Rediscovering My Fitness Journey After Years of Team Sports

Fitness has always been a part of my life, but for a while, it felt like I had completely lost my way. Growing up, I played competitive hockey for 13 years. I loved everything about it—the team spirit, the energy, and having something to work toward. But when I stopped playing, I felt lost. Without that structure and motivation, I didn’t know how to stay active. 

I tried going to the gym, but it just didn’t click for me. Half the battle was getting there, and once I did, I’d feel out of place and overwhelmed. I had no idea what workouts to do, and honestly, it was so easy to just cut it short and leave. I felt stuck in this cycle of starting and stopping, and I wasn’t seeing any progress. 

Things changed when I moved to a new city. I didn’t know many people and wanted to find a way to stay active while also meeting others. That’s when I decided to join a group fitness studio. Signing up felt like a leap, but looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. 

At first, it was all about getting my money’s worth. I signed up for an unlimited membership and promised myself I’d go as much as possible. But what started as a commitment quickly became something I genuinely looked forward to. Group classes gave me the structure I’d been missing, and the energy in the room was contagious. Even on the hardest days, the accountability kept me showing up. 

One thing that really helped me stay consistent was the studio’s cancellation policy. If you cancel less than four hours before class, you’re charged a fee. That little rule worked wonders for me. Even on days when I felt like skipping, I didn’t want to get charged, so I’d drag myself there anyway. And every single time, I’d leave class feeling so glad I went. 

The workouts became more than just exercise. They turned into my escape—a time to clear my head and focus on myself. During class, I wasn’t worrying about anything else. I was just following the instructor and pushing myself. Slowly but surely, I started to feel stronger and more confident. 

The sense of community I’ve found has been a huge bonus. The people, the friendships, and the shared motivation have made all the difference. Now, I don’t go to class because I feel like I have to; I go because I want to. It’s my time to recharge and reconnect with myself. 

If you’re struggling to find your fitness rhythm, I can’t recommend group classes enough. They’ve completely changed the way I think about working out. It’s not about being perfect or hitting every goal right away; it’s about showing up and taking it one step at a time. 

This January, as part of our #PathToProgress campaign, I’m celebrating how far I’ve come—and looking forward to where this journey will take me next. If you’re ready to start or restart your fitness journey, know that progress isn’t always linear, but every step forward counts. Here’s to finding what works for you and making this year your best one yet. 

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.