3 Big Lies Keeping You from Getting Fit (and Why They’re Dead Wrong)

“You don’t have to be fit to start—but you do have to start to get fit.”

That line right there? It’s the core of everything we believe at Equity.

Because here’s the thing: I’ve been coaching in the gym since 2012. I've worked with hundreds of people—moms, dads, grandparents, desk jockeys, weekend warriors, total beginners, and every type of human in between. And almost every one of them came in carrying the same three beliefs.

And those beliefs? They’re lies.

Not malicious ones. Just the kind of stories we repeat because they feel true. But if we don’t challenge them, they keep us stuck, tired, and frustrated—standing outside the gym doors, wishing we were healthier but not sure how to begin.

Let’s bust ‘em wide open.

Lie #1: “I have to get in shape before I start.”

This one comes up constantly. And I get it.

You walk past a gym and see someone crushing pull-ups or throwing weight overhead and think, “No way I could do that.” So you tell yourself you’ll get a little fitter first. Maybe walk on the treadmill for a few months. Lose ten pounds. Then maybe... just maybe... you’ll be ready.

Let me stop you right there.

That’s not how it works.

How do you think the people doing those workouts got in shape? By doing the workouts. By showing up—out of shape, nervous, unsure—and trusting the process.

I’ve got a guy who started with me a few months ago. Never worked out. Sitting at a desk all day, over 350 pounds, and just feeling stuck. Today? His ankles don’t swell like they used to. He can get off the couch easier. His clothes are fitting differently. And he’s just getting started.

He didn’t wait until he was “ready.” He decided he was ready—and we built from there.

At our gym, we meet you where you are. Always. We start with a one-on-one intro chat. Then we move into our on-ramp sessions—personal training that eases you into the group class experience. No pressure, no burpees on day one. Just progress.

Lie #2: “CrossFit and group classes are dangerous.”

Ah yes, the ol’ “Isn’t that where people get injured all the time?” question.

Look—I’ll be honest. Injury can happen anywhere. Playing soccer, lifting your kid, picking up a pencil. But the idea that group classes are somehow uniquely dangerous just isn’t backed up by reality.

We’ve been open since 2012. If our members were getting injured left and right, we wouldn’t be here.

What is dangerous? Poor coaching. Ignoring technique. Letting ego drive the workout instead of listening to your body. That’s why we coach every class. We're not just counting reps—we’re watching movement, adjusting form, scaling exercises, and keeping you safe.

Example: Lori joined us with tight shoulders and some clicking when she went overhead. Totally normal for someone who hasn’t used that range of motion in a long time. Over time, with smart progressions and proper coaching? The clicking went away. Her range of motion improved. Her pain dropped. That’s the power of gradual, supported training.

Also, working out often reveals things that were already off. A guy in one of our 6 a.m. classes had a weird hip shift when he squatted. Turns out, he always leaned to one side when standing. Like… all the time. The gym didn’t cause the problem—it exposed it. And now we can fix it.

Lie #3: “Group classes aren’t personal enough to get results.”

Let me tell you something most people don’t realize: our group classes are way more personal than what most folks get at a regular gym with their earbuds in.

We know our members. We know their names, their goals, their strengths, their injuries, and even the kind of day they’re having.

In class, coaches are giving constant feedback—some technical, some encouraging. “Hey, you’re rounding your back a bit, let’s drop the weight and refocus that brace.” Or, “Your pull-up form’s looking sharp today!” Small adjustments make big differences over time.

Plus, everything is scalable. Can’t do pull-ups? We’ll use ring rows or toe-supported pull-ups. Trouble with deadlifts from the floor? We’ll elevate the bar. Everyone is doing the same type of workout, but in a version that matches their body, experience, and goals.

One of my favorite moments is when a new member realizes they’re not alone. They find someone in class with a similar body type or fitness level, and suddenly, they have a partner to lean on. That support? That’s magic.

Here’s What It Really Comes Down To

• You don’t need to be fit to start.

• CrossFit isn’t inherently dangerous—it’s about how it’s coached.

• Group classes can be incredibly personal, supportive, and effective.

So if you’ve been thinking about joining a gym, improving your fitness, losing weight, or just feeling better in your body—but these three things have held you back—I hope this helped shift your thinking.

We’re here to make this easier, not harder.

Want to talk? No pressure, no sales pitch—just a real conversation about your goals and how we can help.

https://equity.fitness/no-sweat-intro

Ready for real results? Let’s go.

Cheers,
Coach Berek