I’ve always known exercise was important, but actually making it part of my daily life? That felt impossible. I used to to a lot of sports but that changed when I became pregnant. Then, there was always a reason not to do it: too busy, too tired, too cold outside, or just “I’ll start tomorrow” and just forgetting. But I wanted to change.What I didn’t expect was just how many phases I’d go through before it actually became a part of my routine. Here’s what I learned along the way:
Stage 1: The Battle to Begin
Starting was by far the hardest part. Every excuse in the book popped into my head. It was too easy to stay comfortable, to delay, to avoid the effort.
At this stage, I had to push myself with pure force of will. I set a strict rule: no skipping, no debating. I committed to getting out. But what mattered was that I started.
This my September 2024.
Stage 2: The Pain
Once I actually got moving, I discovered a new challenge: it hurt. My muscles ached, my stamina was nonexistent, and every step felt like a battle. This was when I most wanted to quit.
The soreness wasn’t just physical—it was mental, too. The only way through was discipline. I didn’t allow myself to miss a day. No matter how sore I was, I got up and did it.
This was the grind. The part where you don’t see progress, and you wonder why you’re even bothering. But I stuck to it. Because deep down, I knew this was the part that would break most people.
This was my September, October and November.
Stage 3: The Habit Forms
One day, I realized something strange—I wasn’t dreading my workout anymore. I wasn’t forcing myself out the door. I was just… doing it.
It had become a habit. The excuses stopped coming. My body was adjusting. I was still in pain everyday but it was just something I did, like brushing my teeth or making coffee in the morning. This stage felt like a victory because I knew I had passed the point where most people give up.
This was my December 2024, January 2025 and February.
February was the ski holiday – what I had been working up to. I was so proud not to ever feel my body get sore or tired.
Stage 4: The Joy
Then, the other day – the biggest surprise of all: I wanted to do it.
Exercise wasn’t just a task to check off anymore. It was fun. I looked forward to it. I started pushing myself, setting new goals, and actually enjoying the challenge.
I wanted more. Longer sessions, new activities, new challenges. What once felt impossible now felt like a privilege. Now every chance I get I’m doing something.
It’s now March 2025 – 6 months.
Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling to get started with daily exercise, know that it doesn’t stay this hard forever. The pain, the excuses, the mental battles—those are just early stages. Keep pushing. Keep going. One day, it won’t just be part of your routine—it will be something you love.