On December 19, 2001, The Fellowship of the Ring hit theaters and nerd culture was changed forever.
If you’re like me, you associate these films with the holidays and are about to watch all three films again (extended editions obviously).
I saw the Camaraderie recently, and I had a funny thought.
While in the Mines of Moria, Gandalf reads the final entry in the Book of Mazarbul, the journal of Balin and his fellow dwarves and their expeditions – and demise – inside the mines:
We cannot go out:
The end is coming soon.
we hear drums, drums in the depths.
They are coming…
Watching this scene, I couldn’t help but laugh thinking about today’s gym-goers who are worried about the crowds arriving in January:
“They’re coming…”
Right now, millions and millions of people are ready for “new year, new me.”
Many of these people – maybe you – have decided that January 1st would be the day to return to the gym or restart your workout routine.
I think it’s GREAT!
Studies show that having a “fresh start” or choosing specific time markers like January 1 can be beneficial for making changes.
There’s a problem, though: “going to the gym regularly” isn’t a simple decision.
There are dozens of decisions that must be made:
- Which gym will you join?
- Are you going to change at home or in the locker room?
- What is the parking situation?
- What time of day suits you best?
- What level of gym membership will you get?
- Will you choose classes or train on your own?
- What equipment will you use?
- Do you know how to use this equipment?
- Are you going to shower at the gym or at home?
- How many times a week will you train?
- What if your equipment is used?
If you find gyms intimidating or anxiety-inducing, doing ALL of this in January is like playing a video game on Legendary difficulty:
The equipment you want to use may be busy.
The parking situation could be a nightmare.
The course you want to take may be full.
You will look for any excuse as to why you can’t do something. If you’re intimidated by a gym or confused because it’s overcrowded, your brain will tell you to stay home and never join.
I know right now your brain is saying “Wait until January 1st…” before trying again.
It’s very good!
However! If you are willing to take a few steps NOW, in the future you will have a much better chance of success.
So here is the challenge…
Sign up today, but don’t even practice!
This is the PERFECT opportunity to join us without additional pressure from ALL HUMANITY:
This allows you to eliminate all ADDITIONAL decisions:
which gym, where to park, what time of day you are going to go, etc.
I’m a fan of Terry Crews’ tips for getting into the gym habit:
“Go to the gym, sit there, read a magazine, then go home. And do this every day. Go to the gym, don’t even work out. Go for it.
Because the habit of going to the gym is more important than working out. Because it doesn’t matter what you do.
You can have fun, but as long as you’re having fun, you’ll keep doing it.
Try to think of these next two weeks as a beta test with no expectations!
There is no workout routine to follow.
You make sure you know where the equipment is and how it works
You do a test run of what it would be like to work out in the morning or evening.
You don’t have to beat yourself up for not being perfectly consistent.
Instead, you only focus on creating the hardest part of the routine (getting in the car or walking to the gym and opening the door).
Which means you can reach January 1st with momentum. And never underestimate the power of momentum.
I am NOT above bribing you!
Many people will join our Training program in January, which is exciting!
But just like joining a gym early has its benefits, joining our coaching before the rush means less waiting, more time to settle in with your coach, and more momentum as we head into the new year!
We see it every year…which brings me to my two nudges to you.
SHOT #1: If you are hesitant about coaching, schedule a time to speak to a member of the NF team this week.
While you’re talking to us, just mention “Camaraderie” for $50 off your first month or $100 off our longer prepaid plans.
Learn more about Nerd fitness coaching
Hopefully this nudge can help you make the decision a little easier, and also make it easier for us to match you with the right coach before things get a little busier in January.
Oh, and if NF Coaching isn’t in the cards for you right now, don’t worry!
HIT #2: To kick off the first week of January, we are organizing a free 5 day starter challenge here at Nerd Fitness, hosted by head trainer Matt Myers. Just click the button below and sign up!
Join the Free 5 Day Kickstart Challenge
Matt will discuss the biggest reason most people fail to stick with their fitness and nutrition plans – and what you can do to make 2025 the year when things actually stick.
Okay, back to watching Lord of the Rings!
-Steve