My journey towards fitness is something I hope will motivate you to become the best and healthiest version of yourself. Throughout my life, I’ve kept a pretty balanced diet and have never really craved sweets. Because of this, I haven’t struggled with my weight much. In my twenties and thirties, I typically weighed between 52 kg and 53 kg, which felt just right for me at that time. As we get older, it's important to focus on being healthy rather than just being thin. Being thin doesn’t always mean you’re healthy. For women, it’s especially important to keep our muscles strong. Sometimes gaining a little weight can be good for us if it helps maintain our strength and prevents weaknesses. I mean muscle mass and not just body fat, which I’ll explain more about later.
Sports have always been a big part of my life, bringing me valuable experiences and lessons. I dedicated a decade to practising judo, which taught me discipline, resilience, and a deep appreciation for staying fit. The tough training not only improved my skills but also built my character, showing me the importance of persistence and determination.
As I began playing tennis, I found a new source of joy that came from using strategy and being quick on my feet. The excitement of outsmarting my opponent and trying to guess their next move was thrilling and sparked my competitive spirit. Alongside tennis, I started going to the gym regularly to build my strength and improve my stamina, which has helped me in my overall fitness journey.
More recently, I decided to try something new by training in boxing and Muay Thai. The energy and excitement of these martial arts have added a fun twist to my routine, bringing both physical challenges and a great sense of accomplishment. Throughout my journey in sports, I’ve never felt the need to rely only on gym workouts. Instead, I’ve focused on a balanced approach to fitness, eating well and taking care of myself, which has helped me stay fit and healthy. In the past, I would smoke socially—not heavily—and enjoyed drinking wine a lot. At one point, I decided to stop drinking altogether. I haven’t smoked a cigarette in 15 years because I wanted to improve my health and live a longer life. My goal isn’t about how I look; it’s about feeling good and being healthy. I wanted to create a stronger version of myself, which I like to think of as Alex 2.0.
The journey to getting fit is often challenging, but the results make it all worthwhile. I started by mixing different types of workouts, including strength training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), cardio, boxing, and Muay Thai. Each session became a chance for me to learn about my body—what I could do well and where I needed improvement. I genuinely enjoyed the process, discovering new things about myself along the way. What I found surprising was how much working out helped my mental health. It clarified my goals and made me more aware of my body’s needs. I also paid attention to my diet, eating plenty of nutritious foods, taking vitamins, getting enough sleep (at least eight hours a night), managing stress in healthy ways, and practising intermittent fasting for about 13 to 14 hours each day.
To handle stress effectively, I learned to accept life as it is, tackling challenges as they come. It’s important to remember that nothing lasts forever, and in the end, things usually work out. I start each day with mindfulness, spending about 10 to 15 minutes meditating and focusing on deep breathing. This helps create a positive mindset for the day. Afterwards, I take some time to reflect on the things I’m grateful for, whether that’s support from family, my health, or the small joys in life. One of my favourite ways to relax is by taking walks in the park. Being outdoors is a great way for me to relieve stress and clear my mind. The fresh air, the sounds of nature, and the warmth of the sun all come together to uplift my spirit. These walks remind me to appreciate the beauty around me and to stay grounded, helping me cope with life's ups and downs.
Ultimately, I've learned that embracing every moment and navigating challenges without feeling overwhelmed is essential. Life is full of changes, and often, difficulties fade with time. By starting my mornings with meditation and gratitude, I set a positive tone for the day, helping myself stay focused and calm no matter what comes my way. As I continued my fitness journey, I discovered that not every workout was right for me. I decided to focus on the activities that I truly enjoyed, which helped me maintain a good balance in my exercise routine. When I go to the gym, I bring a lot of energy and concentration. I’m not there to chat or socialize; my main goal is to get a good workout done. I prefer to train without interruptions and only engage with others if I feel like it.
When I hit the gym, I keep my look simple and natural. This place feels like my safe space, where I can be a little messy and sweaty without worrying about how I look to others. After all, everyone has their worries, just like I do.
I work out several days a week with a focus on strengthening my whole body. Sometimes my workout sessions can last for up to two hours, where I do a mix of exercises that push me and help improve my overall fitness. I make sure to take a couple of rest days each week, which are important for my muscles to recover and grow stronger. I’m particularly passionate about boxing and weight training, and they play a big role in my muscle-building efforts. I enjoy doing squats and deadlifts in my strength training routine. These exercises work on various muscle groups and leave me with a great sense of achievement after I finish them. I also dedicate time to boxing, ensuring I have at least two training sessions a week. This helps me enhance my skills, improve my speed, and enjoy the thrill of the sport.
On the other days of my workout schedule, I focus on different strength training exercises and follow each session with a five-mile run. This running not only boosts my heart health but also helps build my muscle endurance, enabling me to perform better in both my strength workouts and boxing sessions. To maintain a balanced approach to my fitness routine, I include abdominal workouts on most of my training days. I usually exercise intensely for two days in a row, then take a break on the third day to help my body recover. This well-planned routine keeps me motivated and engaged while allowing me to enjoy the health benefits of regular exercise. It's become an important part of my lifestyle, giving me both physical strength and mental clarity.
Interestingly, rather than aiming for the perfect body image that society often promotes, I’ve ended up developing a physique I genuinely appreciate. Achieving this was never my main goal, and it has taught me that focusing too much on a specific image can lead to disappointment. Instead, it's about being consistent, determined, and showing up to work out—even on days when I don’t feel highly motivated. That’s what truly brings results. This idea isn’t just about fitness; it applies to many areas of life, including work, relationships, and family. A sharp mind is essential for staying healthy and living a long life. You can keep your mind active by reading, learning new things, staying physically active, and maintaining a curiosity about the world around you.
Regarding my training, I currently weigh 57 kg, but I feel slimmer now than I did when I weighed 53 kg. My body shape has improved as the weight has distributed itself more evenly, particularly in my arms, glutes, and legs. The healthier you become, the more balanced your body tends to look. It's important to understand what a healthy weight is for you and to listen to your body; it often lets you know if something isn’t right.
Taking multivitamins, especially vitamin D, is important for staying healthy, particularly for those of us in the UK, where we don’t always get enough sunshine. I feel proud of how I’ve shaped my body and become the healthiest, strongest version of myself. I’ve found that burning more calories than I take in helps me keep my body fat low, which is something I aim for.
I’ve also added cold showers to my daily routine, along with making sure I prioritize recovery. Cold showers are great because they boost blood flow, ease sore muscles, and give me a refreshing start to the day. Focusing on recovery with enough sleep, good nutrition, and relaxation practices like yoga or meditation has really improved my performance and overall well-being.
Through this journey, I’ve learned that health isn’t just about how we look; it’s about feeling strong, capable, and confident in our bodies. I hope my experience inspires you to start your path toward strength and well-being. Remember, the key is to stay consistent and enjoy the process. Your journey will be unique to you, but with determination and self-love, you can create an amazing transformation.
Thank you!
