CURRENT STATE: SORE
Derek had a free pass to the UFC gym where he’s a member and told me to check it out with him and his brother, Sean. So I’m amped. At work we TRY and do hourly pushups, but lately we’ve kinda been slacking so I was excited to whip myself back into shape. And whipped, I was.
As soon as I walked in the gym, I was excited and petrified all at the same time. The trainer, who was my height and basically just one big muscle, wrapped up my hands in tape and gave me some gloves. The gloves were slime green, so obviously we had an unspoken understanding that I’d be channeling my inner Incredible Hulk tonight.
I glanced around the gym, taking in the punching bags, weight racks, and the steady hum of treadmills in the background. Every person here looked like they knew exactly what they were doing—meanwhile, I was just hoping I wouldn’t trip over my own feet. The trainer clapped me on the shoulder, nearly sending me flying, and pointed to the ring. “You ready?” he asked with a grin. Ready? Not exactly. But if I could survive a few rounds without resembling a human pretzel, I’d call it a win.
Honestly, walking into a gym for the first time can feel like stepping into a different universe. That’s why a lot of people start with something simple, like getting a treadmills for home. No judgmental stares, no pressure—just you, your playlist, and the sweet satisfaction of knowing you can pause whenever you want. Of course, eventually, you might crave the energy of a real gym, but easing in with a treadmill can be the perfect way to build up confidence (and leg endurance) before facing a room full of fitness fanatics.
Honestly, the first few times at the gym can feel like a series of awkward encounters—kind of like trying to dance at a party when you have two left feet. The first step, however, is simply showing up. Once you do that, you’ll quickly realize that everyone’s just focused on their own grind. Sure, you might still trip over your own shoelaces every now and then, but at least you’re not alone in that. There’s a sense of camaraderie, even if it’s just you and the sound of your heart thudding in your chest.
As you start to get more serious about your fitness journey, your equipment needs change too. A gym bag that can handle your gear—like weights, water bottles, and your favorite protein bars—becomes a crucial part of your routine. That’s where accessories Built for Athletes come in. Whether it’s a cloth bag that fits everything just right or a sleek gym organizer to keep your essentials in check, these items are designed for durability and practicality, making sure you’re not fumbling around in your bag every time you need something.
Fitness is a lifestyle, and having the right accessories makes all the difference in the world. Sure, the high-tech machines are great, but sometimes it’s the simple things—like a sturdy bag to hold your shoes and your towel—that take your workout to the next level. And as you continue pushing yourself, you’ll start to realize that these small changes in your gear are a reflection of your growing commitment to the process. Whether it’s a fresh new cloth bag or a killer set of weights, it’s all about setting yourself up for success, one accessory at a time.
Calisthenics were first and we did so many effing lunges I thought my legs were gonna fall off. When it was finally time to punch and kick the bag’s guts out, I was already pooped. Now I know why everyone who plays a boxer gets nominated for an Oscar; because it’s the hardest sport ever and it’s crazy and if you go hard enough, even your hands start to smell.
I was also a little surprised that [WARNING: honest, yet sexist, remark coming] there were girls in the class. The only girl I had ever seen do UFC was that crazy one who rips all the other girls’ arms off, but the ladies in my class were cute. When I saw them, I thought, “how hard could it be?”. And afterward I realized that every single one of those smokin’ ladies could probably rip MY arms off.
I learned all these moves and techniques and even though it took me a while to get into it, toward the end, I was on fire. Figuratively and literally. My arms were burning in pain, but I kinda liked it. As time wore on and I was kicking as hard as I could while simultaneously trying not to lose my balance, all the I could think about was Anderson Silva’s leg snapping. Awesome.
We ended the sesh with leg-lifts, which helped me identify my problem area because they might have been the hardest part of the class – I have no upper abs.
All in all, my first official UFC training session was a success. Now excuse me while I go ice my entire body. And you can just call me Million Dollar Kyle from now on. Except, you know, I didn’t die.
AAADRIIAANNNNN.
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