If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d become the kind of person who looks forward to a run, hikes mountains for fun, or feels exhilarated after a CrossFit session, I wouldn’t have believed you. For most of my life, I didn’t just avoid exercise, I was convinced I wasn’t good at it. But as I’ve learned, it’s not about being good or bad. It’s about showing up for yourself, one step at a time.
I want to share my story with you, not just about how I became more active, but how exercise transformed my mind, body, and soul.
Step by step
I was an active kid, I tried everything as a kid: karate, tennis, soccer, swimming, you name it, but nothing really stuck. I didn’t think I was “athletic” enough, so I gave up every one of them. When I was 18, however, something changed. My first boyfriend was really into fitness, and his passion was contagious. I wasn’t exactly running to the gym, but I started going. Slowly. Awkwardly. Without much of a plan. But even though my efforts were half-hearted at first, I began to enjoy it.
That small, inconsistent effort at 18 was the seed that would grow into a love of fitness. It wasn’t about making big changes right away, it was about taking the first step, even if I wasn’t sure where it would lead.
A new perspective on the trail
Years later, after living in Germany for a few years, I started hiking. Before that I considered myself a “city person”, but hiking changed something in me. There’s a sense of freedom when you’re surrounded by nothing but trees, mountains, and fresh air. It’s just you and the trail, and it feels like the rest of the world goes away.
I’ll never forget my first “real” hike. It was a rainy day, and the trail led along a waterfall. I was soaked, but I didn’t care. The beauty of the day, the rushing water, the smell of the rain, the satisfaction of reaching the top, made me realize how much joy there is in just being outside. Through hiking, I learned the value of taking things one step at a time, literally. Every time I reached the top, I was reminded that even when the climb feels impossible, you can get there if you just keep moving.
Running: a love I never expected
As hiking helped me fall in love with the outdoors, I found myself wanting to try new ways to stay active. Running seemed like a natural next step. It felt like a fresh challenge, and thanks to hiking, I’d already built up a bit of endurance – something I never thought I’d say about myself. But what really motivated me to lace up my running shoes for the first time was a friend. She ran every night after work and talked about it like it was her therapy, a way to unwind after a long day. Watching her inspired me to finally give it a try.
My first run was anything but smooth. I barely made it 2 kilometers, and I had to stop more than once to catch my breath. But something about that first attempt stayed with me. The feeling of pushing myself, even a little, made me want to try again. Slowly, I started running more often, adding a little distance here and there. And then the most incredible thing happened: I started looking forward to it. Like for my friend, running became one of my escapes, a time to clear my mind and connect with myself.
For me, it’s not about speed or perfection, it’s about showing up, lacing up, and putting one foot in front of the other. Now running is something that brings me peace and a feeling of accomplishment.
The unexpected joy of biking
If running was a slow love, cycling was pure resistance. I didn’t enjoy it at all, despite my boyfriend’s best efforts to convince me otherwise. He is very passionate about cycling, and he kept encouraging me to give it another try. I tried many times, but the result was always the same: I didn’t like it.
Then he introduced me to road and gravel bikes. They weren’t the heavy, clunky bikes I was used to, they were fast and smooth, and suddenly riding felt different. I gave it a try, and to my surprise, I actually enjoyed it. Riding is now another way for me to explore the world, to push my body while taking in the scenery around me. It’s funny how something you once resisted can become a source of joy if you approach it with an open mind.
What I’ve learned along the way
This journey hasn’t just been about fitness. It’s taught me resilience, patience, and the power of perseverance. Now, every time I stand at the bottom of a mountain, lace up my running shoes, or step into a CrossFit class, I don’t have that little voice in my head that says, “You can’t do this. I’ve learned to take it one step at a time, and more often than not, I surprise myself.
Fitness has also changed the way I look at my body. It’s not just about aesthetics anymore, it’s about what my body can do. I’ve set goals, like doing my first pull-up or running a 5K without stopping, not because I want to look a certain way, but because I want to see how far I can go. And while I’m proud of those milestones, it’s the journey itself that matters most.
Over time, I’ve realized that it’s not about committing to one activity, but staying curious and open to exercise in all its forms. Whether I’m running, swimming, hiking, or playing squash, fitness has become a way to explore my own potential and stay energized. It’s about discovery and play, and I love mixing it up to keep things exciting.
Through all of these experiences, one thing has remained true: exercise brings me happiness, clarity, and a sense of accomplishment. And the best part? There’s always something new to try. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll finally sign up for that triathlon! 😉
Words for beginners
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
– Zig Ziglar
If you’re reading this and thinking, I’m not athletic or I could never do this, I get it. That was me not too long ago. But here’s what I’ve learned: You don’t have to be good at something to start. You just have to take the first step.
Step out of your comfort zone and try something new, even if it feels scary. Whether it’s going for a walk, joining a fitness class, or exploring a sport you’ve always been curious about, go for it. Find what feels right for you, and don’t let the initial challenges hold you back; often the most rewarding things in life require effort. Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, because each one is important on your unique journey. And remember, every athlete started somewhere – usually at zero.
Fitness has given me so much, strength, confidence and a sense of freedom I never thought I’d find. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
Celebrate every step,
Rebe
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