Let’s just get this out of the way: I am not one of those people who lives by a perfectly colour-coded fitness plan, eats the same prepped meals every week, and never misses a workout.
And fitness is literally my job.
In fact, I’ve fallen off the wagon more times than I can count. I’ve been through injuries, burnout, and plenty of seasons where life didn’t revolve around fitness goals.
I used to push and push and push and one day, maybe I saw an instagram post or someone said something that resonated with me, I stopped training to the extreme because I didn’t like it anymore. And I didn’t lose all my progress.
I started listening to my body and skipping workouts on days when I knew I should rest instead. I stopped planning every workout for every day in my calendar, because sometimes you wake up and it’s not leg day, it’s a “eat a piece of toast and go for a light walk” kinda day.
Over the years, I’ve learned that “balance” doesn’t mean having it all figured out. It’s not about grinding 24/7 or restricting myself until I crack.
Here’s what my version of balance looks like—and why it’s far from perfect (on purpose).
1. My Definition of Balance Changes All the Time
When I first started focusing on fitness, I thought balance meant eating perfectly every day of the week. Spoiler: That didn’t last long.
Especially coming from a background of disordered eating and binge episodes.
Now, balance means something different depending on my season of life. Some weeks, I’m hitting workouts consistently and dialing in my nutrition. Other weeks? I’m prioritizing rest, enjoying more comfort food, or simply focusing on just moving my body in ways that feel good.
2. My “Imperfect” Fitness Routine
I don’t train seven days a week. I don’t track every calorie. And I definitely don’t say no to every social plan that involves food.
Here’s what my approach usually looks like:
- A few structured workouts a week (with flexibility built in). Lately I haven’t felt as motivated to workout on my own so I’ve been doing my boyfriend’s program instead of my own.
- A mix of strength, mobility, and fun activities like paddle boarding, frisbee, kickboxing, and walking my dog.
- Prioritizing protein and veggies most of the time—but never skipping dessert when I want it.
Some weeks are dialed in, some are messy. And that’s okay.
3. The Mindset Shift That Changed Everything
The biggest change wasn’t in my workout routine—it was in my mindset.
I stopped thinking that I needed to earn food or punish myself for skipping workouts.
I started giving myself permission to adjust my routine based on my energy, my body, and what life is throwing at me that week.
Balance isn’t something you “find” and keep forever. It’s something you keep adjusting—and honestly, that’s what makes it sustainable.
Final Thoughts:
You don’t have to sacrifice joy to pursue fitness goals. You can build strength and still have pizza. You can miss a workout and still be a “fit” person.
The more I’ve accepted that my fitness journey will always ebb and flow, the more I’ve enjoyed the process.
Ask yourself:
- What season of life am I in right now?
- What does balance look like for me this week—not forever?
- Am I allowing myself to enjoy my life along the way?
Keep Going, Keep Growing 
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