My daughter was terrified of entering her first football training. She didn’t know anyone. She didn’t know for sure if she would be good enough or what her teammates would think of her.
But towards the end of the hour she buzzed with excitement. Thanks to a coach who made sure that every child had the feeling that they belong, supporting teammates and a lot of positive reinforcement.
That moment reminded me why Nerd Fitness exists.
That spirit – to make everyone seen, encouraged and to make part of the team feel, regardless of what their starting point is – is exactly what I think is missing in most of the fitness industry.
Too often gym and classes feel like competitive sports competitions – designed for people who are already happy to exercise, already feel confident, already know what they are doing.
But what if you are the “new boy” who walks your first training at the age of 30 … or 50 … or 70? It can feel just as intimidating as my nine -year -old who picks up her shoe pictures for the first time.
At Nerd Fitness we want to turn that script.
✅ Regardless of your skill level, there is a place here for you.
✅ Everyone gets “playing time”
✅ The goal is not to be the best in the room – it is to get a little better together.
It is not an accident that my daughter felt that way in her practice. The REC League that we are part of is built around this central idea:
Everyone deserves a chance to play, and everyone deserves a chance to fall in love with football.
Everything in the competition, from administration to coaches to how teammates treat each other, is a reflection thereof.
Just as it is not an accident that people stumble on nerdfitness and feel in the same way. I just received this message from a reader this week:
“So I am very grateful that I have found your site! It is encouraging and supportive and I am starting to think that I can come back again. 🙂”
Fitness is for everyone in a body. And everyone deserves an opportunity to find the fitness that works for them.
That is why we have decided to sponsor the local REC Soccer League of my daughter in the outskirts of Indiana this coming autumn season.
Not because it will give us a lot of views, clicks or give likes.
But because fitness should be the first practice: encouraging, playful and focused on the a little leveling of where you started – where you buzz with excitement instead of fear.
So if you ever feel that the fitness world was not built for you, I want you to know: you hear here. You have a place at the table. And we are here to help you find the joy to move, regardless of where you start from.
And if you are already experienced and have found your thing – great! We are so grateful that you are here to keep learning and to support others on their journey.
Let’s play.
– Coach Matt
PS looking for a coach who gets what it’s like to feel overwhelmed and intimidated when you start? I would like to talk to you to hear more about your journey and see how I can help.