It doesn’t matter whether you do CrossFit, Hyrox, Barry’s Bootcamp or Pippa’s Pilates, fitness is a skill and it can be learned and improved on.

If you’re stagnant in your training or even considering whether it’s the right training system for you, there are many variables but one of them (I believe) is that you stopped wanting to learn. Now hear me out, maybe not intentionally but because our capability improved and because we became more capable we have become less receptive to learning.

…and maybe because our capabilities have improved, we think we have ‘completed it’ and now that we can do movements or we’ve done x amount of workouts what more can your training program offer.

Think about how much success you had when you started ‘it’ whatever ‘it ‘is for the first time. It’s because you were a sponge, you wanted to learn, you wanted to get better.

‘Fitness is a skill and it can be learned and improved upon’

This quote perfectly captures the essence of progress in health and fitness. Just like any skill, fitness requires practice, consistency, and a willingness to learn.

‘We fail at the margins of our experience. This means that what, where, and how you train regularly determines your strengths but also develops the blueprint for your weaknesses.”

-Greg Glassman

Greg’s 2 quotes above share a lot of validity.

Fitness isn’t just about lifting heavier weights, running faster, or doing this hard and fast. At its core, fitness is a skill—a combination of learned techniques, habits, and consistent effort that anyone can improve upon with practice and patience. But somewhere along the way, many of us have stopped viewing it this way.

Here’s why—and how to change that mindset:

1. We’ve Stopped Wanting to Learn

In a world of quick fixes and instant gratification, the idea of skill-building can feel slow and frustrating. We expect results yesterday and lose interest when progress isn’t immediate. This mindset robs us of the opportunity to truly grow and master the fundamentals of fitness for LIFE, not just for how we feel at this current moment.

The fix: Approach fitness like learning any other skill, whether it’s playing an instrument or speaking a new language. Celebrate small wins, always stay curious, and enjoy the process of learning.

2. We Think There’s Something Better Out There

With so many fitness trends, gadgets, and “revolutionary” programs, it’s easy to believe the next big thing will solve all our problems. This constant search for the “perfect” solution distracts us from putting in the consistent work required to improve. We end up spending our whoe life searching for this ‘fitness’ when it was right infront of us the whole time but we didn’t want to see it.

The fix: Remember, the basics work. Building strength, improving mobility, and increasing endurance come from consistent effort—not shiny shortcuts. Stick with a well rounded program and trust the process.

3. We’re Afraid to Fail

Learning any skill involves making mistakes, and fitness is no different. Whether it’s struggling to nail a movement or feeling awkward trying something new, fear of failure can hold us back. And this is where in CrossFit ‘leave the ego at the door comes from’. Most of don’t want too, because it damages our ego. We would rather have a higher number on the scoreboard than a bigger wheelhouse of skills.

The fix: Shift your perspective—failure is feedback. Each mistake is a chance to learn, grow, and come back stronger.

4. We Underestimate the Importance of Coaching

Many of us think we can figure it out on our own or rely on solely online coaching program’s or internet tutorials. Don’t get me wrong, these can work if you can continue the learning process.

While independence is great, having a coach to guide, correct, and encourage can dramatically accelerate skill-building in fitness.

The fix: Seek out knowledgeable coaches who can help refine your technique, hold you accountable, and push you beyond your comfort zone.

5. We Forget Fitness Is a Journey, Not a Destination

We often approach fitness with an “all or nothing” mindset, thinking we’ll be “done” once we hit a certain goal. But just like any skill, fitness requires ongoing practice and refinement.  You can never complete fitness. You can complete tasks within fitness, but fitness is an ongoing program.

The fix: Treat fitness as a lifelong journey. Embrace the highs, the plateaus, and the challenges as part of the process.

When you start viewing fitness as a skill, everything changes. You become more patient, more curious, and more willing to put in the work. The results? Improved performance, better health, and a newfound appreciation for what your body can do.

So, step back into a learning mindset, and remember: every rep, run, or stretch is a chance to improve your craft.