This $650 Card Redefined Fitness For Me

Of all the ways I’ve learned lessons about fitness, this might be the strangest one yet.

It started with a few random Pokémon packs from China—packs I didn’t even plan to buy. But one unexpected pull that day reminded me exactly why most people struggle to make progress with their health and fitness.

My mate was flying out of Shanghai for work when he messaged me from the airport Pokémon shop:
“You want me to grab you a few Chinese packs?”

I replied, “No thank you bro, I’m trying to save money right now. So I’m good. Appreciate the offer!”

Him being the dopamine-loving booster pack addict he is, fired back:
“Well, I’ll get them for you anyway 🤣 think of it as your birthday gift. Plus, they’re only about 80 cents each.”

Fast-forward a few weeks.

I went to stay with him for the weekend in Porto. Like we usually do when we hang out, we decided to open a few booster packs together—Japanese, English, and Chinese—spread randomly between us.

I wasn’t expecting anything. Just two old friends opening cards, catching up, chatting about life.

Then, out of nowhere, I pulled the Pikachu AR—a raw $650 Chinese-exclusive art rare.

We both just stared at it for a moment, shocked. Mind blown.

I’d heard all the hype about that card, but as someone who has no interest in paying that much for one, nor the means to buy Chinese packs, I never imagined I’d actually hold it in my hands.

That night, the pull kept replaying in my mind.

I almost said no to those packs. Tried to be sensible.
Didn’t plan to open anything, didn’t expect anything… yet that’s when something rare appeared.

It reminded me how often people approach fitness the same way.
Waiting for the perfect time.
Hesitating because they’re too busy, too tired, or trying to save money.

But progress doesn’t happen when everything’s perfect. It happens when you show up anyway.

You can’t pull anything if you never open the pack.

It’s about putting yourself in a position for good things to happen.
That Pikachu was random, sure. And lucky as hell too.

But it wouldn’t exist in my collection if my mate hadn’t bought the packs—or if we hadn’t sat down to open them.

And it’s the same with fitness.

You don’t know when the change will come, but it’ll never happen if you don’t start.
You’ve got to actually take action for progress to happen.

To experience that incredible moment when you realise you can get up the stairs without getting out of breath again.
Or feel more confident taking photos with your friends without hiding in the back.
Or finally feel proud of what you see in the mirror instead of picking yourself apart.

And yes—I’m gifting that Pikachu back to him for his birthday.
Some might say there’s no need, but I see it as a thank-you.
For the packs, for the friendship, and for the reminder that the best rewards come when you simply keep showing up—in cards, in fitness, and in life.

If this story resonated with you and you’re ready to take action on your own fitness goals, grab my free workout plan here.

It includes full video examples, so you’ll know exactly how to perform each exercise—not just what to do.

Speak soon,

Leo