Launching My Fitness Journey: The Honest Starting Line
I’m launching back into my fitness journey after gaining weight, and I'm embarrassed about how much I’ve put on. I was previously driven by Lent, which is only a temporary form of motivation. So, I now recognise that my lifestyle and eating habits have contributed to my weight gain. Honestly, I need to make positive changes in who I am, completely overhaul my lifestyle, and make better choices towards self-improvement.
Self-improvement, for me, is about enhancing my life by building on what I already have. Right now, my physical activity is pretty minimal; I occasionally skip and maybe go for a walk every other week, but that’s about it. I’ve come to realise that I need to get my body moving more consistently. I want to feel stronger, more energetic, and more adaptable, so I’m committing to a more active lifestyle.
I’ve always been drawn to military books, from modern conflicts to World War eras, and even tales of individuals going undercover. One thing stands out in all of them: the individual is often pushing their physical fitness. They’re disciplined, resilient, and ready for anything. In these books, they have the typical concept of waking in the early hours of the morning, kick-starting their routine and working out. I, however, roll out of bed and go to work.
So, it's time to absorb the information and set my life up for something better. To start, I’m incorporating bodyweight exercises into my weekly routine. Push-ups, squats, and planks are activities I can do anywhere, anytime. A routine I can do from my bedroom. I’m eager to challenge myself and see how far I can go on this journey to a stronger, healthier me.
The honest starting line of my fitness journey
I currently weigh 10.5 stone (147.3 lbs) and am 5 feet 1 inch (154 cm) tall. My weight is absolutely too high for my height, and as a result, my BMI (body mass index) is also too high at 27.4. My clothes don’t fit properly, and I feel unattractive, as my body fat is at 32%. I’m too short to carry this much weight, I hate being this big, so it’s time for a change. The goal weight I hope to reach in this challenge is around 8 stone (112 lbs), and I hope to maintain it. Therefore, I need fitness to become a key part of who I am.
Body measurements
I’ve measured my body to get a clear understanding of my starting point. Having this information allows me to see the progress of muscle growth that the weighing scales won't pick up. Weighing scales can distinguish between fat, muscle, and water weight. So, I can lose inches and hopefully drop a few clothing sizes, even if the number on the scale stays the same or goes up. Plus, Weight fluctuates daily, and body measurements offer a more stable, long-term picture of my body composition.
This is Day 1 of my honest fitness journey. I’m starting small, staying consistent, and focusing on becoming the disciplined version of myself. The scale will do what it does, but I’m tracking what actually matters.
If you’re reading this and you’re also restarting your fitness journey, let’s hold each other accountable. Drop a 💪 or comment “starting too” on X (Twitter) if you’re in the same situation.
Body Measurements in cm
Right side
Thigh - 56cm
Calf - 37cm
Forearm - 25.5cm
Arm - 31cm
Left side
Thigh - 58cm
Calf - 38cm
Forearm - 25.5cm
Arm - 31cm
Other
Waist - 90cm
Hips - 97cm
My fitnesspal graph, showing that I am right back where I started at 10.5 stone (147.3 lbs)
Fit days App - not an affiliate link
Infographic from my weighing scales fit-days