My Fitness Journey: From "Impossible" to "Possible"

I want to share my fitness story: a story about overcoming self-doubt, embracing movement, and proving that it's truly never too late to start your fitness journey, or any journey for that matter.

 

Prefer to listen?

 

Believe it or not, I wasn't always the fitness enthusiast I am today. In fact, gym class was my least favorite subject in school. Running felt like torture, and let's not even mention sit-ups! I remember dragging my feet to class and feeling discouraged.

Fast forward to my 40s, and things hadn't changed much. Then, a friend invited me on a Wednesday morning run. I was hesitant – 5 kilometers seemed like an impossible feat! After each run, my hips were hurting – the kind of pain no one wants to feel.

One day at the gym, I saw a sign for "leg day" classes. Perfect, I thought! This was the turning point. For the first time, I learned proper form – how to run correctly, how to avoid injuries, and how to truly engage my muscles and use gravity to my advantage for movement.

Within three months, I ran my first half marathon, and six months later, I ran a full marathon!

This experience taught me two crucial lessons. First, it's never too late to start taking care of your body. Second, proper form is essential.

 

Why I Became a Fitness Trainer

You might be wondering, after my own struggles, why I became a fitness trainer at the age of 42? It's because I see so many people, just like my former self, who feel lost and discouraged, overwhelmed by injuries and the difficulty of coming back. Once they finally end up at the gym, they push themselves too hard, risk injuries, and ultimately give up, sometimes not coming back for years.

I want to help people move their bodies safely and effectively. I want to teach them proper posture and functional movement that translates into everyday life, not just the gym. That's why my fitness specialty is non-negotiable fitness: building a habit to move more, focusing on proper posture, and learning how your body moves functionally. Besides receiving a personal trainer certification, I have also obtained a corrective exercise certification.

 

My Fitness Routine

Even as a fitness professional, I understand the importance of variety and enjoyment. My routine includes a mix of activities:

• Functional movement classes: These classes focus on compound movements that engage multiple muscle groups and improve daily function. It's strength and resistance training in the form of strength yoga, HIIT, and metabolic routines. Check them out here.  
• Gentle fusion flows: This is a low-impact option that helps with flexibility and mindfulness. Check out this 10-minute gentle chair flow we recorded last week.
  • Warm-ups before workouts: They include dynamic stretches.
  • Cardio: Cardio is incorporated into our workout routines.
  • Stretching: Taking time to stretch is crucial for recovery and preventing injuries. Check out a class we recorded a while ago. 

Total of formal fitness time is 150 min a week of high to medium intensity. 

 

Fitness for Life

I'm not here to tell you that you need to become a marathon runner. Fitness is a lifelong journey, and it's about moving more, moving your body properly, finding activities you enjoy, and that make you feel good. Have fun with it!

 

Your Fitness Journey Starts Now

Remember, my own path wasn't always about perfect form or intense workouts – it began with simply moving more. The most important takeaway is this: it's never too late to start your active life. Find the activities you genuinely enjoy, embrace the power of formal fitness to build strength and vitality, and make movement a joyful part of your day.

If you have any questions or need to talk, connect with me. 

 

To your strength and power in body and mind,

Nadya

Your health, life, nutrition coach, personal trainer, author and wellness empowerment speaker.

P.S. Ready to dive deeper? Join my upcoming FREE training: "'Fitness That Fits' Creating Life you Love. The Training'." Whether you're a beginner, unsure where to start, or looking to level up your workouts, this is for you! Join the free (my anniversary gift) community here. Already a member? RSVP here.

P.P.S. Please share this message with someone who needs an inspiration.