Congratulations, everyone. You made it!
The doom and gloom of January is finally over. The post-Christmas slump, the dreary weather, and the endless wait for payday are behind us for another 12 months. Well, maybe not the weather. I’m considering stripping out my loft insulation and fashioning it into a coat to keep warm.
But I have a confession to make: I’ve become one of those people.
The very thing I swore I’d never be.
A new year, new me gym bunny.
I know, I know. Me, the Queen of Sofaville, who would go through packets of biscuits like Donald Trump goes through spray tan, all the while convincing myself that moving from the bed to my home office chair counted as cardio.
From the sofa to the squat rack
In just a few weeks, I’ve gone from being a professional sofa ornament to someone who hits the gym three times a week. And not just for a gentle stroll on the treadmill—oh no. I’ve thrown myself in at the deep end and got myself a personal trainer. We’re talking two-hour sessions of weights, squats, and (much to my body’s dismay) cardio. It’s hard work, and I don’t think I’ll ever be a fully fledged badge-wearing running fanatic, but the results have been worth every sweaty, out-of-breath second.
At first, it felt impossible. Parts of me ached that I didn’t even know existed, and stairs became the bane of my life. You have to remember that my days used to revolve around sitting: sitting at my desk while working, sitting in the car driving to and from events, and sitting on the couch at home. Seriously, if I sat down any more I might as well have changed my job title to Throw Pillow. Now, though, I’m finding ways to prioritise the gym no matter what’s on my plate. Sure, I’ve had to rejig my schedule a bit, but isn’t that what freelancing is supposed to be all about? To be flexible, to adapt, to make room for what matters.
Why exercise matters more than you’d think
And exercise matters. More than I ever thought it would.
It’s not just about the physical changes—though I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thrilled to look in the mirror and see things tightening up instead of a long-lost relative of Mr. Blobby. I’m really starting to feel more comfortable in my own skin, and it’s this mental boost that’s been the real game-changer for me.
My PT was telling me that we all suffer with our mental health, and the people in the gym are no different, PTs included. It shocked me to learn that, like me, he has to force himself to go to the gym sometimes. But he makes the effort— especially when his mental health is bad—because A) the exercise makes him focus on something other than what’s whirling around inside his head, and B), he knows he’ll get a rush of endorphins and feel better afterwards. And if he does the same workouts that he plans for me, he’s probably too knackered to feel bad about himself!!
Finding a community beyond the laptop
Then there’s the social side. Freelancing, as rewarding as it can be, is lonely at times. When you’re not meeting clients or running an event, it’s just you and your laptop. Joining the gym has given me a sense of community I didn’t know I needed. I’ve started recognising faces, exchanging smiles, and even chatting with people during rest breaks. It’s a bit like networking but with dumbbells instead of business cards.
This newfound fitness journey has also had a surprising impact on my work. As a freelancer, energy is everything. You need to stay sharp, stay alert, and remain 100% engaged (even if you’re sitting down)—whether it’s a corporate conference or a high-energy festival. Since getting into a fitness routine, I’ve noticed my stamina improving, my focus sharpening, and my confidence growing. It’s like I’ve tapped into a new energy reserve I didn’t know I had. And let’s be honest, when you’re handling the mental chaos of some corporate events, every little bit of extra energy helps.
Starting small
Of course, it’s still early days. I’m not going to pretend I’ve morphed into one of these people who leap out of bed at 5 a.m. for a sunrise spin class. There’s still only one 5 o’clock in my day. There are mornings when the duvet wins. There are workouts where I curse the day my personal trainer was ever born and I want to go back to the sofa. Overall, though, I’m pleased that I’m sticking with it, and it’s sticking with me.
If you’re reading this and thinking about making a change, let me say this: go for it. Start small, start messy, start wherever you are. Whether it’s a walk around the block or signing up for that yoga class you’ve been eyeing, just start. The hardest part is taking the first step—the rest will follow. And if you’re worried about fitting it into your schedule, remember this: if a perma-busy biscuit-loving couch potato like me can find time for exercise and see the results, so can you.
So here’s to February. To longer days, lighter evenings, and maybe even finding joy in the occasional cardio session.
Hey, stranger things have happened!
