When I first started this learning project, I honestly wasn’t sure how it would go. I’ve always wanted to have a consistent fitness routine—but between work, school, mom life, and general exhaustion, it just never stuck. I’d start strong, feel motivated for a week or two, and then fall off track when things got busy (which they always do). Most of my workouts were random, sporadic, and usually cut short because I didn’t really know what to do once I actually got to the gym. I often left feeling more discouraged than energized.
On top of that, the lack of routine just made everything feel harder. I was tired, stressed, and kind of stuck in that cycle where I knew exercise would help, but couldn’t quite make it work long enough to feel the benefits. That’s where I was before this project started.
Now, several weeks later, things feel different.
In Weeks 1 & 2, I focused on just getting started—setting goals, trying out a few online resources, and finding a schedule that fit with real life. It wasn’t perfect, but it felt like a fresh start. I used digital tools to guide my workouts and actually plan what I was going to do ahead of time, which helped a ton with the uncertainty I used to feel in the gym.
Week 3 ended up looking a lot different than I expected. I got hit with a brutal sinus infection and didn’t make it to the gym at all. At first, I felt super discouraged—like I was already falling behind. But I started doing some digging online about how to ease back into fitness after being sick and came across a ton of helpful info that reminded me rest is part of the process too. Taking a break wasn’t “quitting”—it was listening to my body. That mindset shift really helped me give myself some grace and focus on recovery.
By Week 4, I was feeling a lot better and slowly started easing back into movement. I tried a few short at-home workouts using the FitOn app, which was honestly such a win. I could squeeze them in when I had time, without overdoing it. I also learned (the hard way) that doing the StairMaster after a full leg day is a terrible life choice—I could barely walk the next day. But hey, lessons were learned! This week really helped me rebuild momentum without going too hard too fast.
Week 5 was a total rollercoaster—my husband was away, the kids had a million things going on, and I was drowning in schoolwork. But even with all the chaos, I still managed to stick to my workouts. That week also made me reflect on how often I turn to social media (Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok) for inspiration, and how important it is to be digitally literate—especially when it comes to wellness. Not everything online is helpful or healthy, and I’m learning to be more critical about what I choose to follow.
Online Education
Using digital and online resources to “teach” myself throughout this project was definitely a learning curve of its own. On the plus side, there’s so much available out there—YouTube tutorials, fitness apps, online communities, Pinterest boards, and tons of articles that helped guide my workouts and decisions. I could learn at my own pace, experiment with different styles, and build a routine that actually worked for my life. But on the flip side, the amount of information can be overwhelming. Some of it is contradictory, some of it’s just plain wrong, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to do too much or following trends that might not even be safe. Having digital access is a powerful tool—but only when paired with reflection, common sense, and a healthy dose of skepticism.
That’s actually one of the biggest lessons I’m taking away from this project: how digital literacy plays a huge role in our personal wellness journeys. It’s so easy to fall for trends, flashy products, or influencer routines that promise quick results—but that doesn’t mean they’re trustworthy or even safe. Learning how to sift through online content, question sources, and really think about what works for me (instead of what’s trending) became just as important as the workouts themselves. Digital tools can absolutely support our goals—but only when we use them with intention and a bit of skepticism.
So where am I now?
Unlike my previous attempts – I’m not following a strict plan. I’m not tracking weight or taking progress photos. I didn’t go into this trying to lose a certain number of pounds. My goal was simply to feel better—and I do. I’ve built a routine that feels realistic and flexible. I know what to do when I walk into the gym, and more importantly, I want to go. My workouts have become “me time”—something I actually look forward to, not just something I check off a list.
This project didn’t just help me build a fitness routine—it helped me build trust in myself again. It reminded me that I can stick with something, even when life is chaotic. It also showed me the value of reflecting along the way, of adjusting the plan when needed, and of questioning the things I see online instead of just blindly following them.
As the semester comes to a close, I’m more motivated than ever to continue this journey. Now that I’ve built a routine that feels doable, I want to explore new fitness goals—like trying a group class, learning how to use more gym equipment confidently, or even training for something like a fun run. I also want to improve my recovery habits (hello, stretching!) and stay mindful of burnout by keeping fitness fun, not forced. Most importantly, I want to carry forward the lesson that progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about commitment, reflection, and showing up for yourself in ways that feel good and sustainable.
