What I Wish I'd Known When I Started My Fitness Journey
The Surprising Things Fitness Taught Me
I didn’t start training so I could climb mountains with half of everything I own in my backpack or to be able to do (somewhat unreasonable) challenges. I started because I wanted to feel better, more capable and because I was humbled by how hard pull ups actually are. Ultimately I just wanted to feel good and easily be able to carry my own groceries to maintain my hyper-independent girl facade.
But somehow, somewhere along the way, something shifted.
The more my hobbies developed I realised every time I was questioning my life choices half way up a mountain or clinging onto the side of a rock face climbing I found myself thinking, “Wait… this is what I’ve been training for.” Not to look a certain way or to be able to lift the heaviest weight, but to do things. To feel capable, to be able to keep up, to be dare I use the word FUnCTiOnaL.
Training Beyond Aesthetics
If there is something that feels illegal but it’s not in 2025 it seems to be the concept of training to look a certain way. There’s NOTHING wrong with wanting to feel confident in your body. But it’s important to remember that strength is meant to serve us in the real world too. Like being able to sprint for a bus, carry all the shopping in one go (because obviously us hyper-independents are not doing two trips), or say yes to an adventure without thinking, “Will I die halfway through?”
That’s the kind of fitness I’m obsessed with. The kind that helps you live more boldly and confidently. The kind that’s multifaceted and benefits your life in many ways… surely we can have it all? Feel good, perform well and look great too?
How Training Genuinely Helped Me in Life
The more I’ve trained the more insight I personally have had into the bigger picture. Between periods of injuries where I got a big ol’ smack in the face reminder of just how fortunate I am to be able to take my garbage out, put socks on or even sit down on the toilet without pain or difficulty to being able to jump into any activity regardless of whether I had tried it before, the foundation of my training can be summed up as enabling longevity and letting me live life to the fullest.
Last year, I ran multiple hiking trips for amazing women of all different backgrounds and fitness levels. They have been cold, they’ve been sweltering, they have been long, challenging mountain days and honestly they are some of the best things I’ve ever done.
Hiking, laughing, sliding down icy slopes on our bums, traversing ridge lines, we’ve done it all. But most importantly, everyone realised how empowering it feels to know your body can handle it.
While personally I’ve found a penchant for adrenaline packed sports, you don’t need to have a yearning to live off-grid in a van or for chalk to be your hair volumiser* (although it does a great job at that) to benefit from this kind of strength.
Being strong and moving well helps everyone. Whether your wildest adventure is a sunrise hike or just managing to unload the dishwasher without tweaking your back I’m talking to you.
*And honestly, you might surprise yourself. Some of the women on the trip had never hiked in snow before—and by the end they were confidently navigating icy ridges with ice axes like absolute bosses.
So… What’s the Point of This Email?
Honestly, I just wanted to share a bit about how strength has shown up for me in ways I didn’t expect. The times I could handle whatever the weather (or life) threw at me and the times it was stripped away from me and I soberingly remembered how lucky we are that our bodies do so much for us, that should never be taken for granted.
If you're someone who's been wanting to feel that kind of strength too—whether it’s in the hills or just in your everyday, it might be worth checking out a couple of things out:
Build Strength at Home
New workouts are coming to my workout app that are all about building strength gradually, without needing loads of time or equipment. Nothing fancy, just simple workouts you can do at home (or anywhere) that actually make a difference.
Get a 7 day free trial here 🤸🏻♀️
Challenge Yourself to an Adventure
If the idea of getting out for an adventure with a group of likeminded women sounds like a good time there’s still space on my next Made Wild adventure weekend in North Wales. It’s not about being the fittest or fastest—it’s about learning, laughing, and doing something a bit brave, together!
Just remember: movement isn’t about perfection. It’s about being able to show up and take part… and maybe also carry your mate’s backpack when they’ve overpacked again (you know who you are).
Speak soon,
Lucy x