Finding My Rhythm Again
I've always had a relationship with fitness, but like many of you, I've gone through phases where consistency wasn't my strong suit. Six months ago, I decided to recommit to a routine that would serve not just my body, but my mind and spirit as well.
My weekly workout schedule now looks like this:
4 days of strength training: focused on building lean muscle and strength
1 dedicated leg day (hello, squats and lunges!)
Back and arms sessions to build upper body definition
1 day of pure cardio: a full hour to get my heart pumping and endorphins flowing
2 days of rest: because recovery is where the magic happens!
What's been different this time around is my unwavering consistency. Rain or shine, good mood or bad, I show up for myself—and that commitment has made all the difference.
Nourishing My Body
Transformation isn't just about what happens in the gym. I've been intentional about hydration, drinking water consistently throughout the day. My water bottle has become my constant companion!
I've also been diligent about taking my vitamins daily:
Vitamin D for immune support and mood enhancement
B-complex for energy and metabolism
Magnesium for muscle recovery and sleep quality
Omega-3s for inflammation reduction and heart health
A high-quality probiotic for gut health
These supplements aren't magic pills, but they've helped fill nutritional gaps and support my body through intense training periods.
Prioritizing Rest and Recovery
Perhaps the most transformative aspect of these six months has been my dedication to quality sleep. I've created a bedtime routine that signals to my body it's time to wind down, and I protect my sleep hours fiercely. The difference in my energy levels, mood, and even workout performance has been remarkable.
When possible, I take my movement outdoors—whether it's a trail walk, outdoor yoga, or simply stretching in the sunshine. There's something uniquely healing about connecting with nature while moving your body.
5 Keys to Staying Consistent on Your Wellness Journey
For those of you looking to embark on or recommit to your own transformation, here are five strategies that have helped me stay the course:
Start with your 'why' – Get crystal clear on your deeper motivation. Looking good is great, but feeling strong, capable, and mentally clear has been my true driving force.
Build systems, not just goals – Rather than focusing solely on outcomes (like a number on the scale), create daily systems that make showing up inevitable. My morning routine sets me up for success before temptation or fatigue can derail me.
Track your non-scale victories – Celebrate when you increase your weights, when your energy lasts all day, when you handle stress more gracefully, or when you sleep through the night. These wins keep you motivated when physical changes seem slow.
Find accountability that works for you – Whether it's a workout buddy, a coach, or simply sharing your journey (like I'm doing now!), external accountability helps during those inevitable motivation dips.
Practice self-compassion – This journey hasn't been perfect. There have been missed workouts, less-than-ideal food choices, and days when my energy was low. Learning to navigate these moments without harsh self-judgment has been key to staying consistent long-term.
The Isolation Factor
This period of relative isolation has been both challenging and transformative. Without the usual social distractions and obligations, I've had space to truly listen to my body's needs and establish routines without compromise. While I miss certain aspects of my previous social life, this focused time has allowed me to build habits strong enough to withstand the return to a busier schedule.
Remember, beauties—transformation isn't linear, and it isn't just physical. The mental clarity, emotional stability, and sense of accomplishment that come from honoring your commitments to yourself are the true rewards of this journey.
I'd love to hear about your wellness journeys in the comments below! What helps you stay consistent? What challenges have you overcome?
With love and strength, Rachel V
