By: Coach Joe
As someone who has always loved Weight Lifting & Fitness Training, I thought I had it all dialed in. My routine was structured, my goals were clear, and I knew what to expect from each workout. But, like many, I hit a plateau. I started feeling the all-too-familiar drag, and my progress felt like it had come to a standstill. Little did I know, the answer was simpler than I thought: it was time for a change.
The Wake-Up Call
After several weeks of going through the motions without real progress, I decided to shake things up. I swapped some traditional weightlifting with functional training, dabbled in HIIT, and experimented with more mobility work. I’ll be honest—I expected it to be easy. But that’s when reality hit. Exercises I assumed would be “light” had me struggling, and movements I hadn’t practiced in years left me breathless. For the first time in a long time, I felt like a beginner.
This change of pace humbled me. It reminded me that fitness isn’t just about muscle and strength—it’s about adaptability, mental resilience, and openness to learn. And in learning this, I rediscovered why I fell in love with fitness in the first place.
Lesson 1: Progress Isn’t Just Physical
Switching up my training forced me to confront some gaps in my fitness that I’d been ignoring. Sure, I could lift heavy, but my flexibility and balance were lacking. Trying yoga or a new stability workout made me see how focusing solely on strength had created an imbalance in my overall health and fitness. Every workout suddenly felt new again, and I could see progress on multiple fronts—not just on the scale or in my lifts.
Lesson 2: There’s Power in Being a Beginner
Feeling “weak” when I tackled new movements was humbling, but it taught me something valuable: sometimes, stepping back is the best way forward. When you’re a beginner, every achievement feels meaningful because you’re starting from scratch. This mindset shift gave me a fresh sense of purpose and allowed me to enjoy each small improvement as I adapted to new exercises. It’s funny how feeling like a novice can actually make you more confident in your growth.
Lesson 3: Breaking Mental Barriers
For a long time, I was comfortable with my routine because it was predictable. But predictability, while safe, also limits growth. Pushing myself to try things like plyometrics or a longer endurance circuit took me out of my comfort zone. I had to silence the inner voice that doubted my capabilities and reminded myself that change is part of growth. Each session became a mental workout, testing my resilience as much as my body.
Lesson 4: More Than Just Muscles
Since I’d been so focused on strength, my fitness had become one-dimensional. As I began including endurance, flexibility, and coordination exercises, I started to feel better overall. Simple things like improved posture, less soreness, and a fresh boost of energy made me realize how a balanced routine can benefit daily life beyond the gym. It reminded me that fitness is not just about looking strong; it’s about feeling strong, mobile, and healthy every day.
Lesson 5: A New Perspective on Goals
Previously, my goals were straightforward: lift heavier, build muscle, and stay lean. But this change made me consider new goals, like perfecting form in a challenging yoga pose, hitting a new personal best in a HIIT workout, or mastering the kettlebell clean and press. These goals aren’t about weight or aesthetics but about pushing my body in new ways. The challenge is still there, but it’s now broader and more fulfilling.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Change for Continuous Growth
Getting out of my fitness comfort zone and embracing change has been a humbling experience, but it has also revitalized my journey. I’ve learned that real progress isn’t just about increasing weight on the bar; it’s about becoming a more well-rounded and adaptable version of myself.
If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, I encourage you to try something new. Embrace the discomfort and let it humble you—it may just open the door to a version of yourself you’ve yet to discover.