Last week on our IG stories we shared an FF throwback. Mannnn. That was a stressful time. 3.5 weeks to open a new gym…chaos. Stress, fear, uncertainty all running through my veins. Sound familiar in any way?
Maybe you felt this way your first time at FF, or even your first time in a gym? It’s crazy how quickly we adapt, overcome and actually forget our past emotions. The thing that may have prevented you from joining FF is now a distant memory, and the only pain left now is muscle soreness lol.
Take it back. Throw it back to your first gym memory. What was it like? Was it actually enjoyable? How did it feel?
Mine was in a posh health club, full of Newcastle Falcons Rugby players. True to young men's fashion, I dived straight onto the bench press (shock). Set 1 with the bar felt great, set 2 with 5kg per side was tough but I did it. Fuck it, out comes Mr Billy Big Balls…10kg per side, plus the clips, for safety right?
1 and ¼ reps later, the bar is firmly resting on my chest, and I am pretty fucked. 30 seconds of trying not to make a scene…it’s time to make a scene. I give a small “can someone help” and what I can only describe as Hulk came and lifted the bar off my chest and started pissing his pants.
One of The Falcons players kindly saved my ass. I was very thankful. He was a great guy and started to teach me about the gym. It turned out to be the biggest guy in the gym…was actually the nicest. He gave me encouragement and support. Top bloke (minus being a rugby player - I don’t like rugby).
As much as my ego was hit, the feeling of fear I had soon disappeared. I settled into my new home nicely, and began my gym journey.
The next emotion to overcome was frustration. I am highly competitive, and alongside the Falcons Rugby players, there was also the Newcastle Vipers ice hockey team training there. Now these fuckers were tough, fit and IN SHAPE…and 5-8 years older than me. I was in year 10 at school, and these guys were winning at life. Training and lifting all day…and getting the girls.
I wanted a piece of that action, but with hindsight my frustration was killing me. I was comparing myself to others and it was hindering my progress. When I accepted that the only person that can change my future is me…my world changed. I grew in confidence and in knowledge. I made mates with the guys I was previously (in my head) in competition with. Before you knew it I had pals from The Falcons, Vipers and I was crushing it alongside them. I had found my tripe.
Reflection is an amazing tool to acknowledge how far you have come. Don’t take for granted how you first felt stepping into a gym. You have done amazing, and it once wasn’t as easy as it is now.
Keep killing it,
Jack

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