Funny how things turn out, isn’t it? When I first hit the gym, I swore I wouldn’t be one of those folks counting every macro, living on cottage cheese, and obsessing over workout clothes. Fast forward three years, and guess what? I’m all in, and honestly, it’s not so bad. People change, and so do their gym wardrobes and habits. These days, you won’t catch me without my trusty leggings, white socks, a comfy shirt, a jumper, and of course, my trusty cap – the one I fondly call my “emotional support cap.”
My gym journey kicked off on a whim when my brothers and I decided to give it a shot and keep each other accountable. Having workout buddies really fueled my motivation, and we’d often hit the gym together in the evenings after work. The place was always crowded, being a student gym, but about six months in, I toyed with the idea of joining a proper gym. The cost was a bit daunting – Swiss gym memberships aren’t exactly wallet-friendly. However, a good friend put it all in perspective for me, pointing out that not only was the gym my hobby, but it was also an investment in my health. Why not spend a bit on something I love? Her logic was a game-changer. Signing up for that gym was hands down one of my best decisions. I kicked things off with a personal training session to set my goals, and from there, I got a tailored workout plan. Of course, it’s evolved over time as my goals and health needs have changed, but that’s all part of the journey.
When I first started hitting the gym, I was all about those full-body workouts, three times a week. But after I joined my current gym, I switched things up, dividing my time between upper and lower body workouts, each twice a week, with a bit of cardio thrown in after each session. That’s been my rhythm ever since. Picking a favorite training day? That’s tough. Lower body days are a love-hate relationship – I’m all about the leg press but could do without the leg curl machine (it’s pure evil, I swear). Upper body days make me feel like a champ, especially when I strut into the dumbbell area and start curling. And yeah, I’ll confess, post-upper body workout, I’m definitely sneaking peeks at my biceps in the mirror – but who doesn’t, right?
To lay it all out there, I didn’t really get into macro counting until this year, just before my trip to Korea. Sure, I was seeing some physical changes – more muscle definition, a bit of fat loss – but the number on the scale? Stubbornly stuck. It wasn’t until a few months back, when I seriously started to research calorie deficits and nutrition, that I began to see a real shift. It’s true what they say: without a good look at nutrition facts, serving sizes, and the like, you don’t realize how much you’re actually consuming. That’s when I made the call – time for a calorie deficit and a high-protein diet. Now, I’m pretty comfortable in my own skin, but I’ve always had my battles with weight, which definitely played on my mental health. Being comfortable doesn’t mean you don’t want improvement. As part of reshaping my life, I made the choice to shed some weight to feel better and boost my overall happiness. So, I decided it was time to ramp up my fitness game.
While I was in Korea, I gave myself a break from the tracking app and just focused on enjoying my time. I was on the move way more than usual, walking everywhere I could and keeping up with my gym routine. Plus, I made an effort to eat clean, or at the very least, make sure I was getting enough protein.
Just to be clear, I’m navigating this nutrition journey solo – I’m not working with a dietitian or anyone else, so all the choices are mine. I initially set my daily calorie intake at 1’500, which might sound low to some, and honestly, it worked for a bit. But then, the energy dips hit, and I’d end up going to bed starving, which is no fun at all and really messes with your mindset. It’s like falling into a spiral of doubt. To combat that, I bumped my calories up to 1’800, and what a difference it’s made! I’ve got my energy back, I’m eating well, and I’m not hungry at night. Plus, I’m still on track with my weight loss since I’m maintaining a calorie deficit.
With all this talk about diet and tracking, I don’t want you to think I’m super strict with myself all the time. I still go out with friends, host dinners, and join in on work lunches. In those moments, I just do my best to eyeball the food and portion sizes. And let’s be real, we all have those days when nothing but pizza and cake will do. It’s all about balance, right? As long as I’m mostly sticking to my plan, a little indulgence here and there is totally okay. And I definitely don’t skimp on the occasional sweet treat – I mean, I am Swiss, and a life without chocolate is just not an option!
The gym isn’t just a place for physical fitness; I’ve come to realize it’s crucial for my mental well-being too. There’s a certain peace that comes with being in that space, working through my routine, with my playlist or random tunes in my ears, enjoying a moment of solitude. It’s a time when I can truly focus on the present. These past few months have been a real challenge, particularly with work, and there have been weeks where I couldn’t stick to my usual gym schedule, managing only two or three visits. And that’s perfectly fine – it’s about making the effort to show up. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to miss a gym day, especially for us women, given that our energy levels can fluctuate throughout the month. To keep myself motivated and as consistent as possible, I found inspiration in a video of some singers who, despite their hectic lives, make time for the gym almost daily. Their dedication is remarkable. So now, on days when I’m dragging my feet, I ask myself, “What would he do?” – referring to one of those singers. The answer is almost always, “He’d go to the gym,” and just like that, I’m spurred into action. It might be a small thing, or maybe it’s a touch of envy for his impressive biceps or back (but let’s keep that between us).
I wouldn’t call myself the ultimate gym girl, but there’s something about the feel of weights in my hands and that post-workout buzz that I just love. It’s become a peaceful, healing part of my routine, a hobby that’s grown to be a big slice of my life. I’ve even started seeking out gyms to try in new countries, which is a pretty big deal for me. This whole gym and nutrition journey has turned into a real passion, and I hope you’ve all got something that lights you up just as much.
matcha latte on a rainy night 