If you’re wondering how to start your fitness journey or looking for real-life fitness transformation stories, you’re in the right place. My journey with health and fitness hasn’t always been perfect — but it’s been real, and it’s changed my life in more ways than I ever imagined.
Growing Up Active, But Not Consistent
I’ve always been involved in sports. From a young age, movement was a part of my daily life — practices, games, and the camaraderie of being part of a team. But when I got to college, things shifted. I still went to the gym here and there, but I didn’t have a consistent gym routine. Like many people starting their fitness journey, I struggled with motivation and discipline.
Summer 2023: When I Got Serious About My Fitness Goals (Even If I Didn’t Know What They Were Yet)
It wasn’t until the summer of 2023 that things really started to shift for me. I finally found consistency and discipline with my workouts and committed to showing up for myself. I began following a beginner gym routine with a focus on strength training, and slowly but surely, I started seeing real results. My energy improved, my mood lifted, and I started to feel more connected to my body.
But here’s the thing — when I first started taking fitness seriously, I didn’t have any big goals in mind. I wasn’t chasing a specific number on the scale, prepping for a competition, or even following a strict plan. I just knew I wanted to move my body, feel good, and maybe look good while doing it. I wanted to be active. That was enough.
You don’t need to have it all figured out when you start. You can begin without knowing where it’s going to take you. Your “why” can grow and evolve as you do. If you ask me now, two years later, I’d say my goals have become clearer: I want to build a long-term, healthy habit that makes me feel strong, confident, and energized. I love having a hobby that challenges me, keeps me grounded, and is just for me.
But even that answer might change again in another two years — and that’s the beauty of it. Your fitness journey is yours. It doesn’t need to be perfect or predictable — it just needs to start.
2024: The Year I Took My Health Seriously
In January of 2024, I found out I had multiple food allergies — including variations of eggs, corn, some nuts, and peas. That diagnosis was a huge turning point in my health journey. Up until that point, I had always loved food and ate pretty freely, without thinking too much about what was in anything. But suddenly, I had to read every label, check every ingredient, and start asking questions about what I was putting in my body.
Surprisingly, that challenge sparked an entirely new interest in my life: food and nutrition. I went from eating whatever sounded good in the moment to truly learning about what different foods do for us — both the good and the bad. I started understanding how certain ingredients affect our digestion, inflammation, energy levels, and even our mood.
Rather than tracking calories, I’ve focused on tracking my protein and fiber intake. These two macronutrients have become my key priorities because they help me stay full, energized, and supported in my workouts. I’ve never been one to count every calorie, but by focusing on the quality of what I eat and ensuring I hit my protein and fiber goals, I’ve been able to nourish my body while avoiding the foods I’m allergic to. This approach has really helped me feel more in control of my health, without stressing over every little detail.
My journey quickly became so much more than just working out. It turned into a full mind-body transformation. I realized that fitness isn’t just about the gym — it’s also about fueling your body with the right things to feel good from the inside out.
My Weekly Fitness Routine
Now that I’m in a groove, my weekly fitness routine looks like this:
- Three strength training days:
- Day 1: Back & Biceps
- Day 2: Chest & Triceps
- Day 3: Legs & Shoulders
- Two cardio days to improve heart health and endurance
- 10,000 steps every single day to stay active and burn extra calories
- Two rest days on weekends — because recovery is just as important as training
But let me be super clear about something: you don’t have to do it all to make progress.
If all you can manage right now is hitting 10,000 steps a day — that is amazing. If you can only get to the gym once or twice a week — that’s still a win. Every little bit counts. Just because you can’t do everything doesn’t mean what you are doing isn’t enough. Consistency comes in many forms, and sometimes the “small” habits are the ones that create the biggest change over time.
There are weeks when I don’t hit every workout. There are days when my motivation is low, I feel off, or life is just life-ing. And you know what? That’s okay. It’s healthy to take breaks, to listen to your body, and to rest when you need it. Rest isn’t weakness — it’s part of the process. The key is to keep coming back to your goals when you’re ready. Progress isn’t linear, and it doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
Starting Your Fitness Journey Can Be Scary — But It’s So Worth It
Let’s be real — starting your fitness journey can feel intimidating. Whether you’re stepping into a gym for the first time, learning how to eat healthier, or just trying to get back on track, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.
But here’s the truth: one of the best things you can do for your body is to start. You don’t need to be perfect — you just need to be consistent. Small, daily habits lead to big results.
Since getting serious about my health and fitness, my body has changed, my mindset has evolved, and I’ve gained a deeper sense of confidence. I no longer doubt what I’m capable of. I feel strong, grounded, and empowered every single day — and that’s a feeling I want everyone to experience.
Here’s Another Before & After — A Reminder That Real Progress Takes Time
Here is another before and after to show you that progress is real, but it’s also a process. It’s not easy, and it’s definitely not fast. The results you’re working toward won’t happen in a week or even a month — but over time, with consistency and effort, your body will change, and so will your mindset.
The first photo was taken on December 2, 2022, and the second on December 6, 2024. These photos are more than just a snapshot of aesthetics — they’re proof of commitment. Of showing up when it’s hard. Of choosing movement, even when you’re tired. Of nourishing your body even when it feels easier to skip meals or fall back into old habits.
This is your reminder that you don’t need fast progress to be proud of your journey — because every step forward is a win.
Be Kind to Yourself
One thing I’ve learned throughout this journey is that progress takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight, and sometimes it takes longer than we’d like. But if we stay consistent, stay patient, and keep showing up for ourselves, the results will come — mentally, physically, and emotionally. The key is trusting the process and not giving up when it feels slow.
It’s also important to not be too hard on ourselves. We are our own worst critics — we see ourselves in ways no one else does. And especially as women, our bodies change every day. Hormones, stress, sleep, the cycle we’re in — it all plays a role. One day you might feel like Superwoman, crushing every set and walking out of the gym on top of the world. And the next day? It might feel like you’re starting from scratch. That’s normal. That’s part of the process, the growth, and the mental fortitude that fitness builds over time.
And here’s something else no one talks about enough: our bodies can look different depending on the time of day, the lighting, the clothes we’re wearing, whether we’re flexing or just relaxed. It can even come down to water retention or posture. So don’t let one moment in the mirror or one bad photo steal the pride you should have in yourself. The point is to never beat yourself down — and to always give yourself credit for the work you have been putting in and continue to put in.
Every step, every rep, every choice to move your body and fuel it well — it matters. You’re doing better than you think, and you deserve to recognize that.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about making healthy lifestyle changes or just looking for motivation to get started at the gym, know this: you can do it. Your fitness journey is personal, and it doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. Start slow, stay consistent, and focus on progress, not perfection.
Whether you’re lifting weights, walking 10k steps, or improving your nutrition — every step counts. The most important thing is to just begin.