Transform Your Life with Consistency: Holly Raymond's Fitness Journey at Blended Athletics, Dartmouth
Transform Your Life: The Journey from Process to Progress
By: Holly Raymond, committed Member at Blended Athletics
I often get asked the popular open-ended question, "Why?" Well, here's my why—
A few years back, I was told, "Consistency and determination will take you further in life than anything else—further than talent or money." The more I've adopted this mindset and practiced it, the more opportunities I've discovered for healing, growth, new pathways, and even becoming a better version of myself. This progress has been more prevalent in my life than I could ever have imagined, especially at this stage of my life. It has surpassed what I was told to believe was possible.
Everyone loves to hear about progress. It's always the highlight of every story—the accomplishment. But what about the process? Few people touch on that part, and even fewer delve into it deeply. The process entails lessons along the way, roadblocks and failures, sacrifices, and the emotional and mental growing pains that accompany physical healing and growth. It includes sudden doubts and questioning your capabilities, wondering if you're going backward, and dealing with intrusive thoughts that sneak up on you, attempting to self-sabotage. You might think, "There's no way anyone else has felt this level of pain, blocks, and failures. I should give up." Here's the truth—yes, we have. I have, they have, you have. We all have. And we still do. Everyone who embarks on becoming a better version of themselves feels this way. If you're feeling that way, good! You're on your way and closer than you think.
This gym and the blissfully brutal workout regimen that my coach, Mackenzie puts me through have become my place of peace—a sanctuary. It's a break from the wear and tear of life outside, allowing me to connect with myself and the better self I am striving to become. Connecting with my mind and body through lifting weights has elevated my healing and growth, adopting the philosophical mindset of the "Eternal Student." You really don't know what you are capable of until you trust the process and let it guide you to where you want to go and who you want to become. It's already in you; you just need to surround yourself with the right people to help you along the way.
My coach pushes me hard because I asked her to, and she wants me to reach my goals and then some. During my sets with her, the echoes of my former self, fears, and insecurities fade quickly as her voice reaches my subconscious mind, tapping into the better version of myself deep within. Her words—"One more set," "Do it again," "Stack your ribs!"—and the most powerful phrase, "I know you're stronger than you think you are, so I'm pushing you harder," help me get out of my own way. It is a true honor and privilege to have her as my coach. She pushes me to the point of growth, where I embrace my new "ugly workout face" with pride, even after crushing a heavy leg or lower body day. Looking at those stairs to the changing room, I wonder how I'll make it up, but I do, slowly but surely.
I was told by others before that my goals were unattainable, that I needed to be more realistic. In a way, they were correct. I didn't just achieve my goals; I exceeded them. My coach saw something in me that I couldn't see, and all I had to do was trust and endure the process to reach progress.
This place and the people in it have reintroduced me to a new level of making the most out of my life. They have given me a reason to stay alive, to keep going and pushing. To wake up every morning and try, even after meeting failures or blocks, both inside and outside of the gym. To put in the work to achieve everything I want in life, going through the grit and gore to reach the gifts and glory life offers. Whether it's a personal record, lasting 10 seconds longer during cardio, or seeing a young family member, who was once a baby, now lifting weights almost as heavy as a small dirt bike—it's all part of the journey.
Why not start now? I guarantee you're ready. Waiting for the elusive "perfect timing"? It doesn't exist. If it did, I would have found it many years ago. You have now. The opportunity wouldn't have presented itself if you weren't ready. It may not be easy, but it's definitely achievable. Tomorrow is never guaranteed, so now is the best time to start. Just say "yes" to yourself and your future self. It's more than just being a member at the gym, lifting weights, or doing fitness classes. It's about setting yourself up for success inside and outside of the gym. Just like how the weights don't get lighter—you just become physically stronger—life doesn't get easier; you become mentally and emotionally stronger and more capable.
I've carried the gains and progress I've made in the gym into my life outside the gym. When life gets heavy, my coach's voice echoes in my head:
"Neutral spine"
"Shoulders back"
"Stack your ribs"
"Keep that head up, don't lose focus"
"Exhale on the push"
"Keep going, you're almost there" And the bonus: "You have one more in you. Push!"
To the owners of the gym—I have such deep gratitude for you both. Thank you for what you've done for me and for building this place. It's a privilege to be welcomed in a space like this. I'm thankful that you continue to make me feel welcome.
To my coach—it's an honor and a privilege to be coached by you. The gift you give me through your work is astounding, admirable, and inspirational. The process you guide me through has transformed me mentally, physically, and emotionally. It's a gift I will never take for granted. I always look forward to our sessions and the new levels of progress (and new ugly workout faces with Joe Pesci vibes, haha). It's the face of trusting and going through the process—getting closer and closer to progress.
