Overcoming Roadblocks

June 20, 2022

Written By: Coach MJ


Roadblocks can happen in all areas of your life. We have reasons or obstacles that stand in the way of completing or starting various tasks we would like to do.

Your fitness journey is no different. And sometimes this is one of the easier things to push to the side. Finding time to exercise, be it at home or coming to a gym, often gets neglected or we tell ourselves we’ll get to it later and later never comes. 

If you think about it though, if we take some time to work on our physical health and fitness it gives us the strength and energy to do all the other tasks and work in our daily lives.


Here are some common roadblocks that we all may face at one time or another and potential ways to overcome them:

Lack of time – take a look at your weekly schedule and check out where there is space in the week that could be used for exercise time. Don’t have an hour? What about 30 minutes? Looking for the time allowance you have can help you find the space in your schedule that allows you to get out and get going!

Lack of habit – we know it takes time to build a habit and it may never be perfect but if we can build that routine to work for you it gets easier to stay in check. Setting an alarm, writing yourself a note and putting it where you will see it, writing it in your calendar or setting a regular time slot, are all ways to help build a habit.

Lack of information – ask questions! And remember no question is wrong; that is how we learn! Ask how and why if unsure about a movement or the programming. If we don’t like the program we are less likely to stick with it. Communicating with your coach is a key part of your success and questions are part of the learning process.

Lack of confidence – you are not alone! Starting something new or coming to a new place can be challenging. Working with your coach and letting them know when unsure can help you figure out what your concerns are and challenge them together to see what you can do is a positive way to build your confidence. You might surprise yourself when you try something new!

Lack of belonging – this is a big one to overcome if you feel you don’t belong in the gym for whatever reason…I’m not in shape, I’m too big, too skinny, I don’t know anybody, I don’t know what I’m doing. Maybe past experiences at other gyms that made you uncomfortable. Again speak with your coach to help answer any of the questions you may have if you are uncertain about anything that may cause you discomfort. Together you can work on a solution that will make you feel safe.


At Degree we always start with a Free No Sweat Intro to not only get to know you and find the right fit for you at our gym. This is also a time to get all your questions answered to help you feel comfortable and safe in our space. Roadblocks big or small are real to you and it is important to talk about them with your coach so they can help you work towards your goals in a place that makes you feel a part of the team in your fitness journey!

To get started or to find out more about Degree Fitness Seaforth contact Coach MJ at maryjane@degreefitnessseaforth to set up an appointment soon! Personal training times available!

The Importance of Showing Up For Yourself

September 2, 2025
Written By: Coach Sienna Showing up for yourself is so important but its often overlooked and dismissed. Showing up for yourself isn't some cheesey, made up statement. There is meaning behind it and science! Showing up for yourself is an empowering practice that can transform the way you live, love and lead! BUT what does showing up for yourself actually mean? And why does it matter so much? S howing up for yourself is... Not Selfish You matter and you are important! Treat yourself as if you were a loved one. It means honoring your own needs, values and well being to achieve overall wellness. This means being consistent in the way you treat yourself, not just when it's convenient to you! It is…. Keeping your word to yourself and keeping those promises Choosing rest to prevent burnout It means giving yourself grace and speaking kindly to yourself (Its your first time living!) Prioritizing growth even if its uncomfortable Creating boundaries and sticking with them Say No when something doesn't align with you or your beliefs I t's about treating you like you are worth caring for not only when you have “deserved it” but because you are worth that care, always! Why does all of this matter? It strengthens your relationship with yourself Prevents you for burning or crashing out Builds self confidence as well as trust in yourself Helps you stay balanced emotionally and physically The more time you spend getting to know yourself you learn and discover hobbies! You learn that YOU CAN DO IT and that YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS! You become more present for others! You are no longer pouring from an empty cup! What does this look like in real life? Drinking enough water even though you would rather skip it Going on a walk or doing meditation to have time for yourself to avoid crash out Keeping promises you said you would Letting go of perfection and simply doing the best that you can with what you've got S tart showing up for yourself today! Let yourself know that you've got you :) --- To inquire about services, programs or to get started email info@degreefitnessseaforth.com or call/text 519-441-7492!

How To Make Your Workouts Stick

September 2, 2025
Written By: Coach Kelly I’ve been exercising since high school... I don’t want to age myself tooooo much ;) but that was quite sometime ago. I meet with people all the time who are looking to get started. They are looking to lose weight, tone up, feel better, happier, increase bone density, do something for them, for various reasons. I’m going to give you two of the most important things that you need to do to make your fitness stick, through al season nd all set backs. Write these down, memorize them, and repeat them over and over. You’ll always succeed. Forget about motivation Seriously, forget it. Motivation comes after you get started. It comes when you start to see results; it comes when your pants fit different; it comes when you’re not out of breath going up stairs; it comes when you are running down the soccer field with your kids; it comes when you are happier; it comes when you feel less anxious, less depressed; it comes after you get started. Remember your why Why are you wanting to get started? Why do you want to spend money and time at a gym? Are you willing to do this for months, if not years? When your schedule gets busy, or your kids get sick, why will you keep coming to classes or appointments? You just need to get started, and you need to clearly understand why you are starting in the first place. After that, you must stick with it. Even when y you’re tired, when you’re frustrated, when you want to give up. Everyone wants the quick fix. We will spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on supplements that promise to help us lose weight, feel better, but honestly, nothing will compare to the eating some vegetables and getting in a structured workout with a Coach or at a gym 2 - 3 times per week. I know it’s hard. I know it’s hard. Like, I really, really know it’s hard. But, as you’re reading this, look way down the road, like 1 year, then 3, then 5 years. How do you want to feel? As hard as it is to get started, it will be even harder if you don’t do anything. You deserve to invest in yourself. You deserve to feel good. You have got this and we believe in you - Let’s go! ----- To inquire about services, programs or to get started email info@degreefitnessseaforth.com or call/text 519-441-7492!

The Journey of Degree Fitness

September 2, 2025
Written By: Coach Kelly My gym ownership journey started in December of 2019. At the time I was managing the day to day Degree, coaching classes/appointments and running events/programs. The previous owner had some really exciting things coming up in her life that required big changes. One of them being handing over the keys to someone else. It was an immediate yes, and an absolute honour! Degree was originally founded as a place to workout with a group of like minded, amazing people. Using fitness as a vehicle for a better overall life (happier people, healthier people). I always believed int eh original mission, vision an values of Degree and they haven’t changed much over the years :) Fitness to me was a way to escape; I could move my body, stay strong and feel empowered when everything else around me felt like it was falling apart. I’ve continued to use fitness to improve my overall health and strength, and just like when I first started, to stay grounded when everything else feels shaky. Fitness to me, and at Degree, is more than muscles. It’s helping our clients have a safe space they can come, be themselves, and workout with their gym buddies. As they do this, the most amazing things happen, and it makes our hearts soar as you Coaches… We see you light up when you crush a hard workout, or do something you didn’t think you could do. When you share a bright spot and everyone in your class is genuinely happy and excited for you, too! When you start to realize, and believe , that you are whole heartedly capable of anything you put your mind to. That you are worth it; you always have been. Degree is the cornerstone of health and wellness, and we will always be here to help you, and our community live their happiest, and healthiest lives! ----- To inquire about services, programs or to get started email info@degreefitnessseaforth.com or call/text 519-441-7492!