No shame in my game

The quarantine and shelter-in-place measures adopted across the country have resulted in numerous businesses, primarily service-based companies, transitioning as much as possible to alternative formats, with many moving online. I’m a member of an outdoor fitness community run by a company called Camp Gladiator (CG). CG is a network of trainers around the country who share a common philosophy and overall approach to leading group workouts. Typically, CG classes (called “camps”) are held in parking lots, parks, and other similar locations. With COVID, CG has adapted quickly as an organization to switch from in-person to online. Although not without its glitches in the process, it’s been an impressive transition. I definitely miss the camaraderie and interaction with my fellow campers, as the social aspect is a big part of the experience. However, the trainers have managed to translate so many of the elements that make the program what it is to the Zoom-based format that I feel connected, even though I know we are all maintaining social distance.

My usual camp meets at 5am, but with homeschooling and other adjustments we’ve had to make to our lives, what used to be the ideal time slot isn’t working for me right now. Luckily, I’ve been able to take advantage of time zone differences to fit mid-morning sessions into my schedule by logging into camps taking place in Colorado. Yesterday, the trainer leading the camp I logged into made a comment about modifying one of the moves. He called the alternative exercises “options for success”. After showing the different choices, he reiterated the importance of maintaining good form over speed or pride. As far as he was concerned, the most important thing was doing the workout right. However we needed to adjust to make that happen, he said, “there’s no shame in that game.” I really liked that phrase. It resonated with me.

For too long, there has been quite a bit of shame in my game. I’ve thought that I had to be perfect and live up to some impossible self-imposed standard. What matters, I am learning, is how I adapt myself to be the best version of me that I can be in whatever situation I am in and be at peace with whatever that looks like. Being comfortable with myself “as is” still feels like a tall order, but I know it’s important and it’s real.

p.s. If you’re interested in trying out CG, drop a comment below or send me a note.