Restarting My Fitness Journey After an Accident: How I Found Consistency Again
Two years ago, I decided to restart my fitness journey. At that point, I was the heaviest I had been since having my daughter, Aubrey. Before motherhood, I was always active—fitness was part of my identity. But life, a serious accident, and the demands of parenting shifted everything.
Today, I’m sharing how I went from struggling with pain and gym shyness to feeling confident, strong, and consistent again. My story proves that with small steps and discipline, you can always begin again.
My Background: From Fit and Active to Facing Setbacks
I’ve always been active. In high school, I ran track year-round—it gave me structure, kept me social, and kept me in shape. After graduation, I joined the military, where fitness wasn’t optional. Between annual fitness tests and the demands of service, I was at my strongest.
That all changed in 2018 when I was struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian. After the accident, my body never felt the same. I lived with tension, stiffness, and extra weight I couldn’t shake. Exercise felt impossible.
Restarting My Fitness Journey in 2023
In 2023, I committed to taking control of my health again. But I wanted a plan that was realistic and sustainable, not extreme.
Nutrition First: I used the MyNetDiary app to log meals and stay balanced. I didn’t restrict food groups; instead, I focused on eating three meals a day, healthy snacks, and drinking plenty of water. The app adjusted calories based on my workouts, which helped me stay in a calorie deficit without crash dieting.
Starting Small with Workouts: Since I hadn’t exercised consistently since my accident, I started with just 15–20 minutes a day. I invested in a Peloton, blasting my favorite playlists while cycling, which made working out fun again.
Overcoming Gym Anxiety and Building Confidence
One of my biggest challenges wasn’t physical—it was mental. I felt “gym shy.” The idea of weightlifting around strangers intimidated me.
My husband introduced me to the FitBod app, which let me create customized dumbbell workouts. At my local YMCA, I found a quieter space upstairs to train without pressure. For months, I built strength and confidence there, slowly increasing my workouts from 20 minutes to over an hour.
Fast-forward two years: I now feel completely at home lifting weights anywhere in the gym. What used to intimidate me now empowers me.
The Hardest Part: Discipline
Wellness is challenging because it requires us to change long-standing habits. It’s not just about moving your body—it’s about:
Choosing intentional foods
Managing your time for workouts
Sticking with routines even when life gets inconvenient
Discipline is the key. It’s easy when life feels smooth, but the true test comes when things get hard. I’ve learned that everything worthwhile—health, growth, and even joy—requires discipline. Anything else is just complacency.
Why I Keep Going
After my accident, skipping workouts actually makes my body hurt more. Staying consistent reduces my pain, supports my mental health, and gives me energy for my family.
To keep things fun, I mix up my workouts: hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and more. Fitness doesn’t have to mean bodybuilding—it’s about honoring your body and finding movement that feels good. When you focus on that, results like weight loss, strength, and toning naturally follow.
Final Thoughts: Fitness is a Journey, Not a Race
Starting over after setbacks isn’t easy, but it’s always possible. Two years later, I don’t just work out—I love working out.
If you’re beginning (or beginning again), remember: you don’t need to change everything at once. Start with one small step, stay consistent, and build from there. Wellness is about progress, not perfection.
I’d love to hear your story!
Have you ever had to restart your fitness journey? Share the small steps that helped you stay consistent in the comments below.
