A Brief History of My Beliefs on Working Out
I’ve had an on-and-off relationship with fitness ever since I was a kid. My first real introduction to working out came when I was 11 years old, playing basketball at the school gym. I remember being fascinated by the idea that you could actually train your body, push it harder, and watch it get stronger. Back then, though, I didn’t fully understand the discipline it required—I’d go through spurts of working out for a few months, then stop for years at a time.
That cycle repeated for a long while. Life, DJing, events, and other priorities would always creep in. But something inside me always admired fitness—the way it was a balance of discipline, knowledge, and self-respect.
Why I Committed to a Full Year
So why did I decide to go for a full year straight this time? Honestly, it came from a moment of realization: I was getting tired midway through DJ sets. Even something as simple as loading in and loading out gear left me sweaty and exhausted. I realized if I wanted to give my best to the people dancing in front of me every night, I had to take care of myself first.
That was my wake-up call. Instead of just aiming for a few months, I challenged myself to commit for an entire year. Not just half-heartedly, but seriously—tracking workouts, educating myself on nutrition, and setting real goals.
The First Few Weeks Back After 5 Years Off
Coming back after a five-year gap was rough. The first few weeks felt like my body was rejecting the effort. Muscles ached, energy dipped, and I questioned if I could actually stick with it. But slowly, I began to see small wins: walking a little faster on the treadmill, lifting a little heavier, recovering a little quicker.
I also noticed something else—the mental clarity. Even when I was physically tired, my mind was sharper after a workout.
Criticism and Perceptions of the Gym
In the beginning, I faced criticism from people around me. Some couldn’t understand why I joined a gym at all. To them, gyms felt intimidating or unnecessary—almost like stepping into a place full of judgment. I realized how much people project their own insecurities onto what they think a gym is.
My impression was totally different. To me, the gym became an amazing place to release stress. Walking on the treadmill wasn’t just cardio—it was thinking time. A place to dream, to write down goals, and to mentally prepare for the future. I learned to tune out others’ beliefs and focus on one truth: this is my body, and I have to take care of it because no one else will.
Education and Self-Improvement
I dove deep into learning—nutrition, calories, proper techniques—everything I could. I spent countless hours reading and practicing. I realized the gym isn’t just about lifting weights; it’s about creating a healthier lifestyle. The more I educated myself, the more confidence I gained, not only in my fitness but in life.
The Results: Setting and Achieving Big Goals
One of my biggest goals was chasing six-pack abs. It wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was a symbol of discipline. Achieving it was monumental. Not because abs define fitness, but because I set a goal that once felt impossible, and I crushed it. That taught me something powerful: it’s not really about the gym—it’s about setting big goals and proving to yourself you can achieve them.
How Fitness Changed My DJ Life
The most unexpected benefit? My career as DJ iSizzle leveled up. After a year in the gym:
- I had more stamina during DJ sets. No more crashing halfway through.
- Load-ins and load-outs? No problem—I could handle the physical demand without stress.
- My focus sharpened, which helped me read the crowd better and mix with more energy.
- And maybe most importantly—I felt happier, more positive, and grateful just to be alive and doing what I love.
Another game-changer for me has been the Planet Fitness Black Card membership. Having access to multiple locations, guest privileges, and extra perks like massage chairs and tanning made it easy to stick to a consistent routine no matter where I was. Before DJing weddings and shows, it became a ritual to drive to a different city, hit the gym, and get a workout in before stepping behind the decks. It wasn’t just about working out—it was about priming my body and mind to bring energy, focus, and stamina to the crowd. A solid session at Planet Fitness made me feel unstoppable before even starting a gig.
When traveling out of state, I relied on the Black Card perks even more. Whether I was performing in California or other states outside Washington, I could walk into any Planet Fitness and maintain my routine. Consistency mattered, and having a nationwide network of gyms ensured I could keep my energy levels high and my performance sharp no matter the city or state I was in.
Ultimately, combining fitness, travel, and DJing showed me that working out isn’t just a personal goal—it’s a professional advantage. It’s what allows me to perform at my best, move with confidence, and keep the party going from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
Working out for a year straight taught me more than just how to lift weights or eat better. It taught me discipline, patience, and self-respect. It showed me that goals are meant to be chased down and achieved, no matter how impossible they look at the start.
The gym became more than a place to sweat—it became a place to grow, reflect, and recharge. And now, I can honestly say I’ve never felt better. My sets are stronger, my energy is higher, and my outlook on life is brighter than ever.