Mustering Up Courage to Get Started

June 20, 2022

Written By: Jackie, General ManagerMustering up the courage to get started at something new can be a scary thing for many. Let’s take going to the gym as an example, and this may sound all to familiar:

You just worked up the nerve to book an appointment at the gym to talk to someone about what it is that you may be looking for. You show up for that appointment and begin to dive a little deeper as to why it is that you want to start at a gym. You begin to realize, through conversation, that you want to feel better and you want to have more energy to play with your kids and keep up with others. If you lose weight, bonus, but that is not your main focus today. Ok, the first hard part is done!

You book an OnRamp session with your gym and you are paired up with a coach that will support you during these 6 sessions. The OnRamp session will allow you to learn about correct form, functional movements, how to safely use barbell techniques, and how to get the most out of your session. During these sessions, your coach will also get to know you and how you move. Bonus, because you really feel like you don’t know what you are doing! On to the next!

You have now completed the OnRamp program and are ready to hit the ground running with enthusiasm. You either choose to continue working 1:1 with your coach for PT sessions or you are ready to join in on group classes because that atmosphere is more your style. You have started to book your classes and you are ready to continue on your journey and your first session is tomorrow morning. 

Insert the nervousness, anxiety, excuses, whatever you want to call it about attending your first class post OnRamp. You end up canceling tomorrow’s class and tell yourself that you will go the next day. You just need one more day to get going!

What happens between the OnRamp and getting into your first class is no different then when you gathered up the courage to book that initial appointment! All those feelings are starting to flood back and you are having a hard time mustering up the courage to show up!
 

Remember, the hardest part is actually showing up! 


Here are some ideas you can use to overcome some of the feelings so you can be successful in your first class:

Look over your workout before you go or have your coach send it to you if it helps.

Remember how difficult it was to start and that you actually did that already! You already started to show up for yourself! Be proud of that!

If you are doing 1:1 PT sessions, book a time where there will be less people until you feel more confident;

If you are attending group classes, know that your coach will walk you through each movement and give you plenty of options. Remember, every single person in the group class also started with the same feelings you currently have.

Do not be afraid to reach out to your coach if you have any questions at any time!


Sometimes we feel like we will be judged by others or have a fear of failing! Regardless of what it is, we have to be able to overcome this and step outside of our comfort zone. There will be some trial and error but eventually you will learn so much more about yourself in the long run.

Helping you approach some of these hesitations or fears is what we are here to help you through at Degree Fitness. Start by booking a No Sweat Intro information session where a coach will sit down with you to discuss your reasons for starting!

Helping you find a program that works best for you is what our trained coaches are here to help you with! Click HERE or email info@degreefitnessseaforth.com to get started!! 

Embrace where you are today! It takes bravery to step forward and take control of your health!

What It Means to Be Fit

June 4, 2025
Written By: Coach Sienna The media portrays fitness as looking a certain way and creating this picture of a “perfect person” who eats clean and works out everyday and does everything right and never messes up. When you're always being shown this version of fitness it’s easy to start to think, is this what being fit is? ..... And suddenly you find yourself comparing yourself to unrealistic standards. Fitness is much more than the shape of our body! It's about what your body can do for you and how it can support your daily life and how movement makes you feel strong, accomplished, proud, empowered! Here is how we can overcome the negative impact that some Media has on us, and fitness in general: Redefine Fitness Fitness is more than your body, it's strength, endurance, mobility, energy and how you feel. It's not supposed to be perfect or linear, your body will change and life will happen. What matters most is showing up for yourself and moving your body. Even a little bit can go a long way! Positive Self Talk You don't have to be perfect to love yourself. Be kind to your mind and speak to yourself with kindness. Remind yourself of what your body can do for you, remember you are WORTHY! :) Focusing On The Little Wins We often have such a heavy focus on how we look but what if it was never about how we looked but more about how we felt. Do you notice after you get in a workout or a session you always tend to have a lift in your mood and a shift in perspective. Movement has the power to make us feel strong and happy and more like ourselves! Do Movements You Enjoy Fitness should be fun and functional. You are more likely to stick to it if you enjoy it! Find movements that excite you. Like lifting, walking, running, dancing, gymnastics etc. When you focus on what your body can do and not what it looks like, you can start to see how strong and capable you really are! Set Goals Related To Movement-Mood-Function Movement - touching your toes or doing your first push-up Mood - Having more energy during the day and feeling less anxious Function - Carrying groceries, running around with your kids, etc. Remember - you are already enough! You don't need to look a certain way to be fit. You just need to move your body in a way you enjoy, take care of yourself and celebrate what your body does for you everyday! If you've been feeling stuck, or wanting to start working out with a Coach, or in an environment that is inclusive, inviting, safe, honours all body shapes and sizes, we can help! CLICK HERE to book a free meeting with one of our Coaches to learn how you can get started at Degree or, email info@degreefitnessseaforth.com .

10 Minute at Home Cardio Workout

May 25, 2025
Written By: Coach Sienna We know Cardio is good for your heart health but it is also good for our respiratory systems which help bring oxygen to fuel our muscles to do what they gotta do! By doing cardio we strengthen all of these components which help us live a happier healthy lifestyle! Your body is built to move and releases happy chemicals called endorphins from having an increased heart rate which can improve your mood. This can happen in just 10 minutes! We all know Cardio is an important part of our health but most of us just don’t have a lot of time due to kids, work, life etc. Just remember any movement is a good movement! No matter how long or short it may be. The little things add up (: Use this 10 minute at home cardio workout (no equipment needed!) to get your heart rate up and feeling your best even on the busiest days. 2 Rounds of 1 minute of Jumping Jacks 1 minute of High Knees 1 minute Air Squats or Jump Squat 1 minute of Burpees 1 minute of Mountain Climbers *Rest as needed but try to keep it 30s or less between movements! We understand life gets in the way and schedules can be tough - we are here to help! Let us know how it went! Email info@degreefitnessseaforth.com , or, visit www.degreefitnessseaforth.com/get-started to book your FREE No Sweat Intro to learn more!

What You Need to Know About Iron!

May 22, 2025
Written By: Mairead, Registered Dietitian You've probably heard of iron and know it's important. Maybe you've even had your levels checked through bloodwork! Iron is an important mineral in our diet. It is part of the blood cells that carry oxygen around our body, and plays roles in growth and the production of some hormones. The amount of iron you need varies. Men need less, while women need more due to blood loss during menstruation. This puts women at higher risk for low iron. The symptoms of low iron include feeling sluggish and fatigued, pale skin, and even hair loss! Women under 50 years old need 18mg of iron a day, while women over 50 and all men only need 8mg of iron daily. Many people can get enough iron through a varied and balanced diet. Iron is found in meat, poultry, fish, legumes, eggs, soy, and many grains and vegetables. Our bodies are better able to absorb iron from animal sources - this type of iron is referred to as "heme iron". Non-heme iron is found in plant sources and is harder for your body to absorb. If you rely on plant-based sources of iron, you may need to eat a lot more of it. Pairing iron sources with sources of vitamin C can also help increase absorption. If you suspect your iron levels are low, ask your doctor to check your levels through a blood test. If your iron level is low and you're already consuming enough through diet, you may need a supplement to increase your levels. Always check if you actually need an iron supplement before starting one! Iron plays some key roles in our bodies, and is important for overall health! Make sure you include a variety of sources daily to meet your body's needs! Looking for more personalized nutrition advice? Let's chat! Email mairead@degreefitnessseaforth.com for more information about our Nutrition Programs, or click HERE to book your FREE Bite-Sized Nutrition Chat!
More Posts