Celebrating Growth: The Journey of Strength, Struggle, and Self-Awareness

Happy Flex Friday, friends!

Our bodies are incredible machines, capable of amazing accomplishments. They can grow, adapt, and surprise us with their resilience. But the path to growth—whether physical, mental, or personal—is often paved with challenges, moments of self-doubt, and the vulnerability of starting out. These struggles, however, are not setbacks; they are integral to the process of change and progress.

I’ll be honest: I’ve been shy, uncertain, and even embarrassed in the gym before. I used to feel like I didn’t know what I was doing. I hesitated to take up space, to ask for help, or to try something new. What I’ve learned is this: It’s okay to feel that way. It’s okay to ask questions, to stumble a little, and even to feel out of place. Growth isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, trying, and learning every step of the way.

Reflecting on Self-Consciousness in the Gym

Let’s face it: feeling self-conscious at the gym is incredibly common. Whether it’s the fear of judgment, uncertainty about proper form, or simply feeling like you’re taking up too much space, we’ve all been there. For me, this hits hard during exercises like cable flies. This movement feels like it requires an enormous amount of space—and then I ask someone to film it. That used to feel obnoxious, like I was drawing too much attention to myself.

But here’s the truth: asking for help or feedback isn’t obnoxious—it’s smart and essential for growth. Most people at the gym, far from judging, actually respect and admire the effort you’re putting in. Some might even be inspired by your dedication and willingness to improve. After all, everyone started somewhere.

The Value of Feedback and Self-Awareness

During my workouts, filming an exercise like cable flies serves a practical and transformative purpose. It allows me to:

• Get Feedback on Form: Sending videos to my coach helps identify imbalances, like the asymmetry in my shoulders, that I might not notice in the moment.

• Improve Technique Over Time: Watching those videos later gives me insight into what’s working and what needs adjustment, helping me fine-tune my movements.

• Celebrate Progress: Looking back at older videos shows how far I’ve come and reminds me that consistent effort pays off.

Feedback—whether from a coach, a workout buddy, or even your own reflections—can guide you toward better technique, prevent injury, and build the confidence to take on new challenges.

Embracing the Struggle: A Universal Experience

Struggle is an inevitable part of growth. In fact, it’s essential. Whether it’s learning how to execute a movement properly, navigating gym anxiety, or figuring out how much weight to lift, every lifter has faced challenges. I’ve learned that the key is to embrace these moments as opportunities. Each stumble is a chance to learn and improve.

It’s important to remember:

• Everyone starts somewhere. Even the most experienced lifters had a first day at the gym.

• Trying something new—whether it’s a heavier weight, a more complex exercise, or asking someone for help—takes courage and builds strength, both physically and mentally.

• No one else is paying as much attention to you as you think. Most people are focused on their own workouts.

Celebrating Growth and Adaptation

Our bodies are wonderfully adaptable. When we challenge them—whether through resistance training, cardio, or just stepping out of our comfort zones—they respond by growing stronger, more efficient, and more capable. This process doesn’t happen overnight. It requires patience, consistency, and, most of all, self-awareness.

Being mindful during your workouts is crucial:

• Pay attention to how your body feels during every exercise.

• Understand your effort level using tools like Reps in Reserve (RIR). Pushing close to failure while maintaining proper form is a powerful way to stimulate growth.

• Recognize the small wins along the way. Progress is built incrementally—one rep, one step, one day at a time.

The Takeaway

The gym is more than a place to build physical strength—it’s a place where we learn about ourselves. It’s where we challenge our limits, overcome insecurities, and realize that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s where we discover that the struggle isn’t just part of the process—it is the process.

So if you’ve ever felt shy, uncertain, or out of place, know that you’re not alone. Keep showing up. Keep trying. Celebrate the amazing things your body can do and the incredible potential it holds. One day, you’ll look back at your progress—your growth—and realize that not only did you inspire yourself, but you also inspired others along the way.

Let’s keep striving, adapting, and improving together. Who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll all fly. 💪✨