My Fitness Journey: How I Started as a Complete Beginner

Hi, I’m Chirag Rupani, and like many of you, I once stood at the starting line of a fitness journey, unsure of where to begin. Back in 2021, I decided to change my life, not because I had it all figured out, but because I wanted to feel confident and comfortable in my own skin. Over time, my "why" evolved, and now, I’m here to share my experiences, the ups and downs, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Whether you're just starting or already on your journey, I hope this blog inspires and guides you as we grow together in fitness and beyond. Let's dive in!

The Decision to Start

Let me be upfront about what motivated me to embark on this journey—it’s a tale many can relate to. Back in 2021, at the age of 17, I wasn’t a fan of how I looked. Clothes didn’t sit right on me; they felt like they were just there, not made for me. Inspiration struck close to home—my cousins, all gym-goers and several years older, looked fantastic. Their fitness fuelled my dream. My initial goal was simple: to wear clothes that fit—not drape.

Overcoming Initial Challenges

Here’s where things get interesting. When I told my family I wanted to join a gym, their reaction was... let’s say dramatic. Concerns ranged from potential injuries to encountering dubious influences (spoiler: none of that ever happened). Determined not to give up, I ordered resistance bands and a pull-up bar. But the road wasn’t smooth.

Picture this: me, attempting lat pulldowns with resistance bands attached to a door. Adding extra bands for more tension, I felt pretty unstoppable—until the attachment snapped. Those bands came flying at my face like a wake-up call from the fitness gods. I was okay, but my confidence? Not so much. That’s when I realized: home workouts weren’t for me.

Fast forward to April 2023, when I finally stepped into a gym for the first time. Late start? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely.

Finding the Right Resources

Starting from scratch meant soaking up knowledge like a sponge. Before I hit the gym, I asked my cousin about training splits (I’ll share my guide in future blogs, stay tuned!). I binge-watched exercise form videos—highly recommend for beginners—and found inspiration from fitness vlogger Saket Gokhale. Shoutout to him for lighting that initial spark!

Nutrition? Let’s just say I was winging it. I simply ate more, added eggs here and there, and hoped for the best. Spoiler alert: I’ve learned a lot since then, and I’ll be sharing my nutrition tips soon!

Developing a Routine and Staying Motivated

Routines have a way of falling into place when you’re consistent. Sure, I tweaked mine during exam season—flexibility is key. What I’ve never done, though, is skip the gym out of laziness. If you’re hungry to transform, excuses won’t stand a chance.

Initially, I worked out solo, and I loved it. Over time, I made gym buddies who push me harder and keep me consistent. But here’s my pro tip: learn to enjoy solo workouts too. Partners won’t always be there, and your progress shouldn’t depend on anyone else.

Conclusion

Starting a fitness journey is never easy, and mine was no exception. From resistance bands snapping in my face to finally stepping into the gym, the road has been full of lessons, laughs, and growth. What I’ve learned is that everyone’s journey is unique, but the key is to start, stay consistent, and keep adapting along the way.

Fitness isn’t just about physical transformation—it’s a mental and emotional one too. Whether you’re just beginning or have years of experience, remember: every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.

Let’s inspire each other to be the best versions of ourselves. Share your story, leave a comment, and let’s continue building this amazing community. Together, we can push boundaries, smash goals, and make fitness a lifelong adventure.

Let’s Build a Community Together

This blog isn’t just about me; it’s about us. I want to hear your stories. Why did you start your fitness journey? What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them? Share your thoughts in the comments or let me know what topics you’d like me to cover.

Drop your email below to stay updated with fresh content. Let’s create a space where we motivate, learn, and grow. Whether you’re just starting or are deep into your fitness journey, you’re not alone. Let’s crush our goals—one rep, one step, one blog post at a time.

Here’s to the start of something great—your journey awaits!💪