From Burpees to Balance: 8 Lessons the Gym Taught Me

1. Starting Is Harder Than Burpees (and That’s Saying Something)

When I joined the gym in July 2023, I wasn’t chasing a fitness transformation. I was just trying to find something—anything—that made me feel less out of place after a year in Blacksburg. And let me tell you, the first session was harder than I imagined. Not just physically (stairs were my enemy the next day), but mentally. Starting something new, especially when you’re out of shape and out of your comfort zone, is terrifying. But I told myself: Just try.

2. Burpees, Battle Ropes, and Bikes Are Not My Friends

There’s a special place in fitness hell reserved for burpees, wall balls, and those cursed bikes where you pedal and move your arms at the same time. Who invented these torture devices? If the goal was to make me question my life choices, congrats, it worked. But here’s the thing—I survived them, and every time I do, I feel like I’ve won a small battle.

3. Consistency Beats Perfection (Every Time)

Here’s the truth: I’ve completed 265 sessions, but not every session has been a masterpiece. Some days, I feel unstoppable. Other days, I barely make it through the warm-up. The lesson? It doesn’t matter how good you are on any one day—what matters is that you keep showing up. Consistency is what builds strength, inside and out.

4. Food Isn’t the Enemy

I cleaned up my eating habits without giving up the foods I love. No crash diets. No guilt. Just balance. I learned that you don’t have to give up pizza or dessert to feel good about yourself. Progress isn’t about deprivation—it’s about making choices that feel kind and sustainable.

5. Your Body Is Stronger Than You Think

When I started, even a push-up felt impossible. Fast forward, and my body is doing things I never thought it could. I’ve learned to celebrate what my body can do rather than focus on what it can’t. Sure, I still glare at the battle ropes every chance I get, but now I know I can handle them (even if I don’t want to).

6. Mental Weight Is Just as Important to Lift

I came to the gym thinking it was all about physical strength, but I quickly learned that the weight I carried in my mind—anxiety, self-doubt, and the overwhelm of starting fresh—was just as heavy. Working out didn’t just help my body; it cleared space in my mind. The gym reminded me that letting go of the mental load is just as vital as building physical strength.

7. Self-Care Is the Best Kind of Strength

This journey has been the kindest thing I’ve done for myself. As a mom, wife, and entrepreneur, I spend so much of my energy on others. But the gym? That’s mine. It’s my time to feel strong, capable, and proud of how far I’ve come. It’s also inspired me to take the next step— Me starting a Health Coach Training Program in January 2024. This isn’t just about me anymore. It’s about helping others find their own version of wellness, too.

8. The Best People Show Up When You Do

When I walked into the gym on that first day, I didn’t expect to find more than sore muscles and intimidating workouts. But what I found was something else entirely—connection. From strangers who became cheerleaders to women who text me when I miss a few classes (and don’t let me make excuses), I’ve built a community I never saw coming.

Life lesson? The best people often show up in the most unexpected places. And sometimes, you just have to show up first to find them.

What’s Next?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: you don’t have to be perfect to start. You just have to start. Show up tired, unsure, out of shape—just show up.

We’ll always have a million reasons not to work out. Too tired, too busy, too sore, too something. And yes, some might say, It’s too hard, or It’s not my thing. But here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to be the gym. Find something that moves your body, something that feels right for you—something your older self will thank you for.

Because what feels impossible today could be the very thing that transforms you tomorrow.