Starting something new is one of the most daunting tasks that sounds easy, but oftentimes it isn’t. Your first time trying new things whether it be driving, playing a sport for the first time, playing a new instrument, learning a new language, or even setting foot into a gym, it can be overwhelming; like climbing Mount Everest. There is so much in front of you sometimes you don’t know where to start, which path to take or to even start at all. It’s hard to start alone, but that’s why it’s good to have a tour guide.
Your First Step
I cannot speak for the rest of the activities, but setting foot in the gym is one of the most overwhelming experiences when it comes to “firsts”. Not only are there so many different varieties of weights, machines, treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, rooms, etc. There are people that have more experience than you. People that you think are going to judge you, that are going to make fun of you, are going to say that everything you are doing is wrong, and tell you to leave; it really can be like climbing Mount Everest. But just like every adventure, you need to take that first step. With that first step, I can assure you that everything is going to be fine.
Everyone Started at the Bottom
With any activity, everyone starts somewhere and it’s usually the bottom. The experts in the activity of choice have been doing what they are doing for five, ten, fifteen, twenty, or more years. However, with all that experience just like you, they started with zero experience; they started at the bottom. Same with the gym, those people who look like they have been going to the gym for years and look super fit.
They were in your shoes once, they may have known nothing at all about where they should start but look at them now, they have figured it out. It is because they stuck through all the embarrassment, all the trial, and error, and did what is necessary for them to benefit from the gym. And now it’s your turn – take that step like everyone else in the gym did; you all have different reasons you go to the gym but you all have the same journey; going up that seemingly unclimbable mountain.
Different Rest Stops and Checkpoints
If you have taken the first few steps into your fitness mountain climb. There is another thing you need to know: everyone is at different “checkpoints”. Since everyone there started at different times, that doesn’t mean they are at the same place and that certainly doesn’t mean you should rush to the male or female 3500ft above you, metaphorically. You’ll need to go at your own pace and follow in the footsteps who have done this journey before you.
You should also keep in mind that some started earlier than you, evident by how many people are already in the gym when you set foot in it. What most people don’t realize, though, there are going to be so many people after you in the shoes you are in right now. You are not the last one to start a journey and you should take comfort that more people will be coming after you and you know where what it feels like. And to that person who is six months, twelve months, two years, behind you will look at you and wish that they were there.
The Summit
The summit – the very top of the mountain. This is metaphorical in both aspects of this analogy and in real life. There is no defined “summit” after you have been going to the gym for some time. There are no real goals other than your own self-defined summit, the one you set for yourself and the summit you want to climb towards. That being said, when you are at the top or near the summit of your journey, don’t forget to reflect on your journey and where you started from. Just remember that point of first stepping into the gym, all those worries, fears, and insecurities, and compare them to where you are now. With those in mind, be a tour guide for others just starting because, just like you once upon a time, they are now starting their journey atop their “Mount Everest.”
If you don’t know where to start and would like a tour guide for your fitness journey, we have plenty of awesome “guides” at CLIENTEL3 that can help you start climbing your “Mount Everest”
Climbing Wisdom
Just some tips to be a helpful “tour guide” from my experience and my journey
- Everyone starts with zero experience
- There are going to be people after you
- Lend a helping hand (if they need it)
- Nobody cares what you are doing or what you look like
- Again… everyone starts somewhere
- Why do you care what some random person thinks of you?
- Be polite to everyone
- Have a deeper purpose
- Have fun
- THIS JOURNEY IS ABOUT YOU!