Finding the Routine That Finally Stuck

I think a lot of people struggle with finding a workout routine that sticks and is sustainable for the long term. It’s hard. Even harder is finding a workout routine that sticks, is sustainable, and that you genuinely enjoy showing up for every day – whether it’s been a good day, a bad day, or a day that included 8 hours at work and an hour and a half of traffic on the way home.

Like most kids, I grew up trying every sport, but eventually landed on cross country and track as my primary focus. Running came naturally to me. It was easy, fun, and cheap. I ran countless 5Ks through cross country and eventually decided that three miles wasn’t enough, so I worked my way up to 10Ks, a half marathon, and even a full marathon.

Looking back, I was always focused on running, but I never really understood how important it was to build strength alongside it. That’s boring, right?! After college and moving to Denver, I genuinely struggled to find a workout routine that kept me motivated. I tried yoga, Pilates, OrangeTheory, F45, cycling – you name it.

My boyfriend, Rex, who likes to try just about everything, decided to give Train a try. At the time he joined, I was deep in studying for my Certified Financial Planner exam and didn’t have any extra time to spare. I would hear stories from Rex about the workouts, the coaches who quickly became friends, and everything in between. Like anyone would, I got jealous and knew I had to give it a try myself, even though I had convinced myself I wouldn’t be able to do it.

Getting over that fear, I told myself that once I passed this exam – which I did, yay! – I would sign up for Train. I passed on November 10, and by November 17, I had my intro meeting with Abby. I walked into the gym and truly felt like a fish out of water. What do you mean you’re throwing weights over your head??? I was timid and out of shape, which was apparently the perfect time to sign up for one of the most daunting sports…

It’s now been 7 months, and I genuinely have never felt more at home than I do at Train. I used to think when people said they enjoyed working out, it was just a lie they told themselves to keep doing it. Turns out, they weren’t lying after all.

Cam Dankel