30 Things in 30 Years

Now that I’m closing in on thirty and much older and wiser (; , I decided I would honor this birthday by sharing the 30 most important things the fitness industry has taught me.

Jourdan Brown

Here I am. One week and six days away from my 30th year of life. As I arrive upon this birthday, I can’t help but reflect on the last decade. The ’20s are a wild ride—a time marked by massive growth, change, and self-discovery. I started my full-time career in the fitness industry at 22 years old. It might come as a surprise to some of you, but I didn’t go into my 20’s thinking I would pursue fitness as my career. But doesn’t that just sum up the 20’s perfectly? — a series of life decisions you have to make while having zero idea what you are doing. I look back on all the decisions I have made that have led me to where I am now, and I am grateful for all the ups, downs, mistakes, and triumphs. Now that I’m closing in on thirty and much older and wiser (; , I decided I would honor this birthday by sharing the 30 most important things the fitness industry has taught me.

The List

Every day you wake up and get to move your body is a good day.
You GET to work out; you don’t HAVE to work out.
How you talk to yourself matters.
If you wouldn’t say it to your friend, don’t say it to yourself.
Diet is everything. You can’t out-train a bad diet.
Starving yourself does NOT make you skinny!!
The number on the scale does not matter—your body composition matters.
Changing your body takes patience and consistency. Nothing worthwhile happens overnight.
In order to see lasting changes, you must first change your mind. Everything else will follow.
Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Everyone’s journey is different. Focus on you.
Quality over quantity. Train effectively for shorter periods of time. You don’t need to be in the gym for hours.
REST DAYS MATTER. Don’t over-train.
Workout to live – don’t live to workout.
Exercise is the cheapest therapy you’ll ever receive.
Surround yourself with people who motivate you.
Don’t let anyone bully you over taking care of your body.
Walk, walk and walk some more.
Listen to your body. Rest when you need rest. Push when you feel good.
Eat when you’re hungry. Stop when you’re full. The end.
Ignore fad diets. There’s no secret pill.
Eat real, whole foods. If it’s in a package, throw it out. If you can’t pronounce the ingredients, throw it out.
Put your phone down and be present, not just during your workout but apply it to life!
The time you spend in the gym is time for you. You deserve this time. Don’t compromise.
Your mindset is everything. If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you can’t.
Workout with intention.
Get outside. Vitamin D is essential.
Choose workouts that make you happy. If you enjoy doing it, you will continue to do it.
Your gym friends are some of the best friends you will ever have.
Working out with a group of like-minded, incredible people is one of the best highs in life.
Do it all with a smile.

About the Author

Jourdan Ilardi

Jourdan Ilardi is a Certified Group Exercise Instructor, Personal Trainer, and Primal Health Coach.
She also manages the Front Desk at Fitness Incentive.