“He was a brave man that first ate an oyster.” — Jonathan Swift.
Let’s be real—who looks at an oyster and thinks, “Yep, I should definitely eat that”? The first person to try it must’ve had nerves of steel. And while the risks of eating an oyster are (usually) just a question of taste, trying something new or being the first to jump in can feel like a life-or-death decision.
So, what stops us from being the first? Whether it’s tasting a slimy shellfish or stepping into a gym for the first time, it often comes down to fear. Fear of failure, fear of discomfort, fear of the unknown. We’d rather wait until someone else tests the waters. We want reassurance—like scanning a hundred reviews before buying that new gadget or asking a friend about the new coffee shop before we drop $6 on a latte.
But here’s the thing—waiting has a cost. A very real, tangible cost. In fitness and health, the cost of waiting can be measured in pounds not lost, energy not gained, and opportunities missed. Think back to a time when you hesitated:
- What if you’d bought that house two years ago instead of waiting for the market to cool?
- What if you’d invested in Bitcoin at $25,000 instead of calling it “Chuck-E-Cheese” money?
- What if you’d started focusing on your nutrition and fitness six months ago?
The cost of waiting can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars—or more personally—over 30 pounds of weight loss.
Why the Wait? We wait because change is uncomfortable. The gym can feel intimidating, especially if you’re a woman stepping into a new space where it feels like everyone knows what they’re doing. But here’s a secret: they were all new once too. They had their first day, their first awkward rep, their first “I have no idea what I’m doing” moment. And you know what? They kept coming back.
Action Steps You Can Take Today:
- Start Small: If the idea of a full workout is overwhelming, commit to just 10 minutes. Walk around the block or do a quick bodyweight circuit in your living room.
- Seek Support: Look for a community (like Shred 27 in Rocklin, CA!) where you feel welcomed and supported. Personal training can be an incredible way to ease into a new routine with confidence.
- Set One Small Goal: Focus on one change—whether it’s drinking more water, adding a vegetable to every meal, or signing up for that class you’ve been curious about. Small steps lead to big changes.
Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back The cost of waiting is too high. Your future self—stronger, healthier, and more energized—is waiting on the other side of today’s hesitation. Be the brave one who takes the first bite, who steps into the gym, who takes action now.
If you’re ready to take the leap and try something new, Shred 27 in Rocklin, CA is offering brand new Strength, Stretch, or TRX classes.