As I sit here, shoes kicked off, on the floor of our office space, I find myself reflecting on Summit. It’s unlike any other gym I’ve experienced—community-driven, a bit rough around the edges, and genuinely homey. There’s something special about a space like this, where it feels like you could leave your worries at the door and dive into your goals without judgment. But then, reality checks in, and anxiety enters the chat.
Deep seeded communities can be intimidating, too. Walking into a place where people seem to already know each other, laughing between sets or crushing those one-armed pull-ups, while you’re working on finishing a single two-armed one—yeah, it’s a lot. There’s a fine line between feeling inspired and feeling completely out of your league. And sometimes, it’s hard to know whether you’re in a supportive community or just a clique from the outside looking in. I’ve felt all of these things: doubt, anxiety, intimidation, that urge to shrink into the background and avoid eye contact.
All part of the Journey
But I think these feelings are a natural part of any new journey. At first, confidence feels like something that has to be mustered up or faked. Yet, confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up. Showing up when you’re unsure, when you’re a little intimidated, when you’re the new face in the room. It’s the courage to come back. To try the things that feel out of reach, and to realize that everyone has had their Day One.
Over time, as you get comfortable in this space and with yourself, that confidence builds. It’s that confidence that eventually lets you ask for a spot, celebrate your first unassisted pull-up, or maybe even introduce yourself to someone who looks just as nervous as you once felt.
Summit has taught me that everyone’s journey is different, but we can all support each other along the way. For some, community might look like cheering each other on during workouts. For others, it’s a friendly smile or a shared struggle. Whatever form it takes, the space we create together helps us reach past our limits—because fitness isn’t just about getting stronger physically. It’s about pushing past the barriers we place on ourselves and realizing we belong here as much as anyone else.
All this to say, Summit is whatever you make of it. It can be your community, it can be your place to wipe your worries away or it can be a place for solitude and to erase anxiety in other areas of your life. You get to choose. Just know, we are here for you when you are ready.