How Embracing Discipline Transformed My Body and Mind.

redefine6
Sep 17
8 min read

Updated: Oct 8

The Power of Routine.

Shortly after starting my journey I found myself thinking about how amazing our bodies are, even when we are cruel to them, I then started thinking of just how strong our minds can be too. Sure, I was driven by the physical manifestation of my anxiety condition, and working out made the panic attacks and palpitations less severe, but the discipline I had started to show, for the first time in my life, was astounding. Day after day, week after week I would show up at the gym. If it was closed, I would run, do home work-outs and every day, without fail, I would walk miles with my dogs. I was even in the gym on Christmas morning! But, it was because I genuinely WANTED to be. Not because I felt I HAD to, or NEEDED to, and that's how you know your mind has shifted, things are different somehow. I now think and feel, 'I GET to workout', not 'I HAVE to workout'. Exercise, for me now, is a celebration of what my body can do, not a punishment for something I ate.

Creating a daily routine changed everything for me. It offered structure in the chaos of everyday life. Each workout became a ritual, a designated time for self-care and reflection. The gym transformed into my sanctuary—a space to channel my anxiety into something constructive. I got one whole hour a day to focus, and work on myself. I even had times, in the early days, where I'd be having a panic attack on the way into the gym. "I'm in the best place" I'd think to myself. And getting my heart racing, in the right way, and for the right reasons felt great.

The discipline I developed was nothing short of remarkable. Previously, I struggled to stick to any regimen, but my desire to improve drove me to remain consistent. Working out became a source of pride and accomplishment. I realised that discipline extends beyond mere physical prowess; it's about cultivating mental toughness. Towards the end of my workouts I'd realise that I'd just spent the past hour somewhere else in my mind. My stresses and worries and anxieties had been held back, and at bay for an entire hour. My mind had been crystal clear, my focus only on myself, the rest and relief this gave my mind was incredible. Once I remembered all my woes and worries were all still there however, waiting to plague me, they seemed somewhat less, somewhat diminished. Worries I had walking into the gym, became half the size by the time I walked out. I began to crave this relief and the clarity and perspective it gave me.

Working with a Trainer.

I still wasn’t really eating, at all, when I first began to work with my trainer. He could see that I was sort-of fit and relatively strong, but he pushed me hard! I’d been back training for 5 months prior to signing up with the PT, had I not had this head start the sessions would have been nearly impossible. He was a great trainer and would have tailored the workouts to my current level, but having the foundation really allowed me to get the most out of our sessions. One of the many benefits of working with him will always be that he pushed me to places I didn’t even know I could go. I would train hard when I was on my own, but where I would normally stop, he demanded more, and I always gave it. I cannot put into words what this did for my confidence, my self-esteem and this new-found pride I had. I’ll never forget the look on his face after multiple hard training sessions; it was a sort of smirk/grin, and a slight nod of the head. It was a kind of ‘Nice One’ acknowledgement. For me, this was beyond important. Having never had much encouragement, and always being so unkind to myself, it made me start to think, ‘Hey, maybe I’m good at this.’ He let his cool exterior slip one day when I got a full smile and, I quote, ‘Fucking nice work, my other clients would have been on the floor half an hour ago.’ There was now an unspoken acknowledgment that I could achieve more than I once thought. I decided the diet of skittles, wine, the occasional few almonds and a piece of cheese had to go. I had to go all in here. And that’s when I fell back in love with food, but for the right reasons this time.

Nutrition became critical. I invested time in understanding healthy eating and its impact on my body and mind.

Shifting my diet allowed me to fuel my workouts efficiently. For example, switching from processed snacks to whole foods made a huge difference to my energy levels. This change not only improved my physical performance but also enhanced my mental focus. I felt more alert and ready to tackle challenges, which in turn motivated me further. I slept better, I felt better and I looked better.

Nutrition and exercise isn't just about looking good in the gym, or looking good naked. It shows a level of discipline, hardwork, patience and perseverance. You can't buy this, you can't inherit it, you have to earn it, you have to work for it. When I see a man or woman in good shape I immediately know a few things about them. I know they show up, they're dedicated and yes, maybe they're 'going through something', but it shows me whatever they're going through, they're working on it and themselves. They have self-belief. In a world driven by instant gratification, the value of hard work and perseverance often gets overlooked.

But that's not me! I could never look like that!?

I feel the fitness industry excludes a lot of people it should be including. Yes, there are those stunning girls, 20-something years old, in a bikini in Dubai, living ‘their best life’. But normal people, people like you and me, take one look at that and immediately write it off. We think to ourselves, or out loud, that’s fake, I could never do that, I could never look like that, that’s not me.’ And whilst those gorgeous girls have a place in the fitness world, there isn't a 'one size fits all'. Health isn't one dimensional, it's not black and white. And this where I come in. I want to work with, and genuinely HELP, women who, like me, were or are stuck. They know something needs to change, but what? How? Where? When?

I’ve been there, thinking ‘It’s easier to just stay stuck right?!’ WRONG! Health, fitness, self-care, nutrition, exercise - these things come in all shapes and sizes. Your journey doesn't need to start at 4am Monday morning, with 2 hours in the gym, only eating an apple. Small, strategic changes, over time, add up to make a huge difference. All I ask is that you take the first step.

On those really hard days, and we all get them, it’s sodding hard-work just to get out of bed in the morning, let alone go to the gym, eat well, walk the dogs, go to work, do the school run, do the shopping, deal with that dick-head colleague, wrestle with our mental health, all the while having to smile through it. But, for me, looking in the mirror, hating what I saw, pulling at my clothes, hating food, hating myself was a damn sight harder than simply making time for myself!

And that’s how I see it, the gym, eating well, self-care, whatever you want to call it, it’s making time for me! And it’s about bloody time someone did!

Do you make time for you? If so, what does that look like? True health and fitness isn’t all about a gruelling regime, being miserable and dragging your exhausted hungry body through 12 weeks of hell! Health and fitness looks very different to each of us. Even just a tiny adjustment to your diet or your daily routine can make the world of difference. Health and fitness isn’t a destination or a target, it’s new start, a lifestyle choice and a journey, and a really exciting one at that! The idea of cutting back, making changes and committing used to really put me off. It’s as though I was bracing for impact, bracing for the misery that would undoubtably ensue. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, making positive changes couldn’t be easier or more empowering. You just need someone to show you how.

The Mental Shift.

Embracing this new lifestyle brought about a significant mental shift for me. Anxiety, once a dominating force, began to fade. Regular exercise turned into a therapeutic outlet, a chance to release tension and enjoy the rhythm of movement. The endorphins I experienced during workouts provided a natural uplift, a feeling I had never fully appreciated before and a feeling that stood me in good stead for the rest of the day. I had begun to run my days, my days didn't run me anymore.

The discipline I nurtured through my fitness journey began to manifest in other areas of my life. I became more organized, driven, and resolved to tackle obstacles head-on, equipped with the knowledge that I had the strength and mental fortitude to overcome challenges.

Building a Support System

Sharing my experiences and challenges with others has fostered a sense of accountability. I was no longer on this journey alone; and neither are you. We all need someone to believe in us, especially when we are too weak or tired to believe in ourselves. It's OK if you don't believe in yourself right now, because I believe in you and I will continue to do so until you don't need me to anymore. I will be here to support you every step of the way until you can believe in yourself again.

Celebrating Progress

As I continue to challenge myself, I am learning the significance of celebrating progress. Each milestone, from lifting heavier weights to completing a difficult workout, it all deserves recognition. Staying in a calorie deficit, staying away from foods I know to be bad for me, still not smoking and only drinking alcohol on special occassions, we need to learn to celebrate the wins, no matter how small.

This practice not only keeps me motivated but also reminds me that progress is rarely linear. Setbacks are normal, they are vital actually, for when we experience a setback, it is then we can see just how far we've come. Setbacks are simply a part of the process. When we slip back into old habits, and we all do it, it serves as a reminder that we choose not to live that way anymore, we know different now, we have changed. And so, take a setback in your stride, tomorrow is a new day. One day cannot and will not undo weeks, months or years of hardwork. Be kind to yourself.

Embracing the Journey

Looking back, I realise that my journey transcends physical changes; it's about embracing the process and learning self-love. I am discovering that true strength is cultivated from within, and the discipline I am forging is a powerful catalyst for personal growth.

I am learning to be kinder to myself, acknowledging my efforts and celebrating my successes. While the path is not always smooth, every moment is worth it.

A Lasting Transformation

The journey to unlock my inner strength through discipline has been profoundly transformative. I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the incredible capabilities of my body and mind, even amid adversity. My commitment to health has fostered a sense of confidence and resilience I never knew I had, and you can do it too.

As I progress, I am aware that the journey is ongoing. Challenges will come and go as they always have and always will, but I now feel equipped to handle them. Embracing discipline has not only reshaped my body but has also empowered my mind.

If you find yourself battling self-doubt or anxiety, I encourage you to tap into the power of discipline. Whether through exercise, improved nutrition, or another avenue, harnessing your inner strength is possible. The road may be tough, but the rewards can be life-changing.