Starting a fitness journey after taking time off can feel intimidating, but I’m here to share that it’s possible—and absolutely worth it. My first 30 days back at fitness have been a mix of small wins, real struggles, and plenty of lessons. Whether you’re just starting or getting back into it, I hope my experience inspires you to take that first step.
Why I Decided to Get Back into Fitness
Like many of us, life got busy. Between managing a household, work, and everything in between, my health took a backseat. But as I turned 40, I realized I needed to prioritize myself again—not just for my physical health but for my mental well-being, too.
Wins: Small Victories Worth Celebrating
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Showing Up Consistently: I committed to working out 3-4 times a week. Some days were short, 15-minute sessions, but showing up consistently felt like a big win.
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Feeling Stronger: By week two, I noticed I could do more—holding a plank for 10 seconds longer, lifting slightly heavier weights, or running just a bit farther.
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Better Energy Levels: It’s true what they say: exercise gives you energy! I felt more productive and less sluggish by the end of the day.
Struggles: What I Found Tough
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Starting Slow: I’m naturally impatient, and it was hard to accept that I couldn’t jump back into the fitness level I had years ago. I had to remind myself that progress takes time.
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Staying Motivated: Some days, I just didn’t feel like it. Life got in the way, or my muscles were sore. On those days, I focused on just moving—even if it was a light walk.
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Finding Balance: Balancing fitness with family and work responsibilities wasn’t easy. I learned to prioritize workouts early in the morning or during lunch breaks.
Lessons Learned
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Start Where You Are: It’s tempting to compare yourself to others or your past self. But progress starts by meeting yourself where you are today.
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The Right Gear Matters: Investing in a few key pieces of workout gear made all the difference. (More on that below!)
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Celebrate Small Wins: Every workout counts. Whether it’s an intense session or a light stretch, you’re one step closer to your goals.
Beginner-Friendly Workouts and Gear I’d Recommend
I began my journey in the middle of winter. I am not a cold weather person… I honestly think I have cold-induced asthma. The thing is, there is always an excuse, so I decided starting now was perfect. Here is what I did to make getting into the swing of things a little easier:
1. Started the IRON workout series by Carolyn Girvan. – The reason I love her workouts in this series is they are usually around 30-minutes long and there are 5 workouts a week that cover muscle building for your entire body. For the most part you only need dumbbells and glute band
Starting out doesn’t mean you need a ton of fancy equipment, but having the right tools can make a huge difference. Here are my go-to items that helped me get back into fitness:
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Comfortable Workout Clothes: I love these high-waisted leggings and this breathable t-shirt for staying comfortable during workouts.
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A Quality Yoga Mat: This non-slip yoga mat is perfect for stretching, planks, or bodyweight exercises.
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Resistance Bands: These versatile resistance bands are great for strength training at home.
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Supportive Running Shoes: If you’re starting cardio, a good pair of running shoes can prevent injuries and keep you comfortable.
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Dumbbells: I started with a light set like these adjustable dumbbells, which are perfect for beginners.
My Plan Moving Forward
As I move into the next month of my journey, I’m focusing on:
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Setting small, achievable goals (like running a mile without stopping).
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Adding more variety to my workouts to stay motivated.
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Continuing to celebrate every bit of progress.
If you’re thinking about starting (or restarting) your fitness journey, I encourage you to start small and just begin. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up for yourself—one day at a time.
Have questions or want to share your own journey? Drop a comment below! Let’s motivate each other to keep moving forward. 