Catch Me on Season 3 of Physical: 100

Total joke – I have no plans to be a contestant on that Netflix show. Initially, my goal was to re-gain my 25-year-old body. It’s been revised to be the fittest and strongest I’ve ever been – and to achieve that at middle age to boot!

Any change requires inner motivation. About two weeks after I moved to Pittsburgh, I was feeling physically exhausted and large from poor sleep and eating habits. On my walks to the North Shore, I’d pass by this tall, dark building with the funny logo: Etage, with the last “e” in the backward position. When I finally hit my low point and searched online for suggestions on gyms, it popped up first…so I went there to inquire about a membership.

Having never joined a gym before, I was a bit nervous. I realized that I created a narrative around gyms, that everyone’s super fit and judges the rest of us. I set aside that pre-conceived thought because I had nothing to lose…except the excess fat in my mid-section.

The manager was super kind and attentive in asking about my goals and answering my multitude of questions. The decision to join was even easier after I tried one of the hydrotherapy massage chairs. That was the deal closer.

Since April 1st (no joke), I’ve been working with a personal training coach, Lei (Instagram @mewtwo.lei). During two sessions a week for four weeks, Lei is providing me with the foundational routines to develop strength, lose fat, and sustain my fitness goals for the long-term.

It’s only been two weeks, and I feel stronger and better balanced. All the muscles in my body have been awakened, and I certainly feel their presence! I was walking like the Tin Man for the first few days because my quadriceps had been rather – er – dormant for most of my life. The only way to relieve that? Keep moving and doing those exercises.

My nemesis exercise? The Box Step Up. According to Lei, I will slay it. It’s been slaying me thus far. She gets the side eye whenever it's in our routine.

As a gym newbie, Lei has been a perfect coach for me. I told her I don’t need nor want a drill sergeant. She has a way of motivating, encouraging, and adding an additional rep or two with a gentle, calming voice and a smile.

To reach our goals in areas where we have little to no knowledge, having an accountability partner is key. It can be in the form of a personal trainer or someone in your life willing to spend their time and share their expertise with you.

I had to get out of my own way to re-claim my fitness. How do you get out of your own way to achieve your goals?

Motivation on the second floor wall