I'm Not The Fastest Or The Strongest In The Gym, But That's Not The Point

Caitlyn Davey • April 2, 2025

I am by no means the strongest, fittest, or fastest in the gym, and I’ve come to accept that. It took me a while to stop comparing myself to others and realise that the gym is a priority for me, but it’s not my only one. I don’t have the time or energy to train multiple hours per day or six days a week because I choose to use that energy in other areas of my life, such as my career, family, basketball, and personal life. It’s a personal choice, just like it’s others’ choice to focus more on the gym, their progress, and their numbers, as well as their nutrition, sleep, and recovery.Comparing myself to others in the gym does me little service because I don’t know what has happened in their lives or what their backgrounds are. What I do know is that I have kidney disease, my body operates differently from others’, and I’ve had health setbacks, including spinal surgery and sickness, as well as injuries from basketball. I remember one day when I was back at the gym after my health trauma, I tried to deadlift 25kg and it hurt, which was far from my personal best of 112kg. I was frustrated, but a coach said to me, “Cait, think of what’s on your barbell. Think of the kidney disease, the spinal surgery, the 9 months of sickness as weight on your barbell.” That changed my mindset, and now I’ve surpassed my personal best with a 115kg deadlift (and aiming for more on testing day).The coaches have emphasised the importance of metrics and tracking my numbers and workouts, which has helped me better understand my capabilities, limitations, and progress. But what I really focus on is controlling what I can control both in and outside the gym. I celebrate that I’m the strongest I’ve ever been, beating my own personal bests time and time again, thanks to adhering to my programming, focusing on myself, and appreciating my progress.I may not be the strongest person in the gym, but I’m the strongest version of myself, and that’s pretty cool. I’m getting stronger every week, and that’s what matters to me.

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By Rebuild Team April 24, 2025
When the mornings are darker, the beds are warmer, and the rain seems endless, it’s easy to tell yourself you’ll get back to the gym next week. But here’s the truth—winter isn’t a reason to pause your progress. It’s the season that separates the stop-starters from the ones who truly transform. When the mornings are darker, the beds are warmer, and the rain seems endless, it’s easy to tell yourself you’ll get back to the gym next week. But here’s the truth—winter isn’t a reason to pause your progress. It’s the season that separates the stop-starters from the ones who truly transform. At Rebuild, we know that consistency—especially when it’s hard—is what drives real change. So let’s talk about why winter consistency matters, what it does for your body and mind, and how to make sure you keep showing up. Why Consistency in Winter is Crucial Your body doesn’t know it’s winter. It only knows what you do. Skipping weeks at a time means reversing hard-earned progress, both physically and mentally. Research shows that regular strength training improves insulin sensitivity, bone density, and cardiovascular health—even more so when done consistently over time (Westcott, 2012). Momentum matters. Winter is also when stress, low mood, and fatigue creep in for many of us. Exercise has been proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, thanks to the release of endorphins and the regulation of stress hormones like cortisol (Harvard Health, 2021). So if you're feeling flat—this is the time to move, not pull back. How Staying Active in Winter Helps You Long-Term You avoid the restart trap Every time you stop, it takes longer to get back to where you were. Consistent training keeps your baseline high and avoids the start-again cycle that leaves you feeling frustrated. You build real discipline Motivation will come and go. But the ability to show up regardless—that’s discipline. And discipline spills over into every part of life: work, family, even how you show up for yourself. You’re ahead come spring Want to feel strong, energised, and confident when the layers come off? That starts now. While others are hibernating, you’re laying the groundwork. How to Stay Consistent When It’s Cold and Dark Set a realistic routine Don’t aim for perfection—aim for doable. Three sessions a week with intention is better than chasing five and quitting by June. Train with people who lift you up Community keeps you accountable. It’s easier to leave the house when you know someone’s expecting you. At Rebuild, you're never training alone. Track your progress Strength, reps, conditioning—see the data change. That’s motivation you can measure. Focus on how it makes you feel Training isn’t just for summer bodies. It’s for better sleep, less stress, more patience with the kids, and feeling like you again. Winter isn’t the enemy. It’s the proving ground. So show up. Not just for summer. Not just for weight loss. But for strength, stability, and the version of you that doesn’t give up when it gets hard. We’ll be here, with the lights on, the music up, and a team that’s ready to help you stay consistent—whatever the weather.
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