Why I Show Up at 5AM – The Power of Routine and Community
For over three years, my weekdays have started the same way: at 5:00 AM, inside the walls of Little City Fitness. No matter the season, the weather, or how I feel when my alarm goes off, I show up. It’s the first thing in my schedule, the foundation of my day, and a commitment I refuse to break.
I don’t just come for the workout—I come for the challenge, the community, and the feeling of accomplishment that follows. There’s something powerful about being surrounded by driven, health-conscious people who prioritize their well-being before the rest of the world even wakes up.
No Excuses—Just Show Up
Every night before bed, I check the workout and reserve my spot. If it looks tough? I don’t overthink it—I just GO. I know I’ll be moving my body, pushing myself, and walking out stronger than when I walked in. Some days, I modify. Some days, I leave drenched in sweat, feeling that “hurt so good” burn in my muscles. But every day, I’m proud of what I did.
By the time I shower, get ready, and head to work, that 5:00 AM hour is a distant memory—but its impact lasts all day. I find myself thinking, Wow, we crushed 100 wall balls today! or I’m definitely going to feel those lunges later!And that feeling? It keeps me coming back.
More Than a Workout—A Mindset for Life
Fitness isn’t just about lifting heavier or running faster. The real transformation happens in the things you can’t measure—endurance, balance, focus, patience, resilience. The mental strength I build at Little City carries over into every part of my life. When I’m stuck in traffic or waiting in a long line, I find myself counting reps in my head, just like I would in the gym.
I make sure to take care of my body, too. A monthly massage and a chiropractic adjustment help me stay strong and pain-free. It’s all part of the investment I make in myself—because I’m worth it.
A Gym That’s More Than Four Walls
Over the years, faces have changed, coaches have come and gone, but Little City Fitness remains the same at its core. It’s not just a gym—it’s a mindset, a community, and a place that pushes you to be better.
Some members train for competitions. Others chase personal records. And some, like me, simply stay steady on the course, showing up day after day, no matter what. Because this is who I am.
To my fellow 5AM warriors, to those pushing through the grind, and to Dani & Josh for creating this space—thank you. This place truly is a home away from home.
See you tomorrow at 5AM.
— Gina Hartman
