It’s often said that the hardest part of any workout is showing up, and for me, that couldn’t be truer. I’ve been on this journey since July 2022, waking up at 5 AM to get my body moving, to fight my battles solo, and to prove to myself that I am capable — even on the days when the world isn’t watching.
There have been times when things weren’t easy. I’ve gained weight, lost it, and even regained it again. Injuries, like my elbow issue, have slowed me down, but I haven’t given up on my 5.30 am diaries. In fact, those obstacles have taught me resilience in ways I never expected. I went from pushing myself to six workout days a week to scaling it back to just three, but the key is that I’m still showing up. And that, I believe, is what matters most. “Progress is progress, no matter how small."
As a healthcare provider, I often find myself analyzing the complexities of health, especially as I navigate my 40s. Let's just say, these years hit me harder than expected. But instead of succumbing to the challenges, I’ve learned to adapt. My body may not be the same as it was in my 20s or even 30s, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less strong. Every morning, I remind myself that every body is different, and that’s okay. “Age is just a number, but determination is timeless." I’m not comparing myself to anyone else. My journey is my own, and I’m embracing it fully.
One of the most empowering moments of this journey came when I traveled solo to Europe. Carrying heavy luggage in freezing 2-3°C temperatures and walking through the rain was no small feat. But because I’ve been conditioning myself in my 5:30 am workout diaries, I was able to walk up to 25000 in a single day without a second thought. “What doesn’t challenge you, doesn’t change you." These daily workouts prepared me for that trip in ways I never anticipated. And that’s what the power of consistency and discipline can do — it builds strength, not just in the gym, but in every aspect of life.
It’s not always easy. I’ve had mornings where getting out of bed felt impossible, days when I’d rather skip the gym and sleep in. “It’s the days you don’t feel like doing it that matter the most." But every time I show up, I remind myself that it’s not just about the physical aspect of working out. It’s about mental toughness, building endurance, and overcoming the battles life throws at me. “The body achieves what the mind believes."
A huge shoutout to my coach, Fit-Anees, for showing up every day at 5:30 AM, guiding me through every workout, and keeping me motivated when I needed it the most. His support has been a game-changer and truly helps me push through the tough days. Even a Coach needs a Coach !
So here I am, in my 40s, reclaiming strength after an injury, adjusting my goals, and proving to myself that age, setbacks, or challenges cannot stop me from doing what I love. This journey has been about much more than just fitness; it’s about showing up when no one else is watching, finding strength in the quiet moments, and proving to myself that I’m stronger than I think. “The only bad workout is the one you didn’t do."
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that ‘showing up’— no matter how big or small — makes all the difference. Here’s to continuing this journey, one 5:30 AM workout at a time. “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."
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