They’re Just Pancake Reps: How to Reframe Learning New Skills and Actually Enjoy It

About four years ago, I started training with a new coach. I wanted to improve my squat, which had never been particularly good by my own standards. He had a background in gymnastics, and one day he asked if I’d like to learn how to handstand. I’d been trying fruitlessly on my own, so I jumped at the chance to do it properly (and by "properly," I mean without a wall and for longer than a nanosecond).

So began the journey to the handstand—and eventually, to many other gymnastic movements.

Fast-forward a year, and I was doing my handstand reps, still feeling like it was a non-starter, but honestly having a lovely time. Laughing when I couldn’t hold it. Just vibing. One day, my coach looked at me and said, “Most people give up learning skills when they don’t get it straight away—but you don’t let it phase you.”

My response? “These are just pancake reps.”

He looked at me like I’d lost the plot. Then he laughed—because he knows me—and asked what on earth I meant.

“It’s like making pancakes,” I said. “The first one is always rubbish, and you know that going in. The pan’s not hot enough. You pour too much mixture—or not enough. You don’t leave it long enough because you’re excited about your sweet, delicious treat. Or maybe your partner or kids are egging you on. So you flip it too soon, it folds in half, lands on the worktop, or ends up in the dog’s mouth, who’s been waiting for his reward.” (Does this sound like a real-life story? I wonder why!)

And that first pancake? It’s pants. But do you give up making pancakes? No. You knew it was just a test run. A warm-up. A chance to get your eye in and your pan seasoned.

Then you make another. It’s better—not perfect, but better. And the next one? Even better. By the time you get to the fourth, the dog’s gone to bed because he knows his chances are done, and your family is munching the decent ones. But you—you’re saving the best ones for yourself.

Those are pancake reps.

The reps you know will get better. The ones that teach your brain, your body, and your ego that mastery comes with practice.

Now, in my training, we have what I call Pancake Week. That first week of a new strength or skill block. Where I’m learning new drills and new movements—and yeah, things rarely go according to plan. But that’s OK. Knowing that helps me relax into the process. And by Week 2? I feel like a pro.

So the next time you’re trying something new and you’re messing it up?

Just remember: they’re pancake reps.

Keep flipping. You’ll get there.