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Diny Davis (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

“Always appreciate the gift of life! Be happy and have fun.”- Michael Jackson

We all have hobbies we enjoy in our free time, but what if those hobbies could become a positive force in our daily lives? When I first started working out, it was just something I did to stay in shape. Little did I know that this simple hobby would become an integral part of my daily life.

Transforming a workout routine into a lifestyle doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it can be an exciting journey filled with discovery and personal growth. The key is to find ways to make exercise enjoyable and seamlessly integrate it into your daily activities. In this post, I’ll share my journey of how exercise went from a casual activity to a lifestyle I couldn’t imagine living without.

First Steps

My fitness journey began with a brisk walk near the beach when I was in Singapore in 2019. That walk near the beach motivated me to spend more time out there and helped me to connect with my thoughts. I wasn’t consistent before, and I didn’t even have a clear goal in mind. It was more about checking a box on my to-do list than anything else. 

The ocean being so vast, it started making me think that the worries that I had carried with me for years had been like a drop in the ocean. This journey started for my physical health without me realizing that it was changing my mental health in an amazing way. But being there gave me immense satisfaction, and I became consistent within a few weeks’ time. Now, I carry a piece of the ocean in my heart.

The Turning Point

Everything changed when I discovered that activities could change your perspective from negative to positive. For me, it was a mix of weightlifting, HIIT cardio, walking, cycling and aerobics. These weren’t just exercises; they were challenges that excited me and gave me a sense of accomplishment.

Creating a Routine

Consistency and discipline were key in transforming my hobby into a lifestyle. I carved out dedicated time for workouts, treating them as non-negotiable appointments with myself. This routine became as natural as brushing my teeth or having breakfast. It now plays a vital part in my daily routine.

Mindset Shift

I began to view exercise not as a chore, but as self-care. It wasn’t just about physical benefits anymore; it was about mental clarity, stress relief and overall well-being. This shift in perspective made all the difference and led to the best decision for me.

Healthy Eating Habits

As my commitment to fitness grew, so did my interest in nutrition. I started paying more attention to what I ate, not out of restriction, but to fuel my body for better strength, stamina and recovery.

Improved Sleep and Energy

Regular exercise led to better sleep quality and increased energy levels throughout the day. I found myself more productive and more present in my day.

Dealing with Setbacks

Not every day was perfect. Sprains, muscle knots and life events sometimes disrupted my routine. However, I learned to adapt and find ways to stay active, even when I couldn’t follow my usual workout plan. The constant urge to get back to my routine helped me to recover much faster.

Staying Motivated

To keep my enthusiasm high, I constantly set new challenges for myself. I track my daily fitness routine on my smart watch, and I feel immense joy even when I do just 1% better than yesterday, which helps me stay consistent.

Creating a Positive Mindset

Try to focus on the joy of movement rather than viewing exercise as a necessary goal. Celebrate your progress and the way your body feels after a good workout. This positive association will help make fitness a natural part of your lifestyle.

Where I Am Now

Today, fitness is an essential part of who I am. It’s not just about the physical changes, but about the confidence, discipline and joy it brings to my life.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue exploring new aspects of fitness. Whether it’s trying different sports or pushing my limits in strength training, I know there’s always room for growth and learning.

Transforming a workout hobby into a lifestyle has been a rewarding experience that has enriched my life in countless ways and didn’t happen overnight. It was a gradual process of discovery, commitment and personal growth. It’s shown me that, with patience, dedication and an open mindset, we can grow in ways we never expected.

If you’re just starting your fitness journey, remember that consistency and finding joy in the process are important. Your path might look different from mine, but the rewards of making fitness a part of your life are well worth the effort.

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Diny Davis is an aspiring author who is passionate about fitness and a strong believer in the close connection between physical and mental health. She is a journalism, psychology and literature graduate, a loving wife and a caring mother who maintains a balance in her work and personal life while giving emphasis to self-care.