Someone messaged me this week asking how often I train after seeing a photo of me on Facebook. I ended up sending her a long reply about my routine, and it made me realise this is exactly what I should be writing about. The gym isn’t just a slot in my week; it’s what keeps me steady through the chaos of everything else.
If you read my first blog, Fit Around the Chaos, you’ll know I talk about juggling life, but today I want to zoom in on the one thing that keeps me grounded, the gym.
First Gym Experience
I first walked into Total Fitness, a small private gym local to me, after a year at a national chain that felt unfriendly and unhelpful. I messaged the owner, went to my first class, and 3.5 years later, I can honestly say I’m a different woman because of it. None of it has been easy it’s been a journey, not a destination.
Burnout and Learning
When I started, I threw myself into every class, thinking more meant fitter and “skinnier.” Reality check… I burnt out, injured myself, and after 12 months I didn’t look much different. What I didn’t realise at the time was that I was building something mental and physical resilience, plus habits that will last me a lifetime. The real turning point came when I nailed my nutrition and learned about high cortisol, stress, and the importance of building muscle. That’s when my journey truly began about 18 months ago. Now my routine is non-negotiable. This is my gym life, and life fits around it. It’s no longer a chore, it’s a lifestyle and if I can do it, so can you.
My Weekly Routine
• Monday 8am: Solo or small group push–pull–leg split session. We borrow ideas from YouTube or repeat routines we love.
• Tuesday: My favourite class with Bill, but I work this day. Instead, I walk 3 miles to work, easily hitting 10k steps.
• Wednesday: Walking day, 10k steps again.
• Thursday 9.30am: Lift class with Amy in pairs using different equipment—perfect for building confidence if you train alone.
• Friday 8am: Another solo or small group lift session.
• Saturday 9am: Full body strength class.
• Sunday 9am: Same as Saturday, though weekends aren’t always as consistent. If possible, gym first.
Finding my groove: a typical Monday push–pull–legs split session in action.
Mental and Physical Growth
I won’t lie, I’ve been happier in the gym since my physique started to change. Before that, I felt uncomfortable and almost like I didn’t deserve to be there. That sounds awful, but it’s true. I wouldn’t change a thing. I had to go through trial and error to grow physically and mentally. It’s not overnight, and I still have areas to improve, but mentally I’m steadier and saner than ever.
Learning to lift on my own took time—but now it’s one of my proudest achievements.
The gym has become my happy place, full of supportive people who lift me up when life feels heavy. It gives me strength, structure, and headspace that’s why it’s non-negotiable. As I wrote in Fit Around the Chaos, it’s about finding what anchors you, and for me, this is it.