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Transforming from Unmotivated to Moderately Fit and Feeling Great

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As defined by Urban Dictionary, "fit(ish)" refers to someone who is semi-fit—a person who appreciates the concept of fitness but also enjoys indulging in food. Essentially, it's about wanting to be fit while relishing all your favorite dishes.

Isn't it a common desire to have the freedom to savor delicious food while maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

Throughout my two-year fitness journey, I've discovered that it’s indeed possible to be both active and enjoy a variety of foods in moderation, without feeling deprived. It's crucial to cultivate a healthy relationship with food, just as we strive to do with other aspects of our lives.

Fitness isn’t about competing with others; it’s about improving yourself.

While I don’t claim to be a fitness expert, I feel compelled to share my personal journey and the transformation I've experienced. Like many, I've faced ups and downs, fluctuations in weight, and valuable lessons learned. Each person's path is unique, and this is mine.

A couple of years ago, I made a conscious decision to enhance my fitness routine. I realized that understanding my body better was essential in achieving my fitness ambitions.

Years ago, when I first stepped into a gym, I felt completely lost. However, over time, I gradually figured things out, thanks to supportive individuals who guided me with equipment and workout techniques.

Establish a workout regimen—even if it’s just for 15 minutes.

I developed a simple routine to jumpstart my gym workouts, beginning with 15 minutes on the treadmill—the most challenging quarter-hour of my day, as I just wanted it to end quickly.

After that, I’d shift to a yoga mat for stretching, core exercises, and some weight training. Typically, I aimed for full-body workouts five to six days a week.

When the pandemic hit and remote work became necessary in March 2020, I needed to keep my fitness routine alive. With gyms closing, I turned to the SWEAT APP, which I had joined in 2019, supplementing it with my existing gym routine.

How do you stay motivated?

The real challenge was finding motivation to work out daily while being homebound, often glued to my couch and laptop.

Indulging in Netflix binges, sipping coffee, or devouring that tempting tub of ice cream in the fridge all provide instant gratification, which can be hard to resist.

To stay motivated, I crafted a workout schedule and adhered to it until it became second nature. After nearly 18 months, I now feel stronger, more motivated, and genuinely happy. So, what transformed in that time? Let’s delve into it.

I began to appreciate my workout routine.

After 18 months of consistent effort, I've come to enjoy my workouts—even the ones I initially disliked. Push-ups and burpees have become sources of joy, and I’m improving my form and posture with new exercise variations.

If you’re unsure where to start, consider a simple walk, a light jog, or cycling in your neighborhood or a local park. The aim is to keep your body moving.

If going outside isn’t feasible, you can initiate light cardio, stretching, or core workouts at home—like planks, jumping jacks, squats, and lunges. These exercises require minimal equipment, just a yoga mat. Set a timer for 30 seconds and see how many repetitions you can manage.

I learned the value of patience.

I’ve come to understand that results don’t manifest overnight or even within a week. While outcomes are undeniably important, I’ve started to trust my routine and the dedication I invest daily.

Now, I can see tangible improvements in my physical health and overall well-being, both mentally and emotionally. Ultimately, patience and perseverance are essential.

Be gentle and compassionate with yourself. If something doesn’t resonate with you, change it. Trust the journey, and you’ll reach your destination, I assure you.

I want to clarify that my intention in sharing this isn’t to seek validation; it actually brings me a bit of anxiety to be so open and vulnerable.

Now, when I look in the mirror, I feel a sense of peace. At this point, my focus is on embracing self-love and appreciating my body. I’ve put in significant effort to reach this stage and will continue to prioritize fitness and healthy eating.

To anyone striving to lose or gain weight, remember that you are remarkable, beautiful, and capable of transforming your habits to lead a healthier, happier life.

My fitness journey is an ongoing saga. Our bodies evolve daily, and committing to a healthy lifestyle is a lifelong endeavor. It’s about discovering what works for you at any given moment and what brings you joy.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my fitness journey as much as I enjoyed sharing it.

Embrace the process of taking care of yourself.

Cultivate a love for becoming the best version of yourself—be patient, compassionate, and respectful toward your own journey.

Be Bold Be Courageous Be Your Best

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