Like many of you, I visited my family over the Easter holiday. As is the norm, we spent time catching up on everyone's lives and of course what comes up for me is "how're things going? how's the gym?"
I filled them in on how folks are enjoying the new building, and how the team is doing. A friend who has been wanting to make the drive up to check it out chimed in with "I can't wait to come up there and get my ass kicked. You know, feel the pain!"
While I get it, I couldn't help but cringe.
For years now, the fitness industry has done a great job of scaring people.
Scaring people into believing exercise has to be painful to be effective.
Scaring people into thinking they didn't accomplish anything unless you are so sore you can't brush your teeth the next morning.
Scaring people into thinking that if you didn't feel close to passing out in a puddle of your own sweat, you didn't get a good workout.
Why?
Did you know 87% of people don't belong to a gym?
It's not because people don't know that exercise is healthy. Everyone knows they should exercise.
People are afraid to go the gym. It's that simple. And frankly I don't blame them.
They think they're going to stand out in their college t-shirt and gray sweats instead of trendy Lululemon gear. They think they're going to be made fun of if they don't know how to adjust a piece of equipment. They think they're going to have to do the same complicated thing as that "elite" person over in the corner.
How could they not think that when every day on Facebook, they see posts of people laying on the ground, barely able to breathe, after a "good" workout. Or hear people who go to other gyms talking about not being able to raise their arms over their head since yesterday's lift was so "killer".
That's why people don't join a gym. And I don't blame them.
If this is what I thought I was getting myself into, why would I say yes?
Well, I'm here to tell you, it doesn't have to be like that.
We in the industry who have the opportunity to have your ear, owe it to you to let you know that is NOT what fitness is all about.
Fitness should build you up, not break you down.
Anyone can make you tired, very few people can make you better.
Fitness is about the process. It's about the fun. Fitness is about celebrating the successes and the wins, large and small.
Fitness is about community and camaraderie. That's what makes you better, not how many burpees you can do.
Sometimes it's about being able to touch your toes when you couldn't last week. It's about zipping up that dress that wouldn't a month ago. It's having the energy to play with your kids after dinner and not saying no to a race to the stop sign.
It's about being alive to walk your daughter down the aisle.
When done right, fitness should lower your physical tank, but BOOST your emotional tank.
A good fitness routine challenges you but never takes you to failure.
A good fitness routine is catered to your abilities, your injuries, and your goals.
This is what people think about the fitness industry...
Why don't they think of this?
Please know that fitness does not have to be scary. It does not have to beat you up. It does not have to be intimidating.
Here's my piece of advice to you, my action item. Find a place that supports you.
Find a place that makes you feel like family. Find a place that celebrates your successes.
Find a place that actually cares about you and takes an interest in why you are here and what you hope to achieve.
Together, we can change the perception of this industry.
It's not about ripped abs and thighs not touching.
It's about being alive to run around with your grandkids in the backyard.
It's about the experience.
Dedicated to Your Success,
Doug Spurling
PS: We pride ourselves on being a giant family that supports each other, we just happen to use fitness as our way of doing that. We're more than just a gym. But I understand, you're probably nervous. When you're ready, give us a try for 30 days, risk-free. We'll give you all the tools and support you need to be successful, and if at the end of the 30 days you don't love it, we'll give you all your money back, and you'll be on your way, no hard feelings. Sound fair? Click here to try our 30 Day Training Experience.