The 10-Minute Movement Challenge
At the end of 2024, just a few days before New Year’s, I decided to get a jumpstart on my resolutions and make my way back to the gym after some time away. Intentional movement, like going to the gym, is so important for so many reasons.
Exercise is not just about chasing a certain look. It’s rooted in something much deeper.
My mental health thrives when I’m active. I feel less lethargic (funny how exercise gives you energy, while being still for too long quietly steals it). Living with progressive neuropathy (CMT), which slowly weakens the muscles in my lower legs, makes staying active even more crucial. Even though my condition challenges my muscles, it only strengthens my commitment to show up for myself. Every time I move, it’s a small act of resilience—a way of saying, “I’m still here, and I’m still moving forward.”
But honestly, it’s about so much more than the physical benefits. When I work out, I genuinely feel happier, more grounded, and more motivated to push myself in everyday life.
Weightlifting is one of the best things women can do for long-term health. Studies show women start to lose up to 3–5% of their muscle mass per decade after age 30. Strength training helps preserve lean muscle, boost bone density, improve balance, and build lasting energy—helping you stay strong and confident at every stage of life.
Movement is nourishment for not only the body, but for the mind and soul.
What I really wanted when setting this resolution was to build a habit—something as automatic as brushing my teeth first thing in the morning. I wasn’t aiming for perfection or marathon workouts. I just wanted a consistent foundation for my mornings. Starting with just ten minutes removed a lot of the pressure. And more often than not, once I got moving, I stayed longer.
At first, it still felt like something I had to do. But over time, something shifted.
What once felt like another item on my to-do list slowly turned into something I genuinely looked forward to. It became less about discipline and more about devotion—a way of caring for myself, even on the hard days.
Of course, there were mornings I didn’t want to go. Plenty of them. But I kept showing up. Laying out my gym gear the night before made a huge difference—it’s funny how such a small action can set you up for a big win.
It wasn’t a perfect journey. There were days I barely made it through those ten minutes. But showing up imperfectly still counts. Maybe it counts even more.
Now, in April, I can confidently say the habit is built. Even when I was sick, even when I injured my shoulder, the moment I was able, I craved getting back to it.
It became part of who I am, not just something I have to do.
Workout for your mind. Workout for your body. Workout for your soul.
Just work out — because in the end, it all works out in your favour.
If ten minutes is all you have, it’s enough. Those small pockets of time build momentum, and before you know it, you’re moving mountains you once thought were too heavy to lift.
