Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle: My 2024 Fitness Journey
At the start of 2022, I found myself in a place many of us have been—overweight, tired, and lacking the energy I once had. I knew I had to make some changes, but like most big life shifts, it didn’t happen overnight. The journey has been long, but I’m incredibly proud of where I am today. This is the story of how I embraced a healthier lifestyle, focusing on fitness and nutrition, and transformed myself—physically and mentally—over the last two years.
June 2022: Hitting My Heaviest
In June 2022, I stepped on the scales and saw a number that made me stop in my tracks—98kg. It was the heaviest I had ever been, and more than just a number, it reflected how I felt. I was tired all the time, struggling to keep up with my busy schedule as a Strategic Business Manager, and my confidence had taken a hit. This wasn’t the person I wanted to be.
It was a wake-up call. I knew if I didn’t take action, I would continue down a path of poor health. But at the time, the idea of getting back in shape seemed overwhelming. Where do you even begin when the goal seems so far away?
June 2023: Accountability and Progress
Fast forward a year, and things looked a little different. In June 2023, after I joined a Peloton dads’ accountability group, which became a turning point in my fitness journey. I had already started incorporating Peloton into my routine, but this group gave me the structure and support I needed to stay committed. We all shared our progress, encouraged one another, and held each other accountable for showing up every day.
By June 2023, I had dropped down to 85kg. It wasn’t just about the weight loss—my mindset had shifted. I felt stronger, more focused, and more motivated than I had in years. The combination of daily movement, strength training, and cardio through Peloton, alongside a more balanced approach to eating, was paying off. The sense of community with the dads’ group made all the difference, as we celebrated every milestone, no matter how small.
January 2024: Reaching My Goal
By January 2024, I had hit a milestone I hadn’t thought possible when I started—74kg. I felt incredible. Not just physically, but mentally as well. For the first time in years, I had the energy to tackle anything life threw at me. My confidence was back, and I was proud of the person I had become.
Peloton was a huge part of my success. Whether it was hopping on the bike for an intense ride, hitting the treadmill for a run, or pushing myself through strength classes, the variety and motivation from the instructors kept me coming back day after day. Beyond the workouts, it was about the lifestyle shift—prioritizing my health, making better food choices, and setting realistic goals.
Key Lessons From My Journey
Looking back, there are a few key takeaways from my fitness journey that I think are worth sharing:
Accountability is Key: Whether it’s joining a group like the Peloton dads or finding a workout buddy, having someone to keep you accountable can make a world of difference. It’s easy to skip a workout when no one is watching, but when you know others are on the same journey, it pushes you to show up, even on the tough days.
Start Small, Stay Consistent: In the beginning, it can be tempting to go all-in, but it’s better to start small and build consistency over time. I started with shorter classes and gradually increased the intensity and frequency. Consistency is more important than perfection.
Celebrate Every Victory: Weight loss isn’t linear, and there will be setbacks. But it’s important to celebrate the small victories along the way. Each kilo lost, every workout completed, and every healthy meal should be acknowledged. Those small wins add up.
It’s About More Than the Number: While the weight loss was a major part of my journey, I realized it’s not just about the number on the scale. It’s about feeling better, having more energy, and being the healthiest version of yourself. Don’t get caught up in the numbers—focus on how you feel.
What’s Next?
As I move forward in 2024, I’m excited to continue building on this foundation. My fitness goals are evolving, and I’m eager to see how far I can push myself. Whether it’s improving my strength, increasing my endurance, or trying new activities (I’ve even got my eye on a few races), I know that staying active and making healthy choices will remain central to my lifestyle.
This journey has been life-changing, and if I can do it, anyone can. The key is to start—no matter where you are in your fitness journey—and keep going. Every step forward, no matter how small, gets you closer to where you want to be.
