Fitness has always played an important role in my life, especially in my late teens and through my twenties. Back then, I was fully involved in training and really committed myself to building strength through weight training. I didn’t do much cardio inside the gym itself – my focus was mainly on weights, both for health and, if I’m honest, for vanity purposes. That said, I still got plenty of cardiovascular work in because I cycled everywhere, so fitness was a constant part of my daily routine.
During my thirties things started to change, mainly because of a back injury. I had to stop training properly, and although I managed to do bits and pieces here and there, I was never as focused as I had been in my twenties.
Part of me felt like I had already reached a level I was happy with, but the truth is my life had once been built around fitness – I even worked in a gym – so stepping away from that routine felt like a big shift.
Since 2019 my situation has changed even more, as I now live with a disability. Mobility issues, problems with balance, and the way each movement impacts different parts of my body mean that I can’t train in the same way I once did. My strength is very different now, and I no longer do any form of fitness, whether that’s in the gym or at home. It’s been a huge adjustment because fitness used to make me feel good, both mentally and physically. With ADHD, it can be hard to focus on something consistently, but training gave me a real focus and a positive outlet that I thrived on. I loved the environment of the gym and the sense of progress, and I really do wish I could go back to that feeling again.
That’s why I believe training and keeping fit is so important. For me, it was never just about looking a certain way – it was about structure, focus, and self-belief. Fitness gave me energy, direction, and confidence, and it taught me discipline.
I always suggest others get involved in some form of training or activity, because no matter your starting point, fitness can bring huge benefits to both body and mind. It’s something I’ll always hold close to my heart, even if I can’t be as involved in it now.
