Finding My Love for Fitness: A Journey from Exhaustion to Empowerment

Before I became a mom, the gym was the furthest thing from my mind. I was constantly overwhelmed and exhausted, caught in the whirlwind of life with no idea where to even start with fitness. I was busy all the time but never had the energy or motivation to make exercise a priority.

When I had kids, the exhaustion only intensified. I spent most of my time taking care of them, leaving little to no time for myself. I felt lost in the chaos, and my own health took a backseat. But one day, I realized something had to change. If I didn’t start taking care of myself, I wouldn’t have the energy to be the best mom I could be.

It was during one of those quiet moments, waiting for my 2-year-old to fall asleep so I could have just five minutes to myself, that I stumbled upon group fitness while scrolling Instagram. I came across @imjenlinton, a local fitness instructor who made 6:00 am group fitness look fun. I remember thinking, Who the _____ wakes up this early to workout!? But my impulse took over, and I signed up for my first class.

Showing up to the gym was tough, but showing up at 6:00 am was even harder. The energy, the support, and the sense of community kept me going, and before I knew it, I was actually looking forward to the gym. The group environment pushed me to challenge myself in ways I hadn’t before. Slowly but surely, I began to feel stronger, more energized, and more confident.

Through my newfound love for group fitness, I discovered a passion for running. What began as a way to stay fit turned into a personal challenge, and I started setting goals I never thought I could achieve. Now, running is more than just exercise—it’s a way for me to reclaim my time, clear my mind, and celebrate how far I’ve come.

Looking back, I never imagined fitness would become such an empowering part of my life. From feeling lost to discovering a new strength, it’s been an incredible journey—and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.

Your Path to Progress

January is a fresh start - a time to embrace small, meaningful changes that lead to lasting progress. True transformation happens through daily habits, not drastic, unattainable goals. Whether it’s meal prepping, taking a 10-minute walk on your lunch break, journaling to reflect on your day, adding an extra glass of water or protein to your routine, stretching for 5 minutes in the morning, or swapping one processed snack for a healthier option, every small step is part of your journey. Let’s focus on progress over perfection and build sustainable habits together this year! Slow and steady, wins your race.

Your path to progress is uniquely yours - celebrate the wins, big or small, and recognize the effort it takes to show up every day. We invite you to share your #PathToProgress with us for a chance to be featured in our January campaign. Submit your story, photos, or videos to info@leanfit.com, and each Friday in January 2025, one submission will be randomly selected to win a $100 LEANFIT e-gift card.