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 movies with the holidays and you're going to watch all three movies again (extended editions obviously).
I was looking again Fellowship recently, and I had a funny idea.
While they are in the Mines of Moria, Gandalf reads the last entry in the Book of Mazarbul, the diary of Balin and his fellow dwarves and their journeys – and demise – within the mines:
We can't find out:
The end will come soon.
we hear drums drums in the deep.
They are coming…
While watching this scene, I couldn't help but smile as I thought of current sports fans worrying about the crowds come January. :
“They're coming…”
Right now, millions and millions of people are ready for a “new year, me.”
Many of these people – perhaps yourself included – have decided that January 1st is the day to get back to the gym, or start your exercise routine back.
I think this is GREAT!
Studies show that “starting fresh” or building specific temporal landmarks such as January 1st can be beneficial for making changes.
There's one problem though: “going to the gym regularly” isn't one decision.
There are dozens of decisions that need to be made:
- Which gym are you going to join?
- Do you change at home or in the locker room?
- What is the parking situation like?
- What time of day works best for you?
- How much gym membership can you get?
- Do you take classes or train yourself?
- What pieces of equipment do you use?
- Do you know how to use that equipment?
- Do you shower at the gym or at home?
- How many hours a week do you work out?
- What if your equipment is in use?
If you find gyms intimidating or intimidating, doing ALL of these in January is like playing a video game on Legendary Difficulty:
The equipment you want to use may already be used.
A parking situation can be a nightmare.
The class you want to take may be full.
You will look for any excuse to tell you why you can't do something. If you're scared of gyms or worried because it's crowded, your brain will beg you to stay home and not join.
I know right now, your brain is telling you to “Wait until January 1st…” before trying again.
It's ok!
However! If you are willing to take a couple of steps NOW, you will have a much better chance of success in the future.
So here's the challenge…
Join today, but don't even work out!
This is the PERFECT opportunity to join without the Yesextra weight EVERYONEYes:
This allows you to get all EXTRA decisions out of the way:
which gym, where to park, what time of day are you going, etc.
I love Terry Crews' advice for building a gym habit:
“Go to the gym, and just sit there, and read a magazine, and then go home. And do this every day. Go to the gym, don't even work out. Just GO.
Because the habit of going to the gym is more important than the exercise. 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 and think of the next two weeks as an unexpected beta test!
There is no exercise routine to follow.
You make sure you know where the equipment is and how it works
You are doing a dry run of what it would be like to work out in the morning or at night.
You don't have to beat yourself up for not being completely consistent.
Instead, you just focus on building the hardest part of the routine now (getting in the car or walking to the gym and opening the door).
That means you can hit January 1st with momentum. And don't underestimate how powerful movement can be.
I am NOT above bribing you!
A lot of people join us YesCoaching ProgramYes in January, which is exciting!
But just like getting into the gym early there are benefits, it means less waiting, more time for your coach to be with our coach, and more time going to – into the new year!
We see this every year… which brings me to my two passions for you.
NUDGE #1: If you're on the fence about coaching, YestimetableYes to speak to a member of the NF Team this week.
While you are talking to us, just reference “Federation” for $50 off your first month or $100 off our longer prepaid plans.
Learn more about Nerd Fitness Coaching
We hope this move will help make your decision a little easier, and it will be easier for us to match you with the right coach before things get more crowded in January.
Oh, and if NF Coaching isn't in the cards for you right now, don't worry!
NUDGE #2: To start the first week of January, we are running a YesFree 5-day kickstart challengeYes here at Nerd Fitness, hosted by head coach Matt Myers. Just click the button below and register!
Join the 5 day Kickstart Challenge for free
Matt tackles the main reason why most people don't stick with their fitness and nutrition programs – and what you can do to make 2025 the year that matters holding
Okay, back to watching The Lord of the Rings!
-Steve
