The Day I Came Back to Strength

In June 2025, something small but quietly life-changing happened. I made a snap decision to rejoin the gym.

There was no grand plan. No vision board. No dramatic moment of clarity. It was almost impulsive - a now or never feeling that arrived without explanation. I remember standing there thinking I was mostly joining to use the sauna, a place to be warm, still and contained. At the time, that felt like enough.

What sat beneath that moment, though, was five years of gradual depletion. I used to be what you might call a gym bunny. Movement was part of my identity. Strength, stamina and physical confidence came naturally. But life, as it does, reshaped everything. A house move. A full refurbishment. Redundancy. The long shadow of Covid. Periods of chronic illness. Children. Work. Responsibility layered upon responsibility.

For years, all my energy went into keeping life functioning. Showing up. Holding it together. Doing what was necessary. There was no space left over for myself — not physically, emotionally, or energetically — largely because of exhaustion, pain, and chronic illness. Reiki and my therapeutic tools kept me going; they helped me function, regulate, and survive. They were a lifeline. And yet, alongside that gratitude, I knew I wanted to feel different. I understood that if I wanted my mindset to shift, something had to change physically too,  because motivation doesn’t come before action. It comes from doing.

For anyone living with chronic illness, persistent pain, or deep exhaustion, know that feeling depleted yet continuing to carry on is completely valid. Healing and reclaiming your strength rarely happen in a straight line or overnight. Instead, it’s a gentle, ongoing process of reconnecting with your body and mind at a pace that honours exactly where you are right now. Alongside movement, other pillars of wellbeing - such as staying hydrated, soaking up natural sunlight, breathing fresh air, spending time in nature, embracing colour, and nourishing yourself with whole, unprocessed foods - all play a vital role in supporting this gradual renewal. These small, consistent acts are profound expressions of self-care and compassion.

What I didn’t expect was what happened next. I thought I’d use the sauna and hot beds - warmth, rest, gentle recovery. But somehow, I found myself booking onto a Spin class. I didn’t know a soul. I felt exposed, out of place, and very aware of how long it had been since I’d done anything like this.

A very kind woman, someone I’ve never seen again, noticed my hesitation. She helped me set up the bike, explained what to do, and offered quiet, genuine encouragement. That small act of kindness mattered more than she’ll ever know.
That first class was hard. My legs burned. My breath felt unfamiliar. However the instructor was fun, the music fantastic and the time went so quick! Something lit up. I left exhausted yet proud, and completely hooked.

From there, things gently expanded. I tried aqua fit, then Zumba, and eventually found my all-time favourite: Body Pump, lifting weights again and feeling strength return in real time. Each class reminded my body not just how to move, but how to belong.

I very quickly started to exercise regularly, it wasn’t a slow thing, but it was gentle.
It wasn’t about punishing my body, but befriending it. To rebuild trust. To feel my legs carry me, my breath deepen, my muscles respond. Each visit was a quiet vote for life beyond survival.

Now, I go to the gym five times a week. I block the time out in my diary and treat it as largely non-negotiable. I don’t schedule work over gym time unless it’s truly necessary. And yes, I still hold availability for clients, and I’ve found that with clear boundaries, I can support others and myself. The people who need to be seen are seen.

At times, an old voice whispers that this is selfish. But far more often, what I feel is empowered, energised and steady. I feel more in control of my health, my time and my capacity. Movement has given me back not just physical strength, but agency.
This isn’t about discipline or aesthetics. It’s about recognising that when we prioritise our own wellbeing, everything else is supported = our work, our families, our relationships.
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What began as a snap decision became a quiet revolution. One kind stranger. One hard class. One choice to keep showing up. And in doing so, I didn’t just get stronger. I came back into connection - with my body, my energy, and my life.

If you’re thinking about exercising, not just because it’s a New Year resolution, but because you genuinely want to change the way you feel - go for it. Start where you are, at your own pace, and be gentle with yourself.

Movement sends a powerful message to our nervous system: that we are not stuck. When we choose to move, even in small, gentle ways, we signal safety, vitality, and possibility. This helps shift us out of survival mode and into a state where healing, growth, and joy can take root. Movement becomes a form of communication with our body, reminding us that change is possible and that we are alive, active participants in our own wellbeing.
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Movement isn’t about perfection or speed; it’s about reconnecting with your body and reclaiming your energy, step by step. Your journey back to strength and wellbeing can begin with just one small choice. You’re worth it.