Sharing My Fitness Journey

A Tale of Sweat, Setbacks, and Small Wins

Let me start by saying this: I’m not one of those people who “figured out fitness.” Nope, not even close. I’m still in the early chapters of “Gaining My Life Back: The Fitness Edition”. It’s messy, full of trial and error, and let’s be honest—some days, it’s just me in leggings I probably should’ve washed last week, trying to figure out how many squats are too many.

But we all start somewhere, right?

A Lifetime of Movement… and Frustration

My fitness journey started young. I’ve always loved being active—whether it was swimming, tennis, basketball, badminton, or ballroom dancing (yes, medals and everything). If it got me moving, I was into it.

But here’s the kicker: while I was probably one of the most active kids in my class, I was also constantly told I was overweight. So began the endless cycle of hospital visits, nutritionist appointments, and weight-loss courses. I followed every plan, ticked every box, and still… nothing.

I’ll never forget the turning point no so many years ago. I was on an 11-week course through my doctor when the instructor asked me a question that no one had before: “Have you ever been tested for PCOS or hyperthyroidism?” He’d noticed I was trying harder than anyone else in the group but was the only one not seeing any progress.

Long story short, I got tested and—surprise—I had PCOS. Suddenly, so much made sense. My body wasn’t just being stubborn for fun; it was dealing with a condition that made weight loss an uphill battle.

Fitness Rewritten: Learning to Love Movement Again

These days, I’m rewriting what fitness means to me. It’s no longer about chasing a number on a scale or feeling like I’m falling short of someone else’s expectations. It’s about how I feel.

And let me tell you, feeling good doesn’t always come easily. Some days, it’s a victory just to get out of bed and stretch for five minutes. Other days, I’m at the gym, awkwardly navigating the weights section (spoiler: it’s not as scary as it looks). I even dance around my apartment to the Just Dance app like I’m auditioning for a role in a very enthusiastic musical.

The key for me has been starting small. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator? Win. Turning on a YouTube workout for 10 minutes? Win. Moving, even if it’s just a little, feels like reclaiming a piece of my life.

The Struggles Are Real (and So Are the Wins)

Let’s be honest—staying consistent is hard. Life loves to get in the way. Between health flare-ups, work stress, and moving to a whole new country, my routine has been interrupted more times than I can count. And I’ll admit, if my gym buddy cancels, chances are high I’ll cancel too.

But I’m learning to adapt. Instead of writing “WORKOUT” on my to-do list (cue instant pressure), I write “movement.” It’s a tiny change, but it makes all the difference.

And you know what? The wins are worth celebrating. Recently, I upped the weights in my gym routine for the first time. It might seem small, but for me, it was huge—a reminder that progress is still progress, even if it’s slow.

Fitness Isn’t Just Physical

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that fitness isn’t just about your body—it’s about your mind. For me, movement is self-care. It’s the thing that calms my racing thoughts, makes me feel accomplished, and reminds me that I’m in control, even when life feels chaotic.

PCOS still makes things challenging. Physical changes from exercise can take forever to show up (if they show up at all). But I’ve stopped focusing on the mirror and started focusing on how I feel. When I move my body, I feel happier, more focused, and a little bit stronger. That’s the real win.

Still Learning, Still Adapting

I’m not here to tell you I’ve got it all figured out, because I don’t. I’m still in the beginning of this journey, still learning what works for me, and still adapting to all the curveballs life throws my way.

Right now, I’m putting fitness on hold for a few weeks while I travel back to England. My gym membership is paused (because budgeting is a thing), but I’m planning to stay active while I’m home. It’s not perfect, but I’ve learned that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.

My Advice for Anyone Starting Out

If you’re just beginning your fitness journey, here’s what I’ll say:

Start small. Don’t try to do everything at once. Take the stairs, dance in your living room, or do a 5-minute stretch. It all counts.
Focus on what you enjoy. Hate running? Don’t do it! Find movement that makes you smile, whether that’s yoga, swimming, or just walking around your neighborhood.
Celebrate every win. Did you show up? Amazing. Did you try something new? Even better. Progress is progress, no matter how small.

Your Turn: Let’s Inspire Each Other

What’s your fitness story? Are you just starting out, or are you finding your way back like I am? Share your wins, your struggles, and your tips—I’d love to hear from you! Let’s remind each other that fitness is a journey, not a destination.