On Being the Last Kid Picked In Gym Class

When I say that TruFit's biggest core value is to provide a fun, safe and approachable space to exercise and that my own training company's purpose is to help clients feel empowered to take back control of their bodies, it's because I meet so many people (men and women) who, because of bad experiences in the past, feel like exercise isn't for them. 

I got to meet with a woman in her mid-50s this week who, after years and years of saying away from it, has decided to give the gym and training a try. The first thing she told me when we sat down was that she was the last kid picked in gym class. I had a visceral reaction as soon as she said that because I, too, was the last kid picked in gym class and WOW is that a feeling that comes right back to you: Hot tingling in your solar plexus like tiny pins poking at it; clammy hands; the unstoppable urge to look down. Those moments when you're so young can have a lasting impact on the health decisions you make as an adult! Legions of us last-kid-picked humans have made uncountable excuses for why working out just isn't for us. (I even failed at the solo sports in gym class!) 

So, you know, it's January and YOU might be looking for a new gym or trainer or program to do and I thought it would be a good idea to list out how finding said gym/trainer/program SHOULD go and when to run in the opposite direction. 

What to look for:

• A human being that is available to sit down with you one on one to talk about you and about their programs
• A human being who asks you lots of questions and lets you talk without talking over you
• Someone who answers ALL of your questions (including, "What are your rates?") without being dodgy (or admits to not knowing the answer and that they'll find out)
• Someone who can be up front with you if they're not a good fit, who can also refer you to someone who is
• Someone who is so interested in you they offer you a program you'll be successful in 

When to run away:

• When someone wants to lock you into a contract you can't get out of, like, right away
• When someone insists on pointing out all of the "things" in you they'd like to "fix" 
• If you feel uncomfortable in any way (trust your gut! There are lots of other options!)
• When the gym you're going to acts like it's their way or the highway and that way is not your way
• If the person you're meeting with doesn't ask questions about YOU or your goals, background, lifestyle and all of that good stuff
• If it's clear the "vibe" in the gym isn't one you like

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The woman I met with today told me a story about how, when they played softball in that dreaded gym class, the teacher gave her a ball and said, "Throw it." She did and the kids laughed and made fun of her. They did this because, as she said, no one took 15 minutes to teach her HOW to throw the ball.

We all know WHAT we need to do. Look for the people who will take the time to teach you HOW to do it. 

Happy New Year, friends! Please let us know if I can be of any help in 2018! Shoot an email to [email protected] or call 312-497-8999!