17 Fitness Truths To Get You In Great Shape

“Nothing’s better than the wind to your back, the sun in front of you, and your friends beside you.” — Aaron Douglas Trimble

By Leo Babauta | Shared by Sanchita Jain

Let me be honest: fitness isn’t a perfect journey. It’s a cycle of starts, pauses, and resets. But if there's one thing I’ve learned through every restart—it’s that you must keep going. Because the only real failure is quitting.

I’ve lost over 30 pounds, gotten back into running, become consistent with strength training, and reshaped my health routines. And while it wasn’t a smooth road, it taught me 17 powerful lessons I’m excited to share with you:

1. Small steps matter more than big leaps.

Don't change everything at once. Start with adding fruits. Next week, drop the soda. Little by little it becomes a lifestyle.

2. Chase short-term wins.

Results take time. Look for mini rewards: post-workout high, better sleep, or just showing up. Progress builds momentum.

3. Track your progress.

Use a journal, photos, or performance goals. Metrics will tell the story even when your eyes can't.

4. Enjoy the process.

Hate your diet or dread your workout? It won’t last. Choose routines and meals you genuinely like.

5. Never give up. Ever.

Fell off track? Restart. That’s how you win. One stumble doesn’t define the journey.

6. Find an accountability buddy.

Running with my sister at 5 AM changed the game for me. You show up when someone’s counting on you.

7. Brush your teeth after dinner.

Weird tip? Maybe. But it curbs late-night snacking.

8. Mix it up.

Variety keeps boredom and plateaus at bay. Run, hike, lift, swim. Keep your body guessing.

9. Focus on one goal at a time.

Want to run a 10K and switch to a vegan diet? Choose one. Nail it. Then move to the next.

10. Prioritize rest.

Your muscles grow and recover on rest days. No rest, no results.

11. Think long-term.

Real change takes 6 months to 2 years. Commit to the marathon, not the sprint.

12. Start with nutrition.

It’s easier to cut 500 calories than burn them. Get your plate in check, then add workouts.

13. Ditch comparison.

Fitness models? Photoshopped. Genetics? Not yours. Focus on becoming the healthiest version of you.

14. Do what works for YOU.

Not everyone’s a runner. Explore Pilates, basketball, kettlebells, or swimming. Joy = sustainability.

15. Stay present.

Feel the breeze during your run. Savor each bite of your meal. Mindful habits create mindful lives.

16. Push past your plateaus.

Hitting a wall? Level up the challenge—longer runs, heavier weights, new workouts.

17. Stay inspired.

Follow people who remind you of what's possible. Motivation is a muscle—keep it strong.

In a world chasing instant results, remember: true fitness is a journey.

Forget perfection. Embrace progress.

Because the most important transformation isn’t just physical—it’s mental.

To your health,

Sanchita Jain Founder, OSOAA | Wellness Advocate | Transparency Champion