My parents divorced when I was in 4th grade, and from that moment on, it felt like I was living two completely different lives.
On one side, my biological dad lived on a 4,000-acre cattle ranch and came from a family probably worth millions. On the other, my mom married my stepdad, and we lived in a trailer park while he worked as a bar manager and baseball coach.
The biggest difference, though?
My biological dad never saw me practice or play baseball—not even once. Not one game, not one at-bat, not a single second. And baseball was my thing. I had an undying love for the game… and for him. But he just wasn’t there.
Now, to be fair, my dad did try to take care of me in his own way. When I turned 16, he bought me a brand-new Dodge Ram 1500. Green single cab, six-cylinder engine—because he didn’t want me going too fast.
Ironically, the truck was so heavy and underpowered that it felt more dangerous because I could barely get up to speed on the interstate.
By the time I got to college, my friends had officially named it The Green Monster. Not because it was a beast… but because it felt like you needed to pray before merging onto the highway.
And look, I appreciated the truck.
But like The Beatles said, “You can’t buy me love.”
My stepdad? He didn’t buy me anything fancy, but he showed up.
He didn’t just watch my games—he coached them. He was there for every practice, every moment. And now, as I approach 40, he’s probably my best friend.
Because showing up is what builds real relationships.
And it’s the same with fitness.
You don’t have to do it perfectly.
You don’t need the fanciest equipment or the latest hack.
What matters most?
You show up.
You put in the work—day after day—until it becomes part of you.
Progress Is Earned by Showing Up—Not Being Perfect
If you’ve ever felt like you had to “get it together” before starting, this is your reminder: You don’t. The clients who succeed are the ones who keep showing up, not the ones who never slip. Let’s build something consistent together.
Want more stories that prove progress is possible, no matter where you’re starting?
-
The Secret to Sticking with Fitness
→ Fun and support, not willpower, are the real secret to long-term consistency. -
Starting Where You Are – No Matter What
→ You don’t need to be fit to get started—you need a program that meets you where you are. -
Afraid to Start Because of Health Issues? I Get It.
→ You’re not broken—and your fitness plan should reflect that.
“I am now in better shape as a 70-year-old than I was in my forties.”
— Susannah Willms 5- Star Google Review
Written by Nate Stowe, NASM-CPT, NCSF-CPT, CES, TRX Certified
Nate Stowe is a personal trainer and movement specialist based in Austin, Texas, with over 16 years of experience helping adults over 50 move better, get stronger, and live pain-free. He’s the founder of Stowe Personal Training, creator of the GET STRONGER LIVE LONGER Program, and author of Revitalize at 50+, a best-selling book on strength, longevity, and reclaiming your body after middle age.
Over the past two decades, Nate’s training system has helped hundreds of everyday adults avoid surgery, reduce chronic pain, and get back to doing the things they love—without needing a medical degree or spending hours in the gym.
Don’t worry—he saves the third-person talk for bios, not your training sessions. Sixteen years in, he’s still awkward when writing about himself.
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