FA40 #006: 5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started My Fitness

If I could go back and talk to my younger self when I first started training, I’d have a LOT to say.

I wasted time on things that didn’t matter.

I stressed over things that didn’t make a difference.

And I learned the hard way what actually works.

So today, I want to save you the same frustration.

Here are 5 things I wish I knew when I started my fitness journey:

1️⃣ Consistency > Perfection

When I started, I thought every workout had to be perfect. Big mistake.

I’d get frustrated if I missed a workout.

I thought progress was ruined if I had a “bad” meal.

I started and stopped way too many times.

What I should have focused on:

Showing up, even when it wasn’t perfect.

Making fitness fit into my life, not taking over my life.

Progress over time, not immediate results.

Consistency beats perfection. Always.

2️⃣ Strength Training is the Ultimate Cheat Code

I wasted years thinking I needed to do more cardio for fat loss. 

What I learned? Strength training is the real game-changer.

Because more muscle = higher metabolism = easier fat loss. Strength training 2-4x per week is all you need to build a strong, fit body.

That said, cardio is great for health and something I recommend everyone do, but lifting weights changes how your body looks.

3️⃣ You Can Eat Carbs & Still Lose Fat

I fell for all the low-carb, no-carb, “carbs make you fat” nonsense.

Reality? Fat loss is about calories, not avoiding a food group. 

Carbs fuel your workouts and cutting them out isn’t necessary (or sustainable for most people).

As I say all the time, the best diet is one you can actually stick to.

Eat protein, carbs, healthy fats—and stay in a calorie deficit. That’s it.

4️⃣ Sleep & Stress Matter More Than You Think

In my early years, I focused on training and nutrition but ignored recovery.

Running on 5-6 hours of sleep killed my energy.

High stress with work and relationships made it harder to stay on track.

Poor recovery slowed my progress.

The fix?

Sleep 7+ hours, manage stress, and recover properly. You’ll feel and perform better—and your results will skyrocket.

5️⃣ Fitness Should Enhance Your Life, Not Take Over

At first, I thought fitness had to be my whole life to get results.

But the truth?

The best fitness plan is the one that fits into your life.

You don’t need to live in the gym. You don’t need to be “perfect” 24/7. You don’t need to stress over every meal.

Instead, focus on habits you can maintain for years. Because long-term results come from a long-term mindset.

In Closing

I hope some of my previous mistakes, mistakes that I think a lot of people make along their fitness journey, help you on your journey.

Don’t be like the old me by making these mistakes that slowed my progress and at times made my life worse instead of improving it like fitness should.

Let’s keep making progress,

Coach Craig

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