I spent the first two years of college taking random courses, meeting tons of new and interesting people, and making absolutely no progress towards a degree of any sort. I kept asking myself “what can I see myself doing”, or “what career suits me best?” I leaned towards Communications, figuring it would be the shortest and sweetest way to a 4-year degree. However, I kept finding myself in the gym rather than in class. I was enjoying pick-up basketball games more than Speech and Debate class, or swim instead of studying. I realized maybe Fitness is what I enjoy best, and quickly changed majors. It just so happened that I could turn that into a degree and a career.
What I’ve learned since my “Communications” days is that exercising in any way possible is what I enjoy most. Hiking, swimming, surfing, running, and everything else are ways that I can feel better about myself and spend time with friends. Fitness doesn’t have to be a structured workout regiment spent doing the same movements inside the gym with no variation. Simple walks on the beach or quick surf sessions before work can be your mode of getting fit.
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Take a minute aside from everything else pre-occupying your mind and think about what types of exercises, movements, or games you enjoy most. For some, this may mean reaching back to your childhood days at summer camp or being on a high school varsity team. Others might still enjoy riding bikes up and down PCH on the weekends.
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Can’t think of anything, no problem! It’s never too late to develop a new fitness habit! By living in Southern California, you’ve already got hundreds of different fitness activities to do at your fingertips. Once I “found my fitness”, it literally changed my life and gave me a whole new sense of direction. Whether you’re looking for a healthy way to spend time with friends or need to satisfy a competitive hunger, fitness can change your life as well.
Try a fitness class, or find a new place to hike and explore with friends. It’s amazing how great the benefits of regular exercise (no matter how you do it) will improve the quality of your life.
Written by Alex Cox
Personal Trainer, Crossfit Level 1
