SHOWING UP to the gym, or for anything, can be the hardest part. It demands a certain activation energy, a mental push that gets you from thinking to doing. But when you do SHOW UP, you give yourself a chance at success.

I’ve been involved in fitness for years, from peaks of intense excitement about competing in CrossFit and chasing PRs to the quieter days of routine workouts and even periods of no working out. There were times when I couldn’t wait to hit the gym, where I'd spend all day dreaming up new workouts. SHOWING UP then? It was a given.

But not every phase of life brims with excitement. These low motivation times, even if they are just a few days, make showing up difficult. Even when the spark dims, and it feels like your day’s not set up for success, stepping into the gym can flip the script. Most times, the sessions are decent, and sometimes, they surprise you by being exceptional.

Here’s the takeaway

SHOWING UP shifts the perspective from if to when. It's not about if you'll see progress but when. Every session, even the lacklustre ones, adds up. And here’s how you can make that more tangible:

1. Set Small Goals: Instead of daunting overhauls, set small, achievable goals each session. It could be as simple as adding five more pounds to your lift or running an extra minute. Small successes keep the motivation alive.
2. Track Your Consistency: Use a simple calendar or an app to mark the days you train. Visual proof of your consistency can be incredibly motivating, especially on days when you’re not feeling up to par. As I write this, I am on day 41 of doing something every day. A lot of those days have been 100 push-ups and nothing else. Doing this daily thing has shifted something in the way I think. Now I do something every day, no matter the conditions. 

So remember, the act of SHOWING UP isn’t just about physical presence; it’s about overcoming mental barriers. Each day you show up, you build resilience and edge closer to your goals. It’s those days, especially those that start with hesitation, that often lead to the most satisfying victories. Keep showing up, and the gains, expected and surprising, will follow.