The Commitment
For a long time, the idea of going to the gym felt intimidating. I felt like everyone already knew what they were doing, and many people had the kind of physiques I thought I needed to achieve to belong there. The idea of being the one without experience or visible progress felt discouraging. But one day, my best friend and I made a spontaneous decision to get gym memberships. We had no plan, no previous gym experience—just time and the determination to follow through. We committed to going four days a week, figuring things out along the way.
Aesthetics? or Health?
At first, I thought my goal was to change my body for aesthetic reasons. But as I started my fitness journey, I quickly realized that what I truly wanted was to be a well-rounded, healthy person. The more I worked out, the more I understood the importance of fueling my body properly. I made gradual changes to my diet, swapping regular milk for oat milk and replacing junk food with healthier snacks like yogurt and fruit. Eventually, I began cooking more complex, nutritious meals like “Marry Me Chicken,” Mongolian beef bowls, and lemon orzo, discovering that healthy eating could be flavorful and enjoyable.
The Lesson
Over six months, my life looked completely different. What had kept me from going to the gym for so long was the belief that everything needed to change all at once. But I realized that it was the small, consistent changes—both in the gym and in my diet—that came together to create lasting results. A lesson that can transcend to other facets of life as well.
Now, my motivation comes from a desire to maintain overall health, rather than a focus on looks. Whether it’s lifting weights, going for a run, or experimenting with new recipes, I’ve learned to enjoy all aspects of health.
This journey has taught me to value my physical, mental, and emotional well-being in equal measure. True health isn’t just about appearance; it’s about building a life where you feel good from the inside out.
