3 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Working Out
I started working out when I was around 12 years old. Back then, I had everything to learn. If I could go back and give young Grace some advice, these are the top three things I wish I knew—lessons that still apply today, whether you're just starting out or getting back into fitness after a break.
1. More Is Not Always Better
This is a big one, and even now, I have to remind myself of it. When I first started, I was all in—running around, playing sports, and eventually diving headfirst into CrossFit. I began in CrossFit kids classes, moved on to teen classes, and later joined regular group fitness sessions. I absolutely loved it and wanted to be there every single day.
In high school, I played volleyball, ran track, and did weightlifting. On top of practices, I'd hit the gym regularly, often running there and back from my house. I'd squeeze in extra movements at home and stretch every night. While all that practice helped me improve certain skills, it didn’t give me the strength gains I wanted most. Why? Because I was overtraining. I was doing too much without enough focus, trying to improve everything at once. The truth is, more isn’t always better. Smart, focused, and consistent training—with proper rest—is what leads to real progress.
2. Half the Battle Is Mental
They say you're your own biggest critic, and that was 100% true for me. I wanted to lift heavy weights, crush workouts, and be the fastest in the room, but I didn’t trust myself. I’d practice the same things over and over without pushing to the next level because I kept telling myself I wasn’t strong enough or fast enough.
Thankfully, I had coaches who believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. They’d sneak a little more weight on the bar when I wasn’t looking or tell me I wasn’t "dying" mid-workout (even though it felt like it!). After class, I’d be shocked at what I accomplished. That’s when I realized: I was capable of so much more than I thought. The biggest shift came when I stopped saying, "I can’t," and started saying, "I’ll try."
3. Everyone Has a Day 1
Starting something new is intimidating. When I first walked into a gym, I was nervous. I didn’t know how to use the equipment. I was afraid of looking foolish, finishing last in a workout, or asking the coach the same question for the tenth time. I worried about being the youngest person in the room and feeling out of place.
But here’s the thing: everyone starts somewhere. Every single person in that gym had a Day 1. No one walks in knowing everything. What helped me was the supportive community around me. They didn’t judge me; they helped me. And I grew—not just in strength, but in confidence.
The Takeaway
If you’re thinking about starting your fitness journey, or if you’re getting back into it after some time away, remember this: you don’t have to be perfect. You don’t need to know everything. You just have to start. Trust the process, be patient with yourself, and surround yourself with people who lift you up (literally and figuratively). Your Day 1 is just the beginning of something amazing.
Ready to take that first step? Visit PittsburghFIT.com/Go to book a free consult with us. Our expert coaches are here to guide you through your fitness journey, helping you avoid the hiccups I went through and setting you up for lasting success.
Let's make your transformation easier, more effective, and supported every step of the way!
--
Coach Grace Dickinson
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