As I reflect on eight years of owning Nerve Health & Fitness, there's one undeniable truth I've seen over and over: the most powerful thing you can do for your health and fitness is simply to show up—consistently. Forget about the fancy goals like getting a muscle-up, running a sub-8-minute mile, or building massive muscles. While these goals are great and certainly achievable, they all pale in comparison to the habit of showing up to the gym 5-6 times a week.
Here’s why.
Fitness is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Quick fixes and shortcuts never provide the long-term results we crave. Whether your goal is to lose weight, gain muscle, improve endurance, or simply feel healthier and happier, consistency is the key. And by consistency, I mean showing up—even when you're tired, even when your schedule feels packed, even when you don’t feel like it.
When you make the decision to come to Nerve 5-6 times a week, you’re making progress whether you realize it or not. Each day you come in, you’re pushing your body in a different way, building physical and mental strength. More importantly, you’re creating a habit that sets the foundation for every fitness goal you have.
Sure, getting your first muscle-up or running that sub-8-minute mile feels incredible. But those milestones aren’t what define your fitness journey. What truly matters is the discipline it takes to show up, day after day, regardless of where you're at in your personal journey.
Here’s a secret: every big fitness achievement is simply a byproduct of consistent effort. You can’t achieve those milestones without putting in the work regularly, and you’ll find that by showing up consistently, you’ll begin to hit those goals naturally.
Why not three days? Or four? While any movement is better than none, 5-6 days per week is the sweet spot because it allows you to make steady progress while building a routine that becomes second nature. It’s not about intensity or crushing yourself every day; it’s about being there, moving your body, and letting the compounding effect of regular training work its magic.
Showing up frequently also helps you avoid the dreaded “fall-off.” Missing one day can easily lead to missing two, and suddenly, a week or a month can go by. But by committing to a regular schedule, you’re much more likely to stay on track.
When you show up to Nerve 5-6 times a week, you’re not just improving your fitness—you’re making a profound impact on your entire life. Our community thrives on accountability, support, and shared effort. Every day you walk through those doors, you’re not just working out; you’re investing in your health, your mindset, and your future.
The act of showing up consistently teaches discipline, builds resilience, and develops mental toughness that carries over into every other part of your life. It strengthens relationships, improves mental health, and empowers you to face challenges outside the gym with the same determination you bring to your workouts.
If you're currently coming to the gym 2 or 3 times a week and wondering how you can increase your attendance, start by adding just one more day. For example, if you’ve been attending twice a week, aim for three or four times over the next month. Once that becomes routine, gradually work your way up to 5-6 days.
Here’s why this progression matters:
Remember: You don’t have to jump from 2 days to 6 overnight. Start small and build at your own pace, but make a commitment to push toward that 5-6 day sweet spot. It’s a game-changer for your fitness, your health, and your life.
So, if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed by where you are on your fitness journey, don’t focus on how fast you can run or how much you can lift. Start with showing up. Make that your goal, and everything else will follow.
Have fun and get fit, and we’ll see you at Nerve this week.
— Cody