The day started like any other; I had finished my breakfast and was getting changed into my black Nike top, black Nike bottoms and my random pink and white Nike trainers – aka ” my signature gym outfit”! Feeling good about myself, I got into the car and off I drove to the gym!
Approaching the gym, as I coasted slowly through the car park, there was a certain stillness in the air and I noticed a few other members walking up the long concrete path like little ants on a mission …. a mission to lift some heavy stuff! Then I walked up the path, smelling the freshly brewing coffee from the nearby cafe, and I began feeling butterflies in my stomach. The red, circular, “target-shaped” symbol on the wall of the gym stood out to me this day, and at that moment, I knew something great was going to happen – I was on target for something big!
Gazing around the strength room, while standing at my station, I remember seeing a purple-faced meat-head type in the corner giving me the “what’s that girl doing in here” look. I felt a little self-conscious about what I was going to do, in case I would publicaly fail in the attempt and confirm the weakness Mr Meat-head saw in me. Then, with a nudge of confidence from Andrew (who had been helping me with my strength training), I re-focused my attention to the target …
My sweaty hands grabbed hold of the bar far above my head and, after dangling there helplessly for a split-second, I went for it; squeezing with all my might, knees curling, shoulders shrugging a little as I made it to the bar and achieved my very first Chin-Up!
But I wasn’t finished there …
Adrenaline now pumping through my body, heart in mouth, legs quivering like crazy, I said out loud:
“ONE MORE!”
My energy waning; determination soaring, I pulled once more … feeling the fatigue in my grip and my upper back burning, I felt Andrew’s hand at my feet as he took some of my weight and gave me that boost to try a little more. With every ounce of effort, my chin made it over the bar once again!
Stepping down, shaking and giggling (yes giggling), I smiled from ear to ear with beaming pride and, after a congratulary look from Andrew (this was a huge reaction for him LOL), I glanced over to Mr Meat-head who simply nodded with approval and respect.
I looked back at Andrew and said:
“I DID IT!”
And now, 3 years later I can do this:
From the age of about 13, after seeing Terminator 2, I dreamed of being able to do proper badass Chin-Ups, like Sarah Connor! Never give up on your dreams, because if the mind can think it, it can materialise.
Here is an article I put together a while back (with some additional information now added) to help you achieve YOUR first Chin-up/Pull-Up!