Starting Strong: 5 Key Things I Wish I Knew About Fitness and MTG
Arguably, the most important part of having a hobby is starting one. It’s exciting to immerse yourself in something new—the challenges, rewards, camaraderie, and joy that come with a fresh hobby often propel you to keep engaging with it. However, the beginning stages can be overwhelming for some. They can come with financial burdens, obstacles, and learning curves. It's best to assess a few things before diving into a new hobby. Here are five things I wish I knew before starting both my fitness and Magic: The Gathering (MTG) journeys, respectfully.
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Fitness Journey
1) Define what fitness means to you:
It’s crucial to know why you're starting your fitness journey. Your “why” becomes the backbone that keeps you motivated. While your reasons may evolve, having a clear purpose in the beginning helps set the stage for long-term success.
2) Look good, feel good:
Looking the part is important, even in fitness. This doesn’t mean you need to buy all the latest Nike gear but taking pride in your appearance and dressing comfortably while exercising can boost your confidence and motivation.
3) Choose the right environment:
Being comfortable in your space is vital to your fitness journey. Finding the right setting for the fitness goals you have may take time. If you're not ready for a gym, start by working out at home with a video. Consider a yoga class if you're unsure about joining a local gym. The key is to find a place that keeps you motivated to keep moving.
4) Be okay with missing a day:
Sometimes this could also be labeled as “be okay with some regression,” at least in the beginning. Rarely does anyone stick to a new routine without a few setbacks. You might miss a workout, feel unmotivated, or fall back into old habits. Honestly, this feeling doesn’t completely disappear. The key is consistency. Understand that setbacks are part of the process, but pushing through those hurdles is essential for reaching your goals.
5) What a good workout can do for your mental health:
Without sounding too dramatic, I’m not sure where I’d be today without the benefits of exercise. Having that outlet has allowed me to express myself through movement and channel energy into productive tasks. I like to think of myself as generally a happy person, but even during tough times, fitness has been my way to cope. I only wish I’d known just how powerful fitness could be for my mental well-being.
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Magic the Gathering
1) Research the game:
I’m not saying you need to dive deep into the entire lore of MTG, but it’s beneficial for new players to understand key aspects of the game. Learn about the different colors and how they impact gameplay, the various MTG formats like Commander, Draft, and Modern, and the playstyles, such as Voltron vs. Life Gain. Taking the time to research a bit more about the game beyond just the mechanics will save you both time and money in the long run.
2) Be prepared to spend:
Like most hobbies, MTG can be an expensive endeavor. To the game’s credit, it does allow for a range of budget deck-building options, but it takes work and experience to figure out what works effectively on a budget. In Commander, deck power levels can sometimes put new players at a disadvantage. My advice is to know how much you're willing to spend as you go. Save for the sets you're most excited about, use preconstructed decks to save on actual deck-building, and look for cheaper alternatives for cards that have similar effects. MTG is accessible to most income levels, so it can work for you.
3) Packs vs. Singles:
This one’s up for debate, but from personal experience, buying singles has provided me more value for deck-building and gameplay compared to buying packs. Opening packs is random—you might get lucky, but you could also spend hundreds on commons that don’t enhance your deck. Buying singles gives you better control over what goes into your deck and how the mechanics work. If you do buy packs, I recommend trading with others in your playgroup. Often, players have cards they need, and trading can help save money, build relationships, and improve your deck for upcoming matches.
4) START SLOW:
Listen, there will always be another Commander deck to build, a new set to explore, and that one card you just have to have. In just a few months, there will be another Secret Lair, followed by a new Universes Beyond set. The point is, you'll likely never feel fully satisfied with what you have, and that’s okay. The goal is to pace yourself. Even if you can afford to collect everything, remember: you can only play one deck at a time. Focus on building a few decks and refining them. Play with them more than you think you should. Every game is different, and you might discover something new about your deck every time you play. Slow and steady is the key to sustained enjoyment in MTG.
5) Find your squad:
Who wants to play alone? MTG is a communal game. Yes, most formats are 1v1, but even in that setting, the game still lends itself to group dynamics and shared experiences. Commander is often played with four people in person, which leads to unpredictable games filled with a wide range of emotions, usually light-hearted in nature. To truly get the most out of MTG, I recommend finding a group (or groups) to play with regularly. In a time when connection is more valuable than ever, being surrounded by people who share your passion can enhance your experience tenfold.
Footnote: Just a thought to wrap up this week’s blog. Never let anyone else define your purpose. I've allowed the opinions of others to shape who I am, and I can honestly say it's led to missed opportunities, resentment, and self-doubt. While those around you can influence your journey, they shouldn't set the terms of it. Life is short—take risks, fail, love, lust, explore, play—whatever you choose, do it with passion and on your own terms. Until next week, take care and thank you for reading.