Every January, the fitness world gets loud. New plans, new promises, new pressure to overhaul your body and your life overnight. I’ve been there — motivated, hopeful, and secretly setting myself up for burnout. Over the years, though, I’ve learned that the most sustainable fitness routine isn’t the most extreme one. It’s the one that actually listens to your body and fits into your real life.
For me, the biggest shift came when I stopped asking, “What should I be doing?” and started asking, “What does my body need — and what do I actually enjoy?”
Listening to your body sounds simple, but it takes practice. Some days your body craves movement that’s grounding and restorative. Other days, it wants to sweat, stretch, and release stress that’s been quietly building up. Fitness doesn’t have to look the same every week, or even every day. When I stopped forcing myself into routines that felt punishing, movement became something I looked forward to instead of something I dreaded.
That’s how I found my rhythm with hot yoga and Pilates.
Hot yoga taught me how to slow down while still challenging myself. There’s something incredibly grounding about moving through poses in a heated room — it forces you to breathe, stay present, and meet yourself exactly where you are. Some days I feel strong and steady; other days I’m simply proud of showing up and staying on my mat. Both count. Hot yoga reminds me that strength isn’t about pushing harder, it’s about staying connected.
Pilates, on the other hand, gives me a different kind of strength. It’s precise, intentional, and surprisingly challenging. Pilates has helped me build core strength, improve posture, and move with more awareness in my everyday life. I love that it feels supportive rather than aggressive — like I’m working with my body instead of against it.
The key for me wasn’t finding the “perfect” workout. It was finding movement I genuinely enjoy and can realistically stick to. I know myself well enough now to admit that if something feels like a chore, I won’t do it long-term, and that’s okay. Consistency beats intensity every time. Two or three workouts you love will always be more effective than a packed schedule you resent.
As we step into a new year, I’m choosing a gentler, more intuitive approach to fitness. One that honours rest days without guilt. One that allows flexibility. One that leaves room for joy. Movement doesn’t have to be about shrinking yourself or fixing something that’s broken. It can be about feeling strong, clear-headed, and at home in your body.
If you’re setting fitness intentions this year, my biggest tip is this: listen closely. Your body is always communicating — through energy levels, soreness, motivation, and mood. Find something you love, start small, and let it evolve. The best routine is the one that supports your life, not the one that takes it over.
For me, that looks like hot yoga, Pilates, and giving myself permission to move in a way that feels good — not just in January, but all year long.
We’d love to hear from you! Please send us your suggestions for future articles. And if you’re a writer, please see our writer’s submissions page for details.
