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"What if comparing yourself today to your past self is actually making things worse?" This question came up at The Rising Strong Wellness Retreat I co-created — and then again a week later in a session with a client, who hadn’t been in the gym since her 30s. She kept describing what she used to be able to do. The weight she used to lift. How she used to look. Every sentence started with “I used to…” Sound familiar? Most of us are taught that comparing ourselves to others is the trap to avoid. But comparing yourself to a younger, leaner, stronger version of you can be just as destructive — and it’s sneakier, because it feels like self-improvement. Here’s what I’ve learned after 15 years and thousands of sessions: 1. Your past self isn’t a standard. They’re a snapshot. You weigh differently at different times of day. Your body looks different standing than it does sitting. Your capacity changes with stress, sleep, age and season. Your “past self” existed in a completely different context, different schedule, different demands, different life. Holding yourself to that standard isn’t discipline. It’s an unfair fight. 2. Less comparison isn’t weakness — it’s strategy. When we constantly measure today against “before,” we’re training our brain to focus on loss. That’s a hard environment to make progress in. The clients I’ve seen make the most sustainable progress are the ones who shift the question from “why can’t I do what I used to?” to “what can I build from here?” That’s not lowering the bar. That’s actually seeing clearly. 3. You may need more support than a workout. If the negative self-talk is persistent — if it’s affecting your motivation, your relationship with food or how you feel in your body most days — that’s worth talking to a professional about. A therapist or counsellor who works in this space can help in ways a trainer can’t. There’s no shame in that. Some offer sliding scale fees and virtual options. This is a bigger conversation that one blog post can hold. But if any of this landed for you, I'd genuinely like to hear about it. Reach out here , or book a free consultation if you're ready to start building, not comparing.

The gym is a scary place when everything is unfamiliar - the equipment, the people, the unspoken rules. But scared doesn't mean unprepared. If you're feeling nervous, that's normal If you're sitting in your car before walking in... If you're pretending to check your phone so you don't look awkward... If you're worried everyone else knows exactly what they're doing... You're not behind. You're not weak. You're new. I've coached beginners since 2011 here in Edmonton and almost every one of them has felt this way during their first week. The gym isn't intimidating because you're incapable. It's intimidating because it's unfamiliar. What Should I Do My First Time at the Gym? Pack a towel to wipe your sweat and place on benches. Also bring your own water bottle and music. Music gives you something to focus on when you’re figuring out your next move. Bring your own lock for the lockers and comfortable clothes. You don't need to be fashionable, but you need to be able to move. Have A Plan Before You Walk In Get a tour of the place beforehand, so you know the layout. Better yet, schedule a session with a trainer and replicate that workout on your own afterward. Walking in with a plan eliminates 80% of the anxiety before you even step through the door. The 5-Step First Gym Visit Plan If you're overwhelmed, keep it simple: Decide what today is (upper body, lower body or full body) Pick 4-5 exercises only Do 2-3 sets each Keep the workout under 45 minutes Leave feeling like you could have done more Your first workout isn't about intensity. It's about building comfort, so you can be consistent. Gym Etiquette - The Unspoken Rules Clean everything you used. Don’t leave your lock on the locker—it might be cut off and you're stuff ends up in Lost and Found Return weights to where you found them Put shower towels in designated area as a courtesy of staff and other gym members Nobody really expects you to know all of this on day one, but now you do What Not To Do On Your First Day The biggest mistake I see isn't bad form or wrong exercises. It's people training so hard on day one, that they dread coming back for day two. Don't try to prove that you belong there. Don't copy random workouts from social media. Don't compare yourself to the person next to you - they've had months or years of reps you haven't taken yet. Your goal isn't to impress anyone. It's to show up again. Confidence doesn't come from knowing everything. It comes from showing up anyway. If you're still unsure where to start, don't try to figure it out alone. I've helped people start from zero in Edmonton since 2011. Some folks had never touched a weight in their life. The ones who stuck with it, weren't the most athletic; they were the ones who kept showing up. Book a consultation and let's build your first few weeks properly. Structure removes anxiety and confidence grows faster when you have a plan. Related reading: Gym Anxiety

If you're trying to improve your health, lose weight or just feel better in your body, you've probably asked yourself: "Should I focus on my diet or exercise first?" Fair question and it's quite common. And the honest answer? You don't need to overhaul both at the same time. You need a starting point. Most people quit because they try to change everything at once; new workouts, new diet, new schedule, new supplements, new identity. That's really overwhelming. So instead of asking, "which is more important?" Ask, "what is realistic right now?" The Real Problem Isn't Diet vs Exercise It's chaos. If your sleep isn't great, your schedule is unpredictable and your stress is high... trying to track macro's and workout 5 days per week is going to feel impossible. Before anything, we need to decrease the stresses. This is something I see all the time. People think they need intensity. What they need is consistency. My Foundations Method: When someone sits down with me and asks where to start, I think in 3 phases: Phase 1: Stabilize If your routine is inconsistent, this is your starting point. Focus on: 2-3 workouts per week Daily movement (6-7K steps per day) Consistent sleep Hydration Protein at most meals This phase isnt about perfection, it's about building a routine/habit. If you life feels chaotic, start with movement and routine. A few workouts per week and daily walks will do more for you than jumping into a restrictive diet. Phase 2: Strengthen If your routine is consistent, then you build onto it. This is where: Progressive strength training matters Form and movement quality improves Core strength and stability increase Confidence starts to show If you have been "working out" but not seeing changes, you likely need structured progression (not more random effort). This is also where body composition starts shifting without extreme dieting. This is taking the movements from "working out" to "training". Phase 3: Refine This is where nutrition becomes more involved. If your routine is solid and you're ready to dial things in, you can now: Adjust calories intentionally Track macros Refine Recovery Target specific performance or body composition goals Most people think they should start here. But refinement without foundation typically doesn't last. If you haven't built consistency, aggressive dieting will be too hard. So... Diet or Exercise? If you're overwhelmed, start with exercise and routine. If you're consistent but not progressing, improve the quality of your training. If everything is stable and you want specific changes, refine nutrition. The right place to start isn't about "what's better?", but about what's sustainable right now. You don't need to be perfect. You need to be consistent. And the plan that works isn't the most extreme one, it's the one you can stick to. And if you're still unsure, well that's what my service is for. Feel free to reach out. Your strength. Your story. Every rep matters.

I  u se to stretch religiously after workouts for the purpose of minimizing soreness. It's one of the biggest myths in the gym; if you stretch after a workout, you won't be sore the next day. You may have heard this for years... So, let's break it down and see what the evidence shows. Short answer: No. Stretching before or after your workout does not meaningfully prevent muscle soreness (DOMS). It might help you feel better temporarily, but it won't change what's happening with the damage and repair. Why We Think Stretching Helps It makes sense! Gentle stretching increases blood flow and feels good in tight areas. That can reduce tension and make you feel less stuff, but that's still different from preventing DOMS. What We Actually Know Multiple systematic reviews and trials find no meaningful reduction in soreness from stretching before or after workouts compared to passive recovery. (link) The small reductions seen in some cases (1-4%) aren't clinically meaningful for most people. (link) Stretching doesn't stop the micro-damage from intense or unfamiliar exercise - that is the cause of DOMS. (link) Why Does Stretching Feel Good Then? Well, because: It increases blood flow and circulation It raises your pain tolerance in the moment It helps mobility and joint range of motion over time But, feeling better right now doesn't mean faster recovery, technically . So, What Does Help with that Soreness? Here's what I have found over the years working with clients and myself decrease that soreness: Active Recovery: light biking, walking, mobility flows, replicating the movement that caused it but light (e.g. weighted squats caused the soreness, try a few bodyweight squats) Foam rolling or massage: Stimulates circulation Sleep and Rest: the most important recovery driver and over-looked Proper programming: graduation progression to avoid excessive damage Stretching after your workouts can be apart of your cool-down and is important. But it just wont prevent any soreness that will occur. So if your goal is, "I want next day soreness gone" , stretching alone won't help. If you have any questions or need some help getting started, feel free to send me a message, here .

Working out can be a personal experience for a lot of people. It can take a bit of time to find the right environment. Somewhere you can challenge yourself, feel safe and free to be vulnerable.  Choosing a gym shouldn't feel like guessing in the dark. If you've ever signed up somewhere because it was close - only to dread walking in, leave your membership unused or feel judged the moment you step on the floor, you're not alone. I remember on vacation, there was a gym 5 minutes from where I was staying. It was a familiar global gym and a convenient location. I thought that’s all I needed. I was wrong. I went there twice before I realized it wasn’t the right space for me . I actually ended up traveling another 20-30 minutes to another gym, where I felt comfortable to get a regular workout in. Surprising to me, both gyms were the exact same brand name, but hosted completely different atmospheres. As someone who's worked with a lot people rebuilding confidence in the gym (and sometimes struggle with gym anxiety myself), I've seen the same 5 warning signs that tell you it's time to rethink your space. You Never Look Forward to Going Discomfort is normal at first, but avoidance isn't. If you find yourself making excuses, skipping workouts, checking the time obsessively or feeling more stress than motivation... the gym likely isnt fitting your energy or goals. True spaces that help you reach your goals make you feel welcome. The Vibe Doesn't Match Your Values. A gym should be a space that supports your growth - not one where you feel like a dollar sign. If the culture leans on intimidation, fear or ego, that environment will stunt confidence and consistency before you see results. Staff and Trainers Make You Feel Smaller Approachability is a baseline. Helpful, friendly, human staff create comfort. If you get the sense that trainers, staff or management aren't there to support you (only sell to you), that's a big red flag. Your Concerns Are Ignored When you voice a need - whether for equipment fixes, accessibility or safety and no one listens, no matter how many times you bring up an issue to management, it send a clear message: you're not valued . You deserve a space where feedback is not only welcomed, but acted on. You Feel More Drained Than Empowered The right gym feels like progress, not punishment. If after workouts you feel defeated, self-critical or exhausted emotionally, that environment isn't helping you build sustainable habits. You Feel Unsafe, Targeted or Disrespected A gym should challenge you physically, not emotionally or psychologically. If you've experienced unwanted comments, inappropriate messages from staff, sexual advances or trainers "checking-in", in ways that feel unprofessional, that's not normal. That's not motivation. And it's not something you have to tolerate. I mention this point because unfortunately, I know clients, friends and family who have experienced this. Myself included. Safety in a gym isn't just about equipment and spotters, it's about boundaries. For members of the LGBTQ community and other marginalized communities, the gym experience can feel even more layed. Stares, microaggressions, assumptions about gender identity, being misgendered, racial bias or feeling hyper visible in a space can erode confidence. What might feel neutral to one person, might be unsafe to another. The right gym makes you feel respected regardless of your body, identity, race, gender or orientation. Policies should be clear. Staff should be professional. Leadership should act like it. If you ever leave a workout feeling uncomfortable because of how someone treated you - that's not gym culture , that's a signal. Looking for a space where you feel ready to walk through the doors? If choosing the right environment feels overwhelming - especially if anxiety has held you back, lets talk! I help people identify the exact conditions that make the gym feel safe, welcoming and progress focused. Send a message, here .

Getting started in your new fitness regime is equally exciting and daunting. Motivation is high with new steps being taken, but we’re typically not sure where to turn. And most people struggle because they're overwhelmed. They think they need the perfect plan. You don't. You need one decision. One workout. One rep. Here are 3 tips to remember: 1) Something is better than nothing You will have a lot of information accessible to you. Keep it simple and don’t over analyze everything. Start with walks outside, one new nutritional habit, one workout you found or start with one session with a trainer. I once had a client who started with one 30-minute workouts per week. Eventually they were lifting 2-3 times per week and feeling more confident than they had in years. I also have a client who is committed to 10 minutes of yoga first thing in the morning, most (not all) days of the week. The small start makes everything else possible. 2) Determine goals, monitor progress Goal setting is commonly, poorly defined. Really hone into what you want. Weight loss? Cool. How much, by when and why? Strength? Cool. How much, by when and why? More muscle.. confidence.. or energy? Cool. How much, by when and why? Instead of saying, "I want to get in shape", try breaking your goal into 3 parts: Outcome goal: lose 15 pounds Performance goal: squat your bodyweight Consistency goal: train twice per week for 8 weeks When you define your goals this way, your building more of a road map. And once you’re clear on your goals, make sure you track the necessary information for your goals to showcase progress over time. 3) Try something new You never know what you will enjoy or feel empowered by. Try a new class, a new exercise modality or a new style of working out. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to do it again. Here's the truth some people don'r say: You probably won't feel confident at first. Confidence doesn't come before you start. It comes after. Every session builds proff that you're capable . Questions? Send me a message by clicking, here .

I had a coffee with a client for two hours. We had not seen each other since November, but remained in contact here and there. The theme of the two hours was: It’s hard to juggle everything and you shouldn’t feel shame or guilt because you cannot workout right now—internally or from someone else. Maybe you're working 10-12 hour days and commuting on top of that. Maybe you're driving kids to hockey, dance or swimming every night. Maybe you're caring for aging parents. Maybe you're running a business. Maybe you're emotionally exhausted from a break-up, job loss, grief or simply trying to hold everything together. That's real life. And pretending everyone has the same 24 hours isn't helpful. “If it’s important to you, you’ll make it happen—make yourself a priority.” I agree with the sentiment. Our health needs to be a priority in our life. And I have realized the sentiments are just not that simple. I have clients trying to manage all of it. Myself—trying to nurture friendships, show up for my common-law partner and run my fitness business can be a tough balance. Also trying to make sure an aging family member gets to their medical apts, while you’re retaining their own medical conditions (for their benefit and yours), helping them with groceries, haircuts, prepping their food and paying their bills is a completely different layer. So when someone tells me “time” is their biggest barrier to exercise… it’s not an excuse, it’s their reality. And also, here's the part we don't talk about enough. There's a difference between not having time and not having capacity. And capacity is a real thing. When your nervous system is fried, when you're stretched thin emotionally, when your calendar is stacked from 6am to 9pm.... adding a 1-hour workout can feel impossible. That doesn't make you lazy, it makes you overloaded. At the same time, if we zoom out, staying stuck in that cycle long-term has a cost. Energy declines. Confidence declines. Your body starts to feel foreign. The gym becomes more intimidating the longer you stay away. So yes, not having time can be valid. And letting that belief run your life.... will work against you. What I have learned over the years working with beginners and people returning to exercise is this: If you want exercise in your current routine, make it work for you in your current life. Sometimes that is walking/running, taking a cla ss. Yo ga or fitness classes at home. Home programs/online training… sometimes booking time with a Personal Trainer is what you need in your schedule to keep you consistent. If 60 minutes feels impossible, what does 20 minutes look like? If 5 day per week isn't realistic, what does 2 days look like? Confidence isn't built in perfect conditions. It's built in small reps. Repeated . Just don’t feel shame or like you don’t care, if you’re struggling to find time to “make yourself a priority”. Also -- If you’re someone who is taking on the role of a Caregiver for a loved one… the very nuanced levels of love, gratitude, guilt, chaos and exhaustion you may feel, while trying to efficiently blend that into your own calendar needs/wants… I want to say you’re doing great. So if you genuinely don't have time right now, I see you. That doesn't make you undisciplined. But... it also doesn't make you powerless. You life might be full, but your health still matters inside of it. We don't need perfect conditions, we just need the first rep. Take care of yourself. However that looks today.

This old cougar has been in the fitness industry since 2011. A client made this joke and I still get a giggle out of it. Working closely with people on their fitness for over a decade has given me plenty of time to reflect. I’ve thought a lot about how my ideas and methods have changed and what I wish  I’d known back on Day One. I Don’t Push My Own Beliefs Onto Clients Here’s the big one: I used to think I was helping by “guiding” clients with my  preferences. Looking back, that sometimes meant pushing my own beliefs, unintentionally , more than I should have. Not today. Clients aren’t here to become "mini-me" versions of their Trainers or Coaches. They’re here to reach their  goals, in ways that fit their lives. So yes, you hired me to coach you toward results — your  results. That means I support your autonomy and choices. You deserve the full experience of discovering what works for you, not just what works for me. That Means Real Conversations, Not Assumptions If you’re thinking about booking with a chiropractor (not that I’m against  it), I won’t shoot the idea down. You enjoy going out for drinks? Me too. Unprompted, I’m not going to tell you to stop drinking if that’s part of your life and you don't want to. If I thought gluten was bad (I don’t), I’m not going to pressure you off it when you don’t have an intolerance. You want to try Keto or Paleo? Great — let’s have a discussion about it. And if you want my opinion, I’ll give it. But I won’t interject unasked, saying, “Don’t waste your time — eat in moderation.”   Because honestly... What if you like it? What if it works for you? What if it’s something you needed to explore for your  growth?   And hey, is it even in my scope of practice? LOL. Your Body, Your Choices — Always My role isn’t to dictate or dictate for  you. It's to explain, educate and support when you  ask for my perspective. We’ll talk options. We’ll talk strategy. But the final decision? That’s yours. You should always be in control of your body, your choices and your fitness journey. None of that has changed and after a decade of coaching, and I’m more convinced of it than ever.

Calorie counting works — until it doesn’t. For some people, tracking calories creates clarity, structure and momentum. For others, it quickly becomes overwhelming, obsessive or unsustainable. And that’s where the confusion starts. So is calorie counting good  or bad ? The honest answer is: it depends . I know, that's an annoying answer LOL...but here me out. It doesn't depend on your willpower or discipline, but on your goals, your history with food and what you can realistically maintain long-term. Calories matter. But they’re only one piece of the picture. Understanding when calorie counting helps and when it hurts is far more important than blindly following another trend. What Is Calorie Counting? Calorie counting is tracking how many calories you eat in a day compared to how many you burn. The idea is energy balance: if you eat more than you burn, you gain weight; if you eat less, you lose weight. In theory, it’s straightforward. But in practice, it’s not always that simple. When Calorie Counting Can Be Helpful? For many people, tracking calories offers structure and clarity. It can: Reveal hidden eating patterns Help you understand portion sizes Identify why weight trends aren’t shifting Give a baseline for adjustments If you’re someone who enjoys data and consistency, calorie counting can be a useful tool, especially when you’re trying to refine your habits. When It Might Not Be the Best Tool? Here’s where calorie counting starts become a hindrance: It’s time-consuming It can lead to obsessive behavior Tracking every bite can drain motivation It may trigger stress around food ** For people who’ve struggled with food rules, restriction or anxiety around eating, tracking can do more harm than good. If calorie counting causes more stress than insight, it’s not serving your goals. Why Context Matters More Than Numbers: Two meals with the same calorie count can impact your body and your hunger very differently. Protein, fiber, satiety, timing, stress, sleep and activity all influence how food feels and how your body responds. Focusing exclusively on calories ignores the bigger picture of health and performance. So, Is Calorie Counting Good or Bad ? The short answer: It depends on the person and the strategy. Calorie counting can be a helpful awareness tool, but it’s not essential for everyone and it’s definitely not the only way to make progress. Calorie counting isn’t good or bad — it’s just a tool. Used intentionally, it can build awareness and help people break through plateaus. Used at the wrong time or for the wrong person, it can create stress, food guilt and a short-term mindset that doesn’t last. That’s why I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all nutrition. Some people thrive with numbers. Others do far better focusing on habits, consistency and structure without tracking every bite. The goal isn’t to count calories forever. It's to build a relationship with food that supports your training, your energy and your life. If you’re unsure which approach makes sense for you, that’s exactly where coaching helps. The right plan isn’t the strictest one, it’s the one you can actually sustain.

Chasing that muscle soreness you feel after a workout is a popular phenomenon for gym novice to advanced people alike. I too find gratification from some that post workout soreness.  And if you think soreness equals success, that belief might actually be holding you back. Muscle soreness, especially the kind that shows up a day or two after a workout, is often mistaken as proof that you trained “hard enough.” But soreness is not  a reliable indicator of progress. It’s simply a response to something new. I'll explain.   What Is Muscle Soreness? The soreness most people feel after training is known as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) . It’s caused by stress to muscle tissue. Typically when you perform movements your body isn’t accustomed to or increase volume suddenly. Here’s the key takeaway: DOMS reflects novelty, not effectiveness. You can have a great workout and feel very little soreness. You can also feel extremely sore after a poorly planned workout.   Why Is Soreness Misleading? Imagine doing: 100 air squats 200 bodyweight lunges Looooots of box jumps There’s a good chance you’ll feel sore the next day. But that soreness doesn’t mean the workout was making you stronger, it just means your body experienced an unfamiliar stimulus. On the other hand, a structured strength program designed for long-term progression might leave you feeling strong, energized and not very sore at all . That’s not a bad thing. That’s just smart training. Soreness is a reaction. Progress is an adaptation.   What Actually Defines a "Good" Workout? Instead of asking, “Am I sore?”, ask these questions: 1. Did something measurable improve? More reps than last time Increased load or resistance Better control, balance, or range of motion Progress doesn’t need to hurt to count. 2. Did the session support your goals? A good workout aligns with what you’re trying to achieve: Fat loss Strength development Improved mobility Better energy and consistency Pain is not the goal. Results are. 3. Did you recover well enough to train again? Training that leaves you too sore to move, sleep or perform well in your next session works against  consistency, which is where results come from. When Soreness Matters (And When It Doesn’t): Some soreness is normal. Especially when learning new movements. But it shouldn’t be the only benchmark. Soreness that’s generally fine: Mild discomfort Fades within 24–48 hours Doesn’t affect movement quality Soreness that’s a red flag: Sharp or joint-based pain Lasts several days Changes how you move or train Disrupts daily life or sleep How to Train Smarter: If you want sustainable results: Track performance, not pain Progress gradually and intentionally Prioritize recovery and movement quality Choose training that supports your long-term goals A well-designed program builds you up, it doesn’t just break you down. Final Thoughts? Soreness should not be the goal. Results are. If your goal is to get stronger, leaner, healthier and more confident in your body, focus on progressive training, smart recovery and consistency over time . Soreness may show up occasionally — that’s okay. If you’re looking for structured, goal-driven personal training (in-person or online) you can learn more about my coaching services at here. *Updated January 2026

Walking into a gym for the first time can feel intimidating. The lights are bright. The equipment looks unfamiliar. There are people moving with confidence, loading plates, doing exercises you don’t recognize. And almost immediately, a thought creeps in: Am I being judged? I remember feeling this early on. Not just once, but repeatedly. Even after years of training, there were still moments where I felt exposed. Moments where I questioned whether I belonged in that space. If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone. Why the Gym Can Feel So Overwhelming For most people, the discomfort doesn’t come from the gym itself. It comes from uncertainty . Uncertainty about what to do. Uncertainty about whether you’re doing it right. Uncertainty about whether you look out of place. When we don’t feel grounded, our minds fill in the gaps. And the story it often tells is: “They’re watching me.” But the reality is much quieter than that. Most people aren’t paying attention to you. They’re thinking about their own workout. Their own body.Their own insecurities. We don’t go to the gym to judge others. We go to improve ourselves. Here’s the Part We Don’t Talk About There’s another layer to this that’s worth naming. Most of us notice people in the gym. You notice someone’s outfit. The noise they’re making. A movement you don’t recognize. Sometimes you’re impressed. Sometimes you’re curious. Sometimes you don’t even realize you’ve done it. It’s quick. It's usually unconscious. But noticing and even judging — happens. And that matters. Because if we’re honest, the fear often isn’t just being judged  —it’s realizing that we judge, too. So yes, it’s possible someone notices you. And it’s also possible you’re noticing them. The work isn’t trying to eliminate judgment altogether. The work is learning how to respond to it (whether it’s real or imagined) without letting it sabotage you. When that feeling shows up, I come back to two questions: Am I actually being judged or am I assuming I am? What proof do I have — not feelings or stories, but real evidence? And if I am being judged… what does that actually mean? More often than not, it says far more about where someone else is at than where I am. That shift doesn’t magically make the discomfort disappear.But it does return something important: Choice. Focus. Control. Confidence Comes From Familiarity Confidence in the gym isn’t about being fearless. It comes from knowing what you’re doing . When you have a plan. When you recognize the equipment. When you’ve practiced the movements. Your body relaxes. Your breathing steadies. The noise gets quieter. Confidence isn’t loud. it's familiar. And familiarity is built through repetition — not perfection. Small Shifts That Help If the gym feels overwhelming, start here: Go in with a simple plan — even three exercises is enough Stick to the same area of the gym at first Train at quieter times if that feels safer Track one small win after each session Slow your breathing more than you think you need to You don’t need to feel confident to show up. Showing up is what builds confidence. You Belong Before You Believe It Belonging isn’t something you earn by looking a certain way. It’s something you build by staying. By staying when it’s uncomfortable. By staying when you feel unsure. By staying when the voice in your head tells you to leave. Every rep matters — not just because it changes your body,but because it changes your relationship with yourself. If this resonated with you, know this: You’re not behind. You're not out of place. You're exactly where growth begins. And you don’t have to navigate it alone. *Originally posted October 2018. Updated January 2026

I was defeated—frustrated by the exercise. “This is stupid—just pull your-self up”, I would tell myself. "Just do the damn thing." After months (years) of work/consistency, one seemingly random day, my head when over the bar—“Wait, what just happened!”? It wasn’t until much later on I realized it was never just about the pull-up. I always admired the people who could perform the pull-ups. From an early age I always associated pull-ups with the people I saw performing them—muscular, athletic, popular, strong and “fit”. So if I could perform pull-ups—then I must be like them. For years I thought I wanted to accomplish the exercise—after accomplishing the goal I realized what I actually wanted to overcome narratives the exercise represented to me—“you’re weak, not athletic… not good enough.” This is a foundation of why I got into this industry; to show others who identify as not having a strong athletic ability or those having some form of anxiety when getting started, regardless of past experience, who maybe don’t feel like they’re “enough”… that they have actually been that all along. I do that through fitness.