Reflections on My First Year—and Why It Felt Like Corporate Déjà Vu
A year ago, I did something that felt oddly familiar. I walked into a new environment, filled with unfamiliar equipment, coded language, unspoken hierarchies, and a strong whiff of testosterone. No, it wasn’t a corporate strategy offsite—it was my first real foray into the weight room.
And just like in the early days of my corporate life, I was intimidated.
You see, gymtimidation is real. Much like breaking into leadership in a boardroom historically dominated by men, stepping onto the lifting platform can feel like breaching enemy lines. You’re unsure of the rules, you don’t know the lingo, and you’re half-convinced someone will expose you as an imposter who doesn’t belong.
But here’s the truth: you do belong. You just haven’t found your rhythm yet.
Decoding the Acronyms—Whether It’s ROI or RDL
In corporate life, we learn to decode things like KPI, EBITDA, and OKRs. We nod along in meetings, secretly googling what someone meant by “let’s double-click on that.” The gym is no different. I thought RDL was a three-letter airport code. (Spoiler: it’s a Romanian Deadlift.) AMRAP? I thought it was someone upstaging Snoop Dogg.
But just like in the office, you learn by doing. You get better by asking questions, even if they feel silly. The weight room—and leadership—is mastered not by knowing everything on day one, but by showing up and learning consistently.
Sharing Space With the Limelight Hogs
There’s always that guy in the gym who camps out on the bench press like it’s his birthright. We’ve met his corporate cousin before—the one who hijacks meetings, takes credit, and loves hearing the sound of his own voice (much like the gym bro who has a relationship with his biceps).
At work and at the gym, you always have options:
- Wait your turn (patience is a virtue).
- Speak up (“Hey, how many sets do you have left?”).
- Find another path (maybe the dumbbells are free today).
It’s not about confrontation; it’s about confidence—and knowing your time on that bench (or in that room) is just as valid.
The Secret Code Is That There Is No Secret Code
Gym bros have their own way of communicating—grunts, nods, and the occasional protein shake clink. Early on, I mistook this for exclusion. But guess what? They’re not speaking a secret language; they’re just doing their thing. Much like some executive suites I’ve walked into, the intimidation was mostly in my head.
Most people are too focused on their own reps—literal or metaphorical—to be judging yours.
The “Am I Doing This Right (While Still Looking Good)” Thought Balloon
Women can face an additional layer of anxiety in the weight room. There’s already the internal pressure of having to prove we belong there – combined with the artificial pressure to look effortlessly put-together while sweating in Lululemon’s.
While men can grunt, sweat through their shirts, and awkwardly figure out equipment without a second thought, women often feel we need to arrive fully skilled and Instagram-ready. It’s remarkably similar to how we’re expected to show up in the boardroom: more prepared, more polished, and somehow both assertive and likable.
The dress code is like how it is in most Fortune 500 companies: business-appropriate. Wear whatever you see fit for purpose.
Yes, There Are Jerks—But There Are Also Supporters
Just like in corporate life, the gym has its share of egos and self-aggrandizement. But there are also people who want you to win. The trainer who corrects your form. The woman who gives you a nod of solidarity when you load that barbell. The stranger who cheers for you in the middle of a why-am-I-doing-this-to-myself burpee.
While the loudest people may get your attention, it’s the quiet supporters who’ll help you grow.
The Starter Guide: First Steps For Weight Room Newbies
If you’re standing at the edge of the weight room, heart pounding harder than after a sprint, here’s a beginner’s roadmap:
- YouTube University: Before you go, watch a quick tutorial on the specific exercises you plan to try. Knowledge is confidence.
- Reconnaissance Mission: Visit during off-peak hours initially (typically mid-morning or early afternoon). Fewer people means less pressure and more equipment access.
- Buddy System: If possible, bring a friend or invest in a single session with a trainer to learn the basics. It’s like not having to eat alone in a restaurant or being the sole presenter to answer all those tough questions on the business plan.
One Year Later: Stronger, Bolder, and Still Learning
It’s been a year since I walked into that gym feeling like a fish out of water. I still have moments of self-doubt (especially on leg day), but I also have strength—physical, emotional, and mental—that I didn’t have before.
Much like my corporate journey, the gym taught me that the real transformation happens when you show up, do the hard reps, and stop worrying about who’s watching.
So if you’re hovering at the edge of the weight room—or hesitating before raising your hand in that meeting—here’s the advice I wish I embraced earlier:
You have every right to take up space.
Start where you are, use what you have, and keep adding weight.
You don’t need permission to lead—or to lift.
Progress, not perfection, will get you to the next level.
And remember: the bar may look heavy, but you are stronger than you think.
Now, step up. Your platform is waiting.
Carlos Vargas Gierke
