Every day, people just like you in Deer Park and Glenview decide that today is the day they’re going to get back in shape. Maybe the pants button just stopped stretching as far as it used to. Or perhaps their doctor has given a dire warning, forcing them to take their health more seriously.
For others, it’s just a gut feeling - it’s time. When they’re sick and tired of being sick and tired, they simply know that the way they’re living life isn’t serving them anymore.
The Truth About Starting Your Fitness Journey
Whatever the reason, deciding to start a new fitness journey - at 10.40.10 Fitness or somewhere else - can often be scary, overwhelming and uncertain. And if you’re feeling that way, we want you to know that these fears are normal and you’re not alone. But we also want you to know that it’s not nearly as intimidating as you’re picturing in your head.
Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds of Northwest Chicago suburbs residents achieve their goals. From losing weight to gaining strength, from improving sleep to increasing confidence, it’s what we do. But first, we want to help you overcome the myths about fitness so you feel comfortable walking through our doors to try out a class.
5 Common Fitness Myths (and What’s Actually True)
To help reduce intimidation as you start - or restart - a new fitness routine, here are five myths (and truths) to consider. Chances are, you’ve heard or said some of these things, so we hope that knowing the truth will reassure you, and prove you’re making the right choice.
Myth #1: You’re really out of shape.
Since everyone at the gym is already in shape, you’re going to have a hard time fitting in. All the beautiful people in head-to-toe spandex will stare and judge.
THE TRUTH: First, no one wears head-to-toe spandex. Second, you’ve heard it before: Fitness is a journey. It took more than a few days — and many cheeseburgers — to get out of shape. So it will take effort — and less cheeseburgers — to get back into shape.
And no, you don’t have to know what you’re doing. One of the best parts about the workouts at 10.40.10 Fitness is that they’re coach-led, and proven to get you results. You just have to show up and move.
Oh, and one other bit of good news: everyone here has had a “day one” at 10.40.10 Fitness, so they understand what it feels like to be the new person. Your team of coaches and the gym community will welcome you in, hold you accountable and cheer you on every step of the way.
Myth #2: You have no idea what you’re doing.
Since every gym is filled with muscle-y dudes in tiny tank tops that have vein-y biceps bigger than your head, you’re definitely going to stick out like a sore thumb in your normal workout shorts and a t-shirt. Plus, you struggled to lift a 50lb bag of dog food the other day, so why do they even have those 100lb dumbbells?
THE TRUTH: Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or you’ve never lifted a weight in your life, there’s a reason it’s called a fitness “journey.” Even if you have prior experience or you’re a former athlete, you still had to learn at one point. Maybe now you just have to re-learn with your “more seasoned” body.
You can, and will, get there.
Trust the process. And the process is easier when you find a gym you’re comfortable with. One that provides you with proven training, coaches you to achieve proper form, and surrounds you with like-minded people to encourage you along the way.
Myth #3: You’re too old.
Fitness these days is for influencers and everyone at the gym is a 22-year-old fitness model. It doesn’t matter that their form is dangerous and they’ll never understand the interesting things that start happening to your body when you turn 40. The only thing that matters is that they look amazing.
THE TRUTH: There is no such thing as “too old” to workout. If you need proof, do some Googling for information about Arthur Webb (age 72), an ultramarathon runner who’s completed the Badwater 135-mile race multiple times. Or Yuichiro Miura (age 80), the oldest person to summit Mount Everest. Or Tao Porchon-Lynch (age 95), a world-renowned yoga instructor.
What was that about being too old again? Your body is capable of amazing things. It’s your brain you have to convince.
Myth #4: You don’t have enough time.
Unfortunately, time is just not a luxury that you have. Other people must somehow be able to bend time and create an extra hour in their day. Because between getting the kids ready for school, going to work, meetings, picking the kids up, taking them to… is it soccer or ballet today? Either way… dinner and all the other things, finding time for you is… well, impossible.
THE TRUTH: This is a harsh one to accept, but people who are busier than you are working out right now. The 60-minute workouts we offer at 10.40.10 Fitness will take up just four percent of your day.
Most importantly, there are people in your life who need you, need you to be healthy. You can’t take care of others adequately if you’re not taking care of yourself. Your dreams of running and playing with your kids or grandkids in the yard are unrealistic if you don’t focus on what it will take today to get there.
Have you heard the quote, “If it’s important to you, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse”? It’s true - those excuses will rob your loved ones from the very best you that you can give them.
Myth #5: It’s too expensive.
In order to do this fitness thing right, you’ll definitely need a personal trainer, private chef, nutritionist, masseuse and a cryotherapy chamber. Oh, and probably a personal stylist so your workout gear is on point.
THE TRUTH: First, understand that an investment in your health is important. A popular fitness chain uses the slogan, “Ten dollar memberships. Why pay more?” Why? Because YOU ARE WORTH MORE.
Do you need an entourage of assistants to keep your fitness and nutrition in check? NO. But is it worth the investment to find a place where you belong, where you’re comfortable and where you’ll find support? Absolutely.
Ask yourself these two questions: First, is paying $10 per month worth it if you never set foot in the gym? Second, are you paying more than $100/month for streaming services to watch an abundant amount of Dateline episodes?
Be willing to invest in the things that really matter. And you really matter.
Ready to Join the Best Gym in Deer Park and Glenview?
Now that we’ve debunked the myths, it’s time to move forward and step into your best life. The healthiest, happiest version of you is just on the other side of any of the excuses above. Just remember this quote: “When I lost my excuses, I found my results.”
It’s time to stop letting myths and excuses keep you from becoming the strongest version of yourself. At 10.40.10 Fitness, we’re more than just a place to work out — we’re a community that welcomes you exactly as you are, and helps you improve your physical and mental health.
Whether you want to lose weight, build strength, improve your energy, or just feel better in your own skin, our coaches and community are here to help you get there.
Book a free class today and take the first step toward your best life: https://www.104010fitness.com/programs/get-started
