Let’s face it—starting a fitness journey is so much easier in your head. You imagineyourself crushing workouts, flaunting toned arms, and glowing with energy. But when
Monday finally rolls around, the couch suddenly becomes your best friend.
I’ve been there. I can’t even count the number of times I told myself, “Next week, I’ll
start for real.” But here’s the truth I learned the hard way: the key isn’t starting big; it’s
starting small, staying consistent, and finding what truly works for you.
So, if you’ve been stuck in the cycle of “I’ll start next week,” let me share how I finally
turned “Monday, I’ll Start” into “I Did It Today.”

I Stopped Trying to Be an Expert—I Hired One
When I first started, the endless fitness options felt overwhelming. Should I lift weights?
Do yoga? Try HIIT? I was so paralyzed by choices that I didn’t even start.
That’s when I decided to hire a personal trainer. And let me tell you, it wasn’t a quick fix.
I spent six months interviewing trainers before I met Bruce, the one who truly
understood me and my goals.
How You Can Start Small:
• Find Someone to Guide You: You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. If
hiring a trainer isn’t an option, start with free workout videos or a fitness app.
• Trust the Process: Bruce began with workouts that felt so simple I wondered if
they’d make any difference. But they built the foundation I needed for long-term
success.
Quick Tip: Start with just three workouts a week. Don’t aim for perfection—consistency
is more important than going hard for one week and burning out the next.
"Sometimes, the best thing you can do is let someone else take the lead. Trust the
process, even when it feels slow."

I Made Movement Non-Negotiable (Even on Lazy Days)

Here’s the thing: I don’t always feel like working out. Shocking, right? But I stopped
giving myself the option of skipping movement altogether.
On my laziest days, I don’t push for an intense session. Instead, I head to the West
Orange Trail for a long walk. This 20-mile trail has incredible views, and I usually aim for
4 miles. It’s one of my favorite ways to stay active without pressure.
How You Can Start Small:
• Create a ‘Lazy Day’ Plan: Not every workout needs to be intense. Have a go-to
activity for low-energy days, like walking, stretching, or dancing in your living
room.
• Schedule It Like a Meeting: Treat your workouts like appointments you can’t
cancel. Show up for yourself.
Quick Tip: Find a spot you love for your “lazy day” workouts, like a scenic trail, a quiet
park, or even a cozy corner at home with a yoga mat.
"Movement doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to happen."

I Stopped Fighting Food—I Made Peace With Itt

Years ago, I made one big mistake: I thought I could outwork a bad diet. Spoiler alert—I
couldn’t. Even though I exercised regularly, I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted
because I was out-eating my workouts.
This time, I changed my relationship with food. Instead of treating it like the enemy, I
started seeing it as fuel. I experimented with recipes and focused on making small,
sustainable changes.

How You Can Start Small:
• Make One Food Swap a Day: Replace soda with water or swap chips for
crunchy veggies. Small changes add up.
• Find Healthy Meals You Love: Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. Try
new recipes, play with spices, and enjoy the process.
Quick Tip: Don’t try to overhaul your entire diet overnight. Focus on one habit at a
time—like drinking more water—and build from there.
"Food isn’t your enemy. Learn to enjoy it, understand it, and let it work for you."
Final Thoughts: One Step at a Time
If you take away just one thing, let it be this: you don’t have to be perfect—you just have
to start.
• Get help when you need it.
• Make movement a daily ritual.
• Stop fighting food and make it your ally.
And most importantly, don’t wait for Monday or motivation to strike. Take one small step
today, and celebrate it. Every little effort moves you closer to your goals.
So, tell me—what’s one small thing you’re going to do for your health today? Drop it in
the comments—I’d love to cheer you on!
You’ve got this.