From Couch to Consistency: A Busy Woman’s Fun Guide to Getting Active

Hey there!

If you’re here reading this, chances are you have some similarities with me. That means you’re probably constantly on the go, juggling work, family, and a million other things, leaving little time for yourself. Sound familiar? Isn’t that the life of every woman and mum today? Trust me, you’re not alone. I definitely still struggle to stay active amidst all the chaos. And that has been the excuse I gave myself in the first half of 2024 for why I simply didn’t “have time to exercise”. Well, last August, I gave myself a talking-to! I realised that my physical and mental health were not going to get better if I didn’t do something!

So I got my butt in gear, and in typical me fashion, I did too much, and set myself on a 100-day fitness challenge. Not only did I set this ridiculous goal for myself, I announced it on my Instagram stories to hold myself accountable. Somehow on day 12, I ran in the Puma Toronto Womens 10K race and around day 30, I broke my record for number of straight laps in the pool. In my second menstrual cycle, I had no cramps and my mental health? Far cry from what it used to be! Well, here we are. On day 50! Just done with the front half, I started to reflect (me fashion again) and I wanted to share with you the simple tips that helped me transition from inactive to active without feeling overwhelmed.

Let’s dive in!

Setting Realistic Goals

First things first: let’s talk about goals. It’s super important to set ones that actually fit into your busy life. Take a moment to think about your current situation and what you can realistically achieve. I knew that working out in the middle of the day was impossible for me. So leaving the goal as a daily one with no time pressure helped immensely. I made sure to leave timing flexible, as long as I did one workout in the day - whether morning or evening. This gave me more time during the day to tweak my schedule and find ways to make it work - like that late night walk while the boys are at basketball practice. By setting attainable goals, you’ll make steady progress and avoid that overwhelmed feeling that often comes from trying to do too much too fast. So you want to figure out some easy goals that can keep you on track!

Incorporating Exercise into Your Daily Routine

Now, this one is tricky but takes some intention. Finding ways to sneak in some exercise throughout your day is so important. Not every workout has to be at the gym or in a class. Multitasking is key! Instead of driving to work, how about walking or biking? Or maybe you can take the stairs instead of the elevator? A couple of times, I got off the train a few stops early so I could get my steps and those kilometres in. These little changes can help make staying active feel effortless. Plus, if you treat your workouts like appointments and actually schedule them into your calendar, you’ll be more likely to stick to them. Integrating movement into your daily life can make all the difference! And when the 100-day challenge is over, it’s so much easier to keep going when movement is a part of your life!

Making Healthy Food Choices

You kew I was gonna go there! Let’s not forget about nutrition. Eating well is a game-changer when it comes to supporting your active lifestyle. Fill your plate with fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Load up on healthy natural supplements and natural topical solutions like pure essential oils. These nutritious foods will not only fuel your workouts but also boost your energy throughout the day. Remember, what you eat really impacts how you feel and perform. Prioritizing healthy eating habits is a great way to enhance your well-being and help you hit those fitness goals.

Finding Support and Accountability

Let’s be real: staying motivated can be tough. That’s where finding support comes in! Whether it’s a fitness class, a workout buddy, or an online community, having people around you who share your goals can make a world of difference. For me, it has been all of the above. I have made some great friends through this journey and deepened older friendships too. My instagram community has kept me going too. And the messages I receive from people who have joined in on this challenge or worked out more because of my experience, keep me going. A support and accountability buddy will cheer you on, offer advice, and keep you accountable. Surrounding yourself with like-minded folks can turn your fitness journey into a fun, supportive experience.

Staying Consistent and Motivated

And finally, let’s talk about consistency. It’s all about sticking to your goals and keeping that motivation alive. Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight! And some days are hard! When you’re on holiday or away from home, or when you simply don’t feel like working out or have had a crazy day at work. Trust me, those are the days when your body and mind need it most! By staying true to your plan and finding your tribe, you’ll set yourself up for lasting success. So, keep pushing forward and remember that every little step counts.

What Next?

Well, for me, it’s the next 50 days until the challenge ends. What about you? Moving from inactive to active doesn’t have to be a huge challenge. Set a goal, make it a routine, add some support, eat well and before you know it, your small changes will lead to big results!

Let’s go!