“I wasted years doing the wrong things, for the wrong reasons. If I had to start again—this is what I’d change.”
Starting your training journey is exciting… but also overwhelming (trust me—I’ve got the classic, awkward first-gym experience story to prove it 😂). Looking back, there’s so much I wish I’d known—habits I would’ve built sooner, noise I’d have ignored, and mistakes I could’ve avoided. Whether you’re new to training or feeling stuck, here are five things I’d do differently if I had the chance to hit reset.
- Stop Chasing “Calorie-Burning Workouts” and Start Chasing Strength
Reality: I used to think that if I wasn’t pushing myself so I was breathing heavy and panting, that I wasn’t working hard enough.
Truth: Conditioning has its place, but strength is the foundation. I’d focus on mastering compound lifts and getting progressively stronger—because that’s where lasting change happens. Also—different training styles create different outcomes. The results most of us want? They come from sessions where rest is actually essential, not a sign of slacking. - Fuel for Performance, Not Punishment
Reality: I thought I was fuelling my body, but for the level of training I was doing, I was under-eating, skipping meals, and treating food as something to earn.
Truth: To train well, you need to eat well. Food is fuel—not a reward or punishment. I’d focus on building meals around protein, carbs, and healthy fats to support recovery and performance. Protein especially is non-negotiable. - Learn the Basics—Really Well
Reality: I constantly switched up my training based on whatever influencer I came across that week. I never stuck to a program and got frustrated when I didn’t see progress.
Truth: I’d go back and master the fundamentals—hinge, squat, push, pull, carry. Nailing the basics early would’ve saved me years of wasted effort. And when you think you’ve mastered the basics—you’ve really only just begun. - Ditch the ‘All or Nothing’ Mindset
Reality: I was either all in or doing nothing—perfect or off the rails.
Truth: Progress is built through consistency, not perfection. I’d accept that showing up at 60% is still forward movement. It’s not about ignoring your body—it’s about staying aligned with the person you’re becoming. - Find a Community Sooner
Reality: I trained solo for far too long—no guidance, no support, no one to celebrate the small wins with.
Truth: Having a supportive group makes the journey more enjoyable, more consistent, and a whole lot clearer.
Conclusion:
If I had to start over, I’d simplify. I’d focus on strength, fuel properly, master the basics, show up consistently, and do it all surrounded by good people. If you’re starting—or restarting—your journey, let this be your shortcut.
