Things I Wish I Knew When I Started My Fitness Journey
Hi, friend! 🙋♀️
So, you’re thinking about starting your fitness journey, huh? Maybe you’re feeling like you don’t know where to begin or you're overwhelmed with all the conflicting advice out there. Trust me, I’ve been there.
When I first started getting into fitness, I had no idea what I was doing. I mean, we’ve all been there, right? I went from *“I’ll just do 30 crunches a day”* to *“Wait, am I supposed to lift weights?”* in the blink of an eye. 😅
Here are a few things I *wish* I knew back then:
1. Progress Isn’t Linear
Okay, hear me out. I used to think that every workout should feel like a major step forward. If I didn’t feel sore or see instant results, I’d assume I was doing something wrong. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t. Progress is up and down, just like life. Some days you’ll feel like a superhero, other days you might want to skip the gym altogether (and that’s okay).
2. Consistency > Perfection
Honestly? I used to be obsessed with perfecting every move and sticking to a rigid routine. But guess what? The best results come from just showing up, even on days when you're not feeling it. Consistency is where the magic happens — not in perfection.
3. Strength Comes in All Forms
I was so fixated on lifting heavy weights when I first started. I thought strength was all about how much you could squat or deadlift. But let me tell you: strength comes in many forms. Mental toughness, resilience, and flexibility are just as important as raw muscle. Don’t get caught up in just one definition of strength.
4. Nutrition Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
I remember the days of obsessively tracking every single calorie, wondering if I was eating too much or too little. But as I got more into my fitness routine, I realized that nutrition doesn’t have to be a math equation. Eat whole, nourishing foods that make you feel good. Don’t stress over every single meal. Your body knows what it needs!
5. Rest Is Just As Important as Training
Okay, confession time: I used to think that the harder I worked out, the faster I’d see results. *Wrong!* Rest and recovery are just as important as your workouts. Don’t be afraid to take a day off. Trust me, your body will thank you.
6. Listen to Your Body (Seriously!)
When you’re starting out, it’s easy to push yourself way too hard because you want to see results fast. But your body is smart. It knows when to slow down and when to push harder. Pay attention to how you feel. If something hurts (not the good workout kind of hurt, but the *bad* kind), listen and take a break. Injuries suck, and prevention is key!
7. Fitness Is a Lifestyle, Not a Short-Term Fix
My fitness journey isn’t a “quick fix” — and neither is yours. It's a lifestyle. It’s about taking small steps every day, not just for a few weeks, but for the long haul. So, be patient with yourself. It’s okay if you don’t have a six-pack tomorrow. Focus on becoming healthier, happier, and stronger — not just the number on the scale.
At the end of the day, fitness is a journey, not a destination. Take your time, have fun with it, and celebrate every victory, no matter how small. And if you need a little pep talk or a workout buddy, you know where to find me! 😊
Stay strong, stay positive, and remember: you’ve got this! 💪✨
