The Fitness Hustle - Back to Square One

Today, I woke up feeling the familiar motivation to get in shape. You know the drill: lacing up for a run, firing up the indoor bike, and maybe even a little strength training and yoga to get things rolling again. Living up north means I start indoors (the luxury of winter), but as soon as that first snow hits, it's ski time. And here I am again, caught in that cycle of fitness momentum. It feels good… until it doesn't.

The cycle is predictable for me and most of us. We hustle hard, hit our groove, maybe even drop a few pounds, and then suddenly—it gets boring. That initial rush fades. Next thing you know, I'm saying, "Eh, I can ease up a bit." Cue the slow slip back. It's not just slipping, though—it's a landslide. Within weeks, all that progress just vanishes, the weight creeps back on, and I'm scrambling to start all over again.

But it's more than just fitness. This stop-start cycle—of wanting change, putting in the work, seeing results, then hitting pause and watching it all slip away—feels like the microcosm of the hustle itself. Whether it's with our health, our careers, or some skill we've been meaning to pick up, it's a constant battle to keep going. It's almost like there's this invisible "reset button" we end up pressing repeatedly.

The "I'll Get Started… Eventually" Phase

We've all been there, denying the backslide. "I'm not that out of shape, right?" Two months later, you're staring at yourself, realizing it's back to square one. And here I am again today, pumped up to jump back in. This time, though, I'm going on record—yep, I'm putting it in writing for a little extra accountability. It's like a fitness contract with myself, but in real-time.

It could be the accountability missing from many of these failed attempts. We're often willing to forgive ourselves on that one day off, only to find ourselves deep in our comfort zone two months later. Don't get me wrong—rest days are essential, and so is cutting yourself some slack. But I think we need a more substantial reason to return to the routine, which makes the 'why' clearer. Maybe I'll add some form of check-in every week. It's not some grand ritual, just a tiny reminder of why I started in the first place, so I don't get too comfortable.

Starting Slower, Keeping Consistency

This time, I want to approach it slower. Instead of sprinting out of the gate and crashing a few months in, I aim to make these habits stick. With 50 around the corner, my metabolism is clearly hitting the brakes. If I don't lock in a solid game plan now, I know it will get much more complicated in the next decade.

I'm not here to preach about some miracle diet or supplement. There's enough noise out there already. Everyone's got an opinion, a guide, or a "life-changing" meal plan. Influencers tell you to count macros, jump on the latest workout bandwagon, take this supplement, and avoid this or that food. Truthfully, the overload of "expert" advice is enough to paralyze anyone. All that noise has often left me stressed, confused, and completely stalled out.

There's also the silent guilt that creeps in. We see others sticking to their plans and checking off goals, and here we are, still trying to figure out which routine will "finally stick." So, I think it's time to abandon searching for the "perfect plan." It doesn't exist. Instead, sticking to what works might be the real answer, even if it's not flashy or trendy.

Keeping It Simple: Real Talk About Food and Fitness

So, here's my straightforward take: I'll eat what I want but aim to keep it 70-80% clean. No strict counting, no perfection required. Just a focus on the basics—more plant-based, less sugar, fewer processed foods. If I mess up one day, I'll try again the next. If I slack off three days in a row, that's the signal to pull it together. No guilt trips, just accountability. The goal is simple: I want to be fit enough to actually enjoy life as I get older, not struggle through it.

Another thing I'll try? Not obsessing over meals. If one meal is a bit off, I'm not letting that choice pull down the entire day. One choice doesn't need to dictate everything that follows, right? I'll just aim for balance. And if I'm on a roll, I might go ahead and eat that favorite meal or dessert—guilt-free. Fitness shouldn't mean deprivation; it should be something that still lets me live.

My Plan to Keep This Fitness Thing from Falling Apart

Here's what I've set up for myself this time, something sustainable:

• Cycling & Running - My core workouts. I'll aim for 2-3 times a week. If I'm not feeling it? A long walk works, too. It's about moving, not just crushing workouts.
• Strength Training - Let's face it, muscle mass doesn't last forever, especially at my age. I'll focus on building and maintaining strength for better posture, balance, and overall resilience. Nothing fancy—just enough to keep things functional.
• Yoga - This one is a stretch (literally) out of my comfort zone. Flexibility isn't my strong suit, but I can already see the benefits down the line. Aging stiff as a board isn't on my list of goals, and yoga will help with that. Plus, learning something new is always a growth booster, even if it initially feels weird.
• Dancing – Not exactly my scene, but it checks a few boxes: flexibility, coordination, and doing something totally out of the norm. Whether it's a solo session or with my partner, it's about breaking out of the mold and moving in new ways.

By mixing in these varied routines, I hope to prevent that familiar feeling of burnout that often gets in the way. And for anyone feeling like they can't stick to one routine either, mixing it up is the way to go. Why be stuck in just one approach if it's not working?

No Gear Gimmicks This Time

Here's where I usually go wrong: thinking the gear will save me. That shiny new home trainer, the fancy equipment—they're just distractions. This time, I'm keeping it as bare-bones as possible: running shoes, a bike, or maybe a mat for yoga. There's no need for a thousand-dollar commitment to see results.

Keeping It Real and Sustainable

This time, it's not just about reaching a goal but about making it part of my daily rhythm. I don't need a rigid plan that snaps when I miss a week. This time, I aim to make these habits part of how I live.

One more thing—I'll celebrate small wins along the way. Did you make it to three workouts this week? That's a win. Managed to eat clean five out of seven days? Another win. These aren't monumental achievements but are steady reminders that I'm moving in the right direction. A few little wins along the way make the journey much more enjoyable and keep motivation from nosediving.

For anyone dealing with the constant start-stop fitness cycle, maybe it's worth trying the same approach. Think simple, think small. Avoid the overload of advice, stick to what's manageable, and skip the guilt trips. The idea is to keep it genuine; we're onto something solid if it sticks.

Here's to hoping this time, it's not just another cycle but a fundamental shift. And if it isn't? Well, there's always tomorrow, right?