Letting Go & Loving the Process—A Personal Fitness Account

by Kate Smith, Concept2 Employee

Why does it matter to me to feel strong? This is the question I often ask myself while I am walking into the gym. Why does it all matter? Why does it matter today or ten years from now? My workouts will always be different but with each rep, I think to myself, “Today I Showed Up!” I show up at the gym to honor myself, both the me of today and the me of tomorrow. The effort I put in today will continue to pay dividends, day after day, year after year. That is the mindset I bring with me every time I step into the gym. 

As a former competitive rower, my approach to fitness was all-or-nothing for years. I had to have the perfect conditions - the ideal time window, the perfect pre-workout meal, the optimal weather - in order to work out. The "challenge" of fitting in a workout became the focus, instead of just showing up and getting the work done. The hardest part is often just walking into the gym. But once you are there, the trick is to turn off your mind and get into the flow. Just do what needs to be done, with the time you have. 

As I have transitioned into the busy and fulfilling roles of being a mom, partner, and working full-time at Concept2, I have had to let go of the rigidity and ideal circumstances I used to require for my workouts. No longer do I have the luxury of waiting for the perfect time or environment to exercise. And while this was an adjustment, it has taught me a profound lesson: to love the process itself, not just the results. I have discovered a deep love for the act of fitness, especially strength training and erging, for all the incredible gifts it gives me. When I lift weights or row, I feel grounded and at home in my own body. I am filled with gratitude and pride for what my body can do. Beyond just the physical benefits, fitness infuses me with confidence and mental fortitude that radiates into every area of my life. When I go out into the world to do the things I am passionate about, I know my body will be an enabler, not a limiter. In the years after my competitive athletics career ended, I struggled to find drive and direction in the gym. But lifting weights has given me renewed purpose and focus. The process is the prize, and I have learned to love it wholeheartedly. 

It is true that our struggles often pave the way to success, so choose those struggles wisely. Decide what is worth fighting for and show up for it consistently. Some gym sessions may feel like short-term pain that fades when the intervals end. But sometimes the pain we carry in - the kind others cannot see - is a heavy weight to bear. That pain may be exactly what needs to be processed, carried forward, or released. 

Every day brings something different, but I no longer wait for the "perfect" moment. I focus on doing what is right, right here and now - one rep at a time. Our hardships shape our triumphs, so be intentional about the battles you choose. Stay the course, even on the tough days, and trust the process. Progress happens one stroke, one rep, one day at a time. 

On those days when you need to squeeze in a quick workout, these Exercise Snacks are right-sized and some of my favorite go-to's. Be sure to try them!