Considering becoming an electrician....questions.

[Uitomy]

So I've been doing my due diligence looking up trades and decided that I'll go for being an electrician. I live in Upper Marlboro, MD so from what i can see IBEW 26 is the local union to go to. I have a BA from UCF and im 22. Just wanted to ask for any that know if this is a good time to apply for an apprenticeship to the union (cause from what I heard the wait to be accepted can be long and some times are better than others). Also I know the work is hard especially for a first year but I played basketball in HS, so I also wanted to ask if the work would be harder than it is training for that kind of sport. Also In the case I cant get in the union for them to pay and train me through school, would it be better to take classes at a CC in the mean time that I wait or re-apply? I dont particularly like being on my phone and I enjoy working out and I come from a family where criticism has shaped me so I feel like I could handle the mental and physical aspects, Any other answers from other tradesmen are welcomed as well, just trying to get some advice directly so I hopefully transition smoothly into this.