Fitness for Real Life: 5 Tips I've Learned on My Journey
The other morning, as I was getting ready to knock out my quick workout routine some simple push-ups and sit-ups, I started thinking about my fitness journey. As a busy parent with a full-time job and a YouTube channel to run, finding a sustainable and healthy approach to fitness hasn't always been easy. It's a journey, and along the way, I've learned a few key principles that have helped me cut through the noise and find what actually works.
If you're trying to balance a healthy lifestyle with the realities of a busy schedule, here are five real-talk tips that have made all the difference for me.
1. Set Goals That Fit Your Real Life
This is the most important starting point. We all see incredible transformations online, but you have to be honest with yourself about the time and energy you can realistically dedicate to fitness. I work full-time, I’m a parent, and I run this channel on the side. I understand I’m never going to be 200 pounds of straight ripped muscle, and that’s okay.
Be real with yourself. Look at your schedule, your responsibilities, and your body type, and set achievable goals that work within your lifestyle, not against it. Progress, not perfection, is the name of the game.
2. Tune Out the Unrealistic Influencer Hype
It is so easy to scroll through social media and start comparing yourself to fitness models and influencers. You have to remember: for many of these people, fitness is their full-time job. They work out multiple times a day and have extremely strict meal plans, sometimes even private chefs. Their lifestyle is not the average person's lifestyle.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to know that many of the body types you see online are not achieved naturally. They are often the result of plastic surgery or dangerous performance-enhancing drugs. Chasing an artificial ideal is not only impossible, but it can also be incredibly harmful to your long-term health. Your journey is yours alone, so focus on your own progress.
3. Keep It Natural—There Are No Shortcuts
This brings me to my next point: avoid the temptation of quick fixes. There is no magic pill, drink, or secret trick that will instantly give you the results you want. True health and fitness come from the time, energy, and dedication you put in.
At the end of the day, fitness is about more than just achieving a certain look; it’s about feeling good on the inside. When you focus on nourishing your body with good food and consistent effort, you build a foundation for long-term health that no magic pill could ever provide.
4. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Every one of us has natural strengths and areas that need more work. For example, I know my legs and my squatting game could use some serious improvement, so that’s going to be a key focus for me in the coming months.
Take stock of your own body. Maybe you have naturally strong shoulders but want to work on your core. By identifying your weaker areas, you can adjust your workouts to create a more balanced and well-rounded physique. It's about working smarter to level everything out.
5. Mix Things Up and Make It Fun
If you absolutely hate a certain exercise, you’re not going to stick with it. Don’t force yourself to do something you find miserable just because you heard it’s "the best" for a certain muscle group. There are always alternatives.
The key to consistency is finding activities that are enjoyable, challenging, and engaging. If you're tired of the treadmill, go for a run up a hill outside. If you find a certain lift boring, look for a different movement that targets the same muscles. When you’re having fun, working out stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like a part of your lifestyle you actually look forward to.
Your Journey, Your Rules
Ultimately, building a healthy lifestyle is a personal journey. It’s about finding a balance that makes you feel strong, confident, and happy, both inside and out. I hope these tips help you find a path that works for you and your busy life.
