I cancelled my gym membership

Yes, you read it right. I cancelled my gym membership. But why, as someone who promotes fitness for riders, would I ever do that?

As a personal trainer, I invest a considerable amount of time creating tailored workout plans for my athletes. I meticulously consider their goals, current abilities, and lifestyle to ensure the fitness routine adds value to their lives—boosting energy, enhancing ability, and injecting fun. However, somewhere along the lines this summer, I realized I wasn't applying these considerations to myself.

I was doing fine, maintaining my routine of classes, riding, barn work, and additional strength training and running. I had established a solid regimen from the comfort of my home and the surrounding roads and trails. Recognizing the importance of consistency in the fitness journey, I even rewarded myself with fancy WHITE running shoes for my plan to return to the gym for winter.

I grew to love my routine, especially the mental health benefits of outdoor running. I managed with the limited set of dumbbells I owned. Despite this, I held onto my gym membership, anticipating the need for a treadmill during snowy days and heavier weights for lifting.

Then it happened—freezing rain. The perfect day to hit the treadmill with my new white shoes.

I paused and pondered my goals for the year. I asked myself the same questions I pose to my clients. What do I want from my workouts? How does it fit into my lifestyle? I had discovered a summer routine that worked. What mattered more to me: the flexibility of quick weight sessions between projects or the extra pounds on bigger lifts? What held me back from truly enjoying my sport this year?

An idea struck. I logged into the gym portal, canceled my membership, laced up my white shoes, and went for a run in the freezing rain. AND I LOVED IT.

My thoughts were simple. I had the chance to review my progress, celebrate consistency, and identify what I truly desired from my training: the confidence gained from overcoming challenges. The big goals, like ultra-endurance races, felt somewhat normal now, lacking the motivational push without a looming calendar date. So, what's hard now? For me, it's doing the little things when conditions aren't perfect, seeking small wins in performing the basics.

Why cancel the gym membership and taint my perfect white shoes? Because it was counterproductive to my goal. Realizing my challenge was leaving my comfort zone, I stopped tailoring conditions to make things easy. I needed the mental reward of overcoming objections. It wasn't about the distance or weight; it was proving I could conquer my own barriers.

I continue my workouts, treating myself as I would a client. If I can't find a suitable weight, I tap into my personal trainer toolkit, adapting without deviating from the plan. In dangerous weather, I look for opportunities or layer up. Armed with a clear goal—"do hard things"—I make choices aligned with that.

I know it'll get tougher as temperatures drop, but I have mindset tools that work, the same ones I provide my clients.

So here I go, running off into the great white!

-Sarah

PS. If you're feeling a little lost and need help finding consistency, consider joining my classes. These sessions mimic one-on-one personal training in a small group setting. Daily attendance makes a significant impact, and we have downtime to discuss your goals and break through mental barriers. It's the best value I offer, and I highly recommend checking it out—even if just for a week. Celebrating the small wins of merely showing up feels awesome!