Experiment

Life is an experiment. 

We all wander around trying stuff out, succeeding sometimes, failing other times, doing our best to make a life that we enjoy and feels meaningful.

Experimenting is how we learn.

For example, I once tried dumping a bag’s worth of carrot peels down the disposal. The experiment failed, and I won’t do it again.

But another time, I tried keeping my phone across the room from my bed so I wouldn’t get stuck on it every morning, and that worked. So I kept doing it.

I experiment in the gym, too. 

When I’m trying a new exercise, it might take me three or more sets to get the weight right.

When my back hurts on a deadlift, I’ll explore ways to make it feel better. I’ll try focusing on my core, looking in a mirror to check my form, doing fewer reps, and going down in weight. If none of that works, I’ll skip the deadlifts that day so I don’t hurt myself. 

It’s all about using the data from your experiments to make better decisions.

If you’re considering working out in a gym for the first time – give it a try! It’s an experiment. If you don’t like it, ask yourself why, and try to find a form of exercise that you’re excited to stick with. If you do like it, keep going!

And once you start working out, feel free to explore what works best for you. Try different weights. Stand with your feet wider or closer together. Breathe out during different parts of the movement. 

(Always ask your coach if you’re concerned an experiment might be dangerous).

Experimenting is scary, because the outcome is uncertain. But it’s worth it.

Because the more you experiment, the more you learn. 

And learning is fun!