Okay, ladies, let’s get real for a second. How many of us have started a fitness journey only to feel like we’re just going through the motions? 🙋‍♀️ I’ve been there, done that, and honestly, it’s exhausting. But guess what? The moment I stopped following generic workout plans and started customizing my routine, everything changed. Like, everything. So, grab your matcha latte, cozy up, and let me spill the tea on how I made fitness work for me—and how you can too.
First off, let’s talk about why customization is a game-changer. I used to think that if I just followed the same workout plan as my favorite influencer, I’d magically get the same results. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. Why? Because my body, my lifestyle, and my goals are not the same as hers. It’s like trying to wear someone else’s shoes—they might look cute, but they’re probably not going to fit right.
So, I started by asking myself some hard questions. What do I actually enjoy doing? (Because if I hate it, I’m not going to stick with it.) What’s my schedule like? (No, I’m not waking up at 5 a.m. for a workout unless it’s absolutely necessary.) And most importantly, what are my goals? (Hint: It’s not just about looking good in a bikini.)
For me, I realized I love dancing. Like, give me a good playlist, and I’ll move for hours. So, I incorporated dance cardio into my routine. It doesn’t even feel like working out—it’s just me, my AirPods, and my living room turning into a mini dance floor. And guess what? I’m burning calories, improving my endurance, and having a blast. Win-win-win.
But it’s not just about the type of exercise. Timing matters too. I used to force myself to work out in the morning because “that’s when you’re supposed to.” But here’s the thing: I’m not a morning person. Like, at all. I’m groggy, I’m cranky, and I’m definitely not giving my best effort. So, I switched to evening workouts, and it’s been a total game-changer. I have more energy, I’m more focused, and I actually look forward to it.
Now, let’s talk about intensity. I used to think that if I wasn’t drenched in sweat and gasping for air, I wasn’t working hard enough. But here’s the truth: not every workout needs to be a full-on HIIT session. In fact, overdoing it can lead to burnout or even injury. I started incorporating lower-intensity workouts like yoga and Pilates, and my body has never felt better. I’m more flexible, my posture has improved, and I’m actually recovering faster between workouts.
And let’s not forget about nutrition. I used to follow these strict meal plans that left me feeling deprived and hangry. But then I realized that food is fuel, and it should be enjoyable. So, I started listening to my body and eating what makes me feel good. Some days, that’s a big, hearty salad. Other days, it’s a slice of pizza. And you know what? I’ve never felt more balanced.
One thing I’ve learned is that fitness is not one-size-fits-all. It’s about finding what works for you. And that might take some trial and error, and that’s okay. The important thing is to keep experimenting until you find your groove.
Oh, and let’s talk about accountability. I used to think I had to do everything on my own, but that’s just not true. I joined a fitness community (shoutout to my virtual workout buddies!), and it’s made such a difference. Having people to cheer you on, share tips, and just vibe with you is so motivating.
Lastly, let’s not forget the mental side of fitness. I used to be so hard on myself if I missed a workout or didn’t hit a certain goal. But I’ve learned to be kinder to myself. Progress isn’t linear, and it’s okay to have off days. What matters is that I’m showing up for myself, even if it’s just a little bit.
So, if you’re feeling stuck in your fitness journey, I encourage you to take a step back and reassess. What do you enjoy? What’s realistic for your lifestyle? And most importantly, what makes you feel good? Because at the end of the day, fitness isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good, inside and out.