Strength Training is Non-Negotiable (Even If You Don’t Like Exercise)

Yesterday I attended a Wellness Fair at Pinkerton High School, where I set up a booth to introduce CrossFit to faculty and staff. I brought a weighted vest, a dumbbell, a kettlebell, and some nutrition products, hoping people would be excited to try something new. I quickly learned something important: not everyone likes to exercise. In fact, many people actively avoid it. And honestly? That blows my mind! But here’s the thing—just because you don’t enjoy something doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Nobody loves flossing their teeth or paying their bills, but we do it because it keeps us healthy and functional. Strength training falls into the same category. You might not wake up excited to squat or press a barbell, but your future self will thank you when you can get up off the floor, carry groceries without pain, or maintain your independence as you age. The truth is, fitness doesn’t have to be something you dread. It’s about finding an approach that works for you. Maybe that’s CrossFit, maybe it’s Pilates, maybe it’s just walking more. But the key is to start somewhere. Waiting until you “feel like it” is a losing strategy—action creates motivation, not the other way around. If you’re not sure where to begin, that’s where coaching comes in. At Breathe CrossFit, we work with people at all levels to help them build confidence in movement. The first step is simple: book a free intro here. Let’s get started together! If you prefer to listen, check out our podcast episode here.