I’m now in week four of my personal health project, and something curious has happened: I’ve actually stuck to it with ease.
The muscle surely remembers.
In my week one post, I made a promise to make my self my priority. And I have.
I’ve kept things simple, and as it turns out, less is more! The sun acts as an alarm clock, my body and mind sync up within minutes, and I’m out the door for my weight training before I have time to overthink it.
Just like that.
For me, listening to an audiobook or podcast on the way to the gym helps. I go for something light like a comedy, a breezy interview, anything that gently wakes your mind while your body follows.
Pilates Pain, Sweet Gain
Pilates is also back in my weekly routine – I now to 20-minute sessions at home.
Pilates is brutal. Sometimes it’s harder than an hour of heavy lifting. My core is trembling, my posture is protesting, and I’m thrilled about it.
I play a random “Ibiza chill” playlist low in the background to keep the vibe lifted. If you’re brand new to Pilates, skip the music altogether as you’ll need to hear the cues clearly, like learning to drive. Music comes later, once you have your rhythm.
The Love of My Life: Food
As I said in week one, I won’t be cutting out the foods I love. If I cut out croissants on Monday, I would have squashed six together, eating them like a panini on Wednesday. Maybe even an entire nduja burrata pizza from my favourite local.
So instead of restriction, I’m building structure that adds what I need, rather than stripping joy away.
Here are two health hacks I’ve discovered:
A spoon of psyllium husk powder and chia seeds in my pre-workout drink. It keeps me full during those early mornings at the gym.
Protein ice cream: I don’t like drinking protein shakes, so I mix my favourite protein powder into full-fat Greek yoghurt, and freeze it for an hour. Now, I’m having ice cream for breakfast and calling it wellness.
You’re welcome.
Gentle Reminders for the Week
As I ease into week four, I routinely remind myself this is a marathon, not a race:
Stick to the plan, not the urge to add “just one more thing.”
It’s said it takes 21 days to make a habit – but first, I need to try.
Simple doesn’t mean easy. Life happens, schedules get messy, hormones fluctuate. Some mornings, Law & Order reruns seem more healing than a deadlift. That doesn’t mean I’ve failed.
And if a gorgeous date runs a little longer, and I don’t hit my personal best at Virgin Active the next morning, I’ll live. Life is about balance.
Looking Ahead
So here’s to another week of showing up, laughing at the hard bits, stretching through the soreness, and letting the sun carry me forward.
How’s your week going?
Have I tempted you to build a new habit? Maybe even revisit one of your old ones?
Let’s keep going. Slowly. Kindly. With feeling.
Ciao for now,
– S x