If working out was easy, everyone would be a triathlete. Heck, the world would be a much better place as the food industry wouldn’t be trying to cram sugar laden food down our throats. But this isn’t a post about the sins of the major food processors.
No, this post is about the transformation and journey one will experience as they move off the couch and into the gym, outdoors on the jogging path, and/or on the saddle of your bike. This is also a good time to disclaim the concept of seeing your doctor before doing any rigorous exercise.
Reflecting on the Painful Past
As I reflect on the past few days and the agony of sore quads, a bit of dehydration, and stomach discomfort, I look back to my first journey and the pain, the emotions, and the experience I had when I was in much worse shape. It was not a walk in the park. In fact, I was moody, in pain, couldn’t catch my breathe, and wanted to walk away from it all so many times. But I didn’t.
This time, I know what is ahead. Right now, it hurts. Right now, I lose my breathe easily. Right now, my heart rate peaks very quickly. Right now, my muscles are fighting to stay in bed. Right now, I am thirsty and hungry. Right now, I am drenched in sweat.
But tomorrow, the next day, and the day after that, I will experience these things a bit less. Pretty soon, I can climb a flight of stairs with vigor without losing my breathe. Pretty soon, my muscles will be upset when I DON’T exercise.
Don’t Be One of the 95%
As we embark on our fitness journeys, we will go through stages. I understand why a lot of people go to the gym and give up after three sessions. In fact, one of my personal trainers told me once that if he could one client through six sessions, they would be a client for over a year! That conversion rate, less than 5%. Yup, less than 5% of clients go beyond six sessions. That’s a lot of people saying goodbye to their fit future.
Take My Advice
For anyone who is new to this and just embarking on their fitness journey, my advice is this: “Just push through it! The reward at the end is far sweeter than you think.” It is true. Becoming a triathlete saved my life and it gave me a life I never thought possible growing up. Being fit makes it super easy to do things. Being fit makes you look different walking down the street. Being fit gives you confidence.
While the first few sessions will suck and that voice in your head will try to convince you to go back to the couch, don’t listen to it. Listen to me, “push through it” because you will thank yourself later.
Let’s do this together. Subscribe to my Blog, join me on Twitter. Leave a comment, share your goals. Let’s create a community.
Aric In Training 
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