Or maybe you'll be okay with the nutrition, but you'll be embarrassed at the gym. You'll feel like everyone is staring at you, mocking you in your shiny new workout clothes as you struggle to figure out how to use the machines. Soon enough, you'll just give up because you just feel so damn uncomfortable there.
Well, here's some things you should probably know:
- We were ALL beginners at one point. We all had to find our way, and we made plenty of mistakes of our own.
- Ignore the naysayers. I don't care if this is your first attempt at a healthier lifestyle or your fiftieth, don't listen to people who say you can't do it.
- Those of us who have been here at the gym for a long time are so proud of you for having the courage to begin. We know it isn't easy, and you inspire us.
- Progress is slow, but it will happen. You'll notice little things first, like how your clothes fit a little looser or you feel less winded when you climb a flight of stairs.
- Don't give up. You have to believe that you are worth every bit of effort. Because you are.
Look, I get it. Some people are just critics. They'll complain that too many of you are in their way at the gym and they are tired of the crowds. Too bad for them. Other people in your life will tease and belittle you. They'll be jealous of you and feel the need to knock you back down.
Don't let any of those people come between you and what you really want in this life. If your goals are to be healthier, stronger, and more fit, don't give up.
We're all cheering for you, because we've all been you. We know how it feels to be at the start of a very long road. But here's the good news. You're already on your way. Just keep going!
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