NOVEMBER 13, 2026 "WHAT ARE YOU SCARED OF?"
This past week, I went back to my alma mater, Tuskegee University, for Homecoming.
One of the things I love most about social media is how it has helped me stay connected with classmates over the years. As I walked the yard, hugging old friends, sharing memories, and wishing everyone a Happy Homecoming, so many people stopped me to say how proud they are of me.
They’ve watched me stay consistent with my health and fitness journey for years. They’ve seen the platform I’ve built at Tadda’s Fitness Center and the lives that have been transformed along the way. Some told me how amazing I look, how youthful I seem, and how I haven’t aged since college.
I receive those compliments with a humble and grateful heart. My response is always the same: “Thank you so much. I appreciate your support! You should come join me, especially if you live in Atlanta.”
Then the excuses start.
“I live too far.”
When I remind them, we live in the same neighborhood or that I drive through their area twice a day, suddenly the distance isn’t quite so far.
“Y’all do too much.”
I remind them that I’m a nurse first. Everything can be modified. You can take breaks. You can work at your own pace.
“I’m too old to be doing all that.”
My response? “We’re the same age!”
Then comes my favorite: “Y’all run too much. My knees can’t take that.”
The truth is we have one Runday Monday workout each week, and it lasts one hour. Plenty of our members walk. Plenty modify because of injuries or other limitations. We meet people where they are and encourage them to keep moving safely.
And that’s when I find myself wondering…
What are you scared of?
Are you afraid of being uncomfortable? Giving up a little free time? Starting over? Not keeping up? Walking into a room where you don’t know anyone? Discovering that you’re stronger than you thought?
Or are you afraid of something even bigger.
Are you afraid of losing weight? Feeling better? Breathing easier? Having more energy? Moving with less discomfort. Feeling more comfortable and confident in your own body? Play with your children or grandchildren without becoming exhausted? Traveling more, dancing longer, climbing stairs without thinking twice, or saying “yes “ to experiences you’ve been putting off?
And what if the greatest benefit isn’t even something you’ve thought about yet? Because that’s often what happens. People come for weight loss and discover confidence. They come for exercise and find community. They come hoping to change their bodies and end up changing their lives.
Let’s Be Honest
Starting a fitness routine can feel intimidating. The first few workouts may be uncomfortable. You may feel out of shape. You may have limitations. You don’t have to run, lift the heaviest weights, or do every exercise exactly like someone else. You simply must be willing to start where you are.
And if your goal is to look or feel a certain way, ask yourself this: Are your habits moving you closer to that goal—or are your excuses keeping you right where you are?
You are not an anomaly. You are not too old. You are not too far gone. You are not an exception. Your body may require a different pace, different exercises, or guidance from your healthcare provider but that doesn’t mean progress is beyond your reach.
The goal isn’t to prove anything to anybody. The goal is to build strength. Increase energy. Support your health. Improve your quality of life. And feel more confident in the body you have been given. Your everyday choices movement, sleep, nutrition, and consistency can be part of your overall care.
At Tadda’s Fitness Center, we have members who are just beginning. Members who modify. Members who walk. Members who are working through injuries. Members in their 20s. Members in their 70s. And trainers who can meet you where you are. You don’t have to do it alone. And you don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to start.
So, what are you scared of?
NO MESS TIPS
- Start with one commitment. Choose a class, a walk, or one workout each week and keep that promise to yourself.
- Communicate your needs to your trainer. Let us know your goals, experience level, injuries, or limitations so we can help you succeed.
- Modify without apology. Walking, resting, using lighter weights, or changing an exercise still counts. Showing up counts.
- Focus beyond the scale. Strength, stamina, confidence, mobility, consistency, and energy are all signs of progress not just the number on the scale or how you look.
- Give yourself grace. Results are built through repeated effort, not one perfect workout.
- Partner with your healthcare provider. If you have a health condition, an injury, or questions about exercise and medication, seek professional guidance as part of your wellness journey.
The Bottom Line
You can keep admiring other people’s results from a distance. Or you can take one small step toward your own success story. So, I’ll ask one more time:
What are you scared of?
Take the first step. We’ll help you keep moving.
No Mess.
