Okay, let’s get real for a second. I used to be that person who thought “fitness” was just a fancy word for torture. I’d scroll through Instagram, see those perfect gym selfies, and immediately feel like I was failing at life. 🥲 I mean, how do people even have the energy to do a 6 a.m. spin class? I could barely muster the energy to make coffee. But here’s the thing: I realized I was looking at fitness all wrong. It’s not about being perfect or punishing yourself—it’s about finding what works for YOU. And spoiler alert: I found it.
Let me take you back to the beginning. I was your classic couch potato. My idea of a workout was walking to the fridge and back. I’d tried every fad diet, every trendy workout, and every piece of advice under the sun. But nothing stuck. I’d start strong, then fizzle out after a week. Sound familiar? It wasn’t until I stopped trying to fit into someone else’s mold that things started to change.
Here’s the first big realization I had: fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all. Shocking, right? 😏 I used to think I had to be a gym rat or a yoga goddess to be “fit.” But the truth is, fitness is whatever makes you feel good in your own skin. For me, that started with walking. Yes, walking. I know it sounds ridiculously simple, but hear me out. I started with 10 minutes a day. Just a quick stroll around the block. And guess what? It felt amazing. I wasn’t gasping for air or hating every second of it. It was… enjoyable. Who knew?
From there, I started experimenting. I tried dance workouts in my living room (hilariously awkward, but so fun), pilates (which made me realize I have zero core strength), and even weightlifting (turns out, I’m stronger than I thought). The key was to keep it fun and low-pressure. I stopped worrying about burning calories or hitting some arbitrary goal. Instead, I focused on how it made me feel. And let me tell you, the mental boost was unreal.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: motivation. Or rather, the lack of it. I used to think I was just lazy, but the truth is, motivation is a myth. It’s not some magical force that suddenly makes you want to work out. It’s about creating habits. And habits take time. I started small—just committing to 10 minutes a day, no matter what. Some days, that’s all I did. Other days, I’d get into the groove and keep going. The point is, I showed up. And over time, it became second nature.
Another game-changer for me was ditching the all-or-nothing mindset. I used to think if I missed a workout, I’d ruined everything. But life happens. Some days, you’re just too tired, too busy, or too stressed. And that’s okay. Fitness isn’t a punishment; it’s a gift you give yourself. So, if you miss a day (or a week), just start again. No guilt, no shame.
One thing I’ve learned is that fitness isn’t just about your body—it’s about your mind, too. I started incorporating mindfulness into my routine, whether it was a few minutes of deep breathing after a workout or just taking a moment to appreciate how far I’d come. It’s amazing how much of a difference it makes.
So, where am I now? I’m not a fitness model, and I’m not running marathons (yet). But I’m stronger, healthier, and happier than I’ve ever been. I’ve found a routine that works for me, and I’m actually enjoying it. Who would’ve thought?
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this, it’s this: fitness is for everyone, but it’s not the same for everyone. Find what makes you feel good, and stick with it. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.
And hey, if I can go from couch potato to confident, so can you. Trust me, if I can do it, anyone can. 💪