You’re Not an Expert, and Neither Am I.

People often ask me how I entered the fitness world in the first place. And whenever I tell them, I feel inclined to mention one of the most important lessons I learned is from my early experiences.

It is important to realize that not all fitness regimes may be suited for you. But the only way to realize what you do love is to keep an open mind. Get rid of the critics, dismiss the “know-it-all attitudes” that seem to over-populate the fitness industry, and try as many forms of exercise, classes, and programs you can. Stepping into something new is intimidating, but you will walk away more fulfilled and having learned something applicable to everyday facets of life.

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My first introduction to weight training was Crossfit, and it was easy

— not in terms of how much effort was required, but in terms of how much I had to think. The workouts were written right on the wall and the instructors told me exactly what to do — and how to do it. That was 5 years ago, and I learned a ton.

Unfortunately, I was bombarded with criticism. There is a massive amount of hate, almost out-right rage surrounding the sport. Haters were commenting on the “cult” gathering it creates, the “ridiculous pull-ups,” awful form, blah, blah blah. But instead of defending Crossfit, I listened. I listened to what the critics had to say because I am not an expert. But guess what? Neither are they, and neither are Crossfit participants. They each practice their own style of training, all of which are equally as fascinating and beneficial in their own ways.

At the time, Crossfit was a positive athletic outlet for me.

Although short-lived, it helped me get up to do something active and launched my interest in strength and power lifting. It not only allowed me to enter the weight room with more confidence, but I was suddenly proud of my strength and conditioning — For the first time in my life. I couldn’t help but ask myself: Who are you, “fitness experts,” to tell me this is so wrong?

It was then that I realized: The fitness industry is filled with opinions — do’s and don’ts, rights and wrongs. Don’t believe me? Take a look at the comments section on any Instagram feed displaying an exercise. There will always be one or two ripping the person’s form apart.

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It is very important to note, there are so many different forms of exercise this world possesses. It is flat out ignorant to say your form of fitness trumps all others. It is ignorant to say you are an expert at telling others what is best for them. Being the strongest, biggest, the largest butt, the best arms, or most Instagram followers does not make you an expert. Just because one particular group of people practice one method, does not make theirs any worse than yours. There is no right or wrong in fitness. The way I see it is that if one fitness regime can help an inactive person become active, make a shy person confident, or give someone purpose in life, then who are you to say this is the wrong thing to do?

Doll Fitness is not your “be-all-end-all” form of exercise; I only hope it gives you a step in the right direction, the confidence to step into a gym, and the path to a healthier future. Like me, you’ll go through a lot of trial and error before finding what you love, but know this: Regardless of what you attempt, the important thing is to keep an open mind and know that every step you take could potentially add more meaning to your life.

Don’t forget to stay in touch! Comment below and let me know what you are thinking. #DollTalk