Do you want to do better for yourself, but have no clue where to start? I found myself struggling with the same issue for years. The easiest, yet most obnoxious answer is to just get up and do something. “Great, thanks so much for that” (insert eye roll). Clearly we already know that much, what we are looking for is advice on WHAT or HOW to do it. Sadly, for those of us who aren’t self starters, or have discipline burned into our soulbones, knowing how to start is the problem. Maybe you live a busy life, and don’t have time, or you’re a single parent and don’t have adequate support right now. Or maybe, you have never incorporated fitness into your life, and find it hard to want to start now (although you know you should). Something important to note before you decide to keep reading: I cannot make you do something you don’t want to do. I cannot (and will not) food shame, or exercise shame. I believe that doing something is better than nothing. Can’t make it to the gym? YouTube a home workout (I LOVE Yoga with Adriene). Can’t do a whole workout? Go for a run. Hate running? Jog. Walk. Stretch. Just move your body! 

When you don’t know where or how to start, anything is better than nothing. Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive further. For me, I freaking THRIVE with early (very early) morning workouts. This way, I know no matter what the day brings, at least I got my workout in. I may be dragging ass by 8pm, but that ass was up at 0400 and PUT. IN. WORK (insert flexing arm emoji). Find a time that works for you. Hate getting up early? Work around it. Get in a brisk walk on a lunch break. Go after work, but before you get home (I know how tempting it is to stay sitting down once you are home). No childcare at your gym? Home workouts are a blessing (did I mention how I love Yoga with Adriene?) Walk / jog / run (dealers choice) around your neighborhood. Dumbbells intimidate you? Opt for resistance bands, or hell, use your own body weight! You can get a GREAT workout in with almost anything! During Covid, I used my actual stairs in lieu of a stair climber. I bought resistance bands and Googled ways to use them effectively.

But what if I just don’t want to start? Well, I can’t make you start. But I can tell you that I am a raging bitch on days I don’t workout in the mornings. After years of gymming, the biggest flex I have is mental clarity. I wouldn’t trade not feeling like angry ants are crawling up and down my legs for the world. When my husband and I first started dating, it caught him off guard that even on weekends, I would hop out of bed and not talk to anyone until after my workout. Now we’ve been together 10 years, he has grown to appreciate my self care. He knows it’s good for ALL of us. So at some point, you have to take ownership of yourself. Nobody is going to make you workout, just like nobody is making you sit on the couch and watch TV all night. It is literally all on you. I suggest finding a dope ass soundtrack (cough, Encanto, cough) and get moving!