I always remind people that health and fitness will save your life. I don’t just mean healthier internally or aesthetically, but also mentally.

It takes a strong mind to keep exercising when their body is literally shaking or telling them to stop. The joy then comes in knowing that you’ve shown your body over and over again that it can keep going.

As you continue on your fitness journey marvel in your strengths knowing that whilst you are improving physically you are getting mentally stronger. Remind yourself of your progress, applaud your efforts and use your newly found mental strength to navigate through life.

When something or someone tries to tell you that you can’t or tries to keep you down, even if you’re scared, even if you’ve fallen already, get back up, stand your ground.

Stand proud. Never give them the satisfaction. Put a smile on your face and stand tall.

Just like you’ve repeatedly pushed through set after set, setback after setback, fall after fall ... in life you can stand tall on your own two feet.

You’re strong! You’re powerful and don’t let anyone or anything try to keep you down. Stand tall.

Continue to enjoy your fitness and wellness journey, be honest with your efforts and remain unapologetic about how you choose to live it.

Stand tall.

• Dre Hinds is a retired track and field athlete who is now a personal trainer, aerobic and yoga instructor and fitness “addict”. Contact her on: absbydre@gmail.com, 599-0412 or @Absbydre on Facebook and Instagram