I’ll be honest — some of what I’m about to say, you’ve probably heard before. And that’s okay. Sometimes the most powerful truths are the ones that apply to many people, in many different stages of life. But I’ll also share a few things you may not have heard — real tips that worked for me and could work for you, too.
Ever since I was a sophomore in high school, I dreamed of going to the gym and transforming my body. The problem? I had no idea what I was doing. Like most of us, I went in blind. I worked out for a few days, got really excited, but then… nothing. No results. No changes. So I quit.
That pattern repeated for years.
My mom is a beautiful, fit gym-lover who always encouraged me to build muscle. She’d tell me, “This will help you in the future.” But like most rebellious teens, I took everything she said and did the opposite. After that first failed gym attempt, I went years without setting foot in one again.
In college, the gym became a social trend, so I gave it another shot. Same story: excitement, confusion, no results, and then I gave up. Again.
It wasn’t until the pandemic — after I gained a significant amount of weight — that I finally got serious. But I made a big mistake: I tried to fix everything myself. I drastically cut calories and walked over 15,000 steps a day. And yes, I lost weight. A lot. But it wasn’t sustainable. I looked sick, felt worse, and gained it all back (plus more).
I hit rock bottom. I was uncomfortable in my body and out of alignment with myself.
Then, in January 2025, everything changed.
A new gym opened near my house and I decided to invest in a personal trainer. It was a financial commitment, but it gave me structure and accountability — two things I desperately needed. My trainer guided me through nutrition, exercise, and consistency. Having a professional map things out gave me the clarity I had always been missing.
Here’s exactly how I started seeing results:
1. Diet: Simple, Clean, and in a Deficit
I aimed for a 500-calorie deficit per day. This number may be different for you, but it worked for my personal goals. The biggest game-changer? Simplifying my meals.
- I swapped steak and meat alternatives for lean chicken breast.
- Broccoli became a staple — filling, low-calorie, and easy to prep. Also great for my digestion.
- Low-fat cottage cheese is now a daily must-have. It’s high in protein and super versatile.
- I eliminated rice and replaced it with seasoned potatoes — more volume, fewer calories.
- I stopped making elaborate dishes that took too long. Quick, satisfying meals kept me consistent.
2. Workouts: From Confused to Confident
In the beginning, I had no idea what I was doing. So I joined my gym’s HIIT classes. They were fast-paced, effective, and structured — exactly what I needed.
Over time, I trained with my coach once a week, learning how to properly use gym equipment and perfect my form. Today, I focus on heavy lifting and strength training, paired with 30 minutes on the Stairmaster (which burns more calories than the treadmill). I rarely do HIIT now — not because it’s bad, but because my focus is on building long-term strength.
3. Support: Say It Loud, Say It Proud
One of the most underrated fitness tips? Tell people your goals.
At home, I let my family know that I was following a strict eating plan. That way, when tempting food showed up (especially late at night when my willpower was weakest), they respected my boundaries. I wasn’t pressured, I wasn’t tempted — because I communicated clearly.
The same goes for my friends. I told them what I was working toward, and they checked in, supported me, and held me accountable. Building a mini support system made the journey feel less isolating — and way more doable.
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Stay Honest
I want to be clear — I’m still on my journey. I’m nowhere near my “dream body,” but that’s not the point. The point is: I’m consistent, I’m eating well, I’m showing up for myself, and I’ve never felt better.
I still have milk and sugar with my coffee, and I still enjoy a little piece of chocolate every now and then. I have a snack once in a while. The point is balance — and making positive decisions that I can sustain long term. — I’m still on my journey. I’m nowhere near my “dream body,” but that’s not the point. The point is: I’m consistent, I’m eating well, I’m showing up for myself, and I’ve never felt better. Everyone’s fitness journey looks different. Mine was filled with setbacks, confusion, and years of trial and error. But once I got clear, consistent, and connected to the why behind my goals — everything changed.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. If you’ve struggled like I did, know this: it’s not too late to start again, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Let’s glow up together!