In 7th grade, I went to Six Flags Great Adventure with a big group of classmates. At that age, we were all trying to be cool and fit in, and for me, there was one major problem: I was terrified of rollercoasters.
And of course, everyone wanted to go on Nitro—which, at the time, was one of the tallest and fastest rollercoasters in the world.
With my reputation on the line, I got in line for Nitro.
I still remember the feeling as the seatbelt buckled over me—thinking this was my last chance to back out. Two girls from our class were sitting in front of us, excitedly talking about raising their arms for the big drop. They asked if we were planning to do the same. I nodded, pretending I was just as pumped.
The ride started. Slowly. Two minutes of slow ascent to the peak. Then a pause at the top—a long five-to-ten seconds.
Inside, I was panicking. On the outside, I tried to stay cool. But when the drop came? My hands didn’t go up. I held on for dear life.
Then, two minutes later—it was over. I was laughing. Smiling. I wanted to go again.
I tell this story to new members all the time.
Because sometimes I see that exact look on their faces. Fear. Anxiety. Hesitation. Not knowing if they belong here. Not knowing what’s going to happen. Wondering if they can handle it. Wondering if they’ll be embarrassed.
But just like that rollercoaster, the scariest part is getting started.
And just like Nitro, a great workout can be thrilling. Empowering. Even fun.
If we can show someone, just once, that this can be a good experience—that they can do it, that they’re not going to be judged, that they’re not too far gone, and that they do belong here—everything can change.
They go from fearful and hesitant…
To laughing. Smiling. Wanting to come back.
That’s our job.
To make someone’s first fitness experience something they want to repeat.
Because when fitness feels more like Nitro than like a punishment—
That’s when the ride really begins.
Many of you reading this have already made exercise a habit, but there might be someone in your life who hasn’t taken that first step yet. If this story reminded you of your own experience getting started—or if you think it could positively impact someone you know—please consider sharing it.
–James Pratt