Here we are halfway through the year and you've likely read all of my Wednesday articles so far. Maybe you've read the articles, found inspiration to live healthier yet still remain on the couch binge watching Netflix series.

Maybe you've read the articles, been inspired, bought new workout clothes and kitchen appliances yet still sleep through your alarm daily and order take out.

Well, this light hearted article is for you, the one with the gym membership card that's giving you the side-eye from your wallet for months, with your sneakers that are gathering more dust than your high school yearbooks.

Guess what? It is time to shake things up and start living that healthy lifestyle we all dream about while binge-watching both Netflix and fitness influencers on Instagram.

Let's figure out how you can be inspired and put these words into action. Let's get stepping!

Step 1: Accept that you’re human (not a fitness robot)

First things first, let’s set the record straight: you don’t have to become a gym-obsessed, kale-chomping machine overnight. Real life involves cheat days, Netflix marathons, and sometimes, eating pizza straight out of the box. Embrace your humanity! The journey to fitness is about balance and progress, not perfection.

Step 2: Laugh your way to fitness

You know what burns calories? Laughing. Yup, that’s right! So, here’s your first workout: laugh. Laugh at the absurdity of life, laugh at your own jokes, laugh because your cat decided your yoga mat is their new favourite scratching post. Find joy in the little things because a positive mindset is half the battle.

Step 3: Make small changes – baby steps, people!

Rome was not built in a day, and neither is a six-pack. Start with tiny tweaks. Park a little farther from the grocery store entrance, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or do a little dance while brushing your teeth. Every bit counts and adds up faster than you think.

Step 4: Find your tribe

Misery loves company, but so does motivation. Find a workout buddy or join a fitness class where you can bond with others over mutual grunts and groans. There’s something magical about sweating it out with friends – it turns exercise from a chore into a fun social event.

Step 5: Celebrate every victory (even the small ones)

Did you manage to do one push-up today? High five. Did you swap your usual sugary cereal for some oatmeal? Double high five! Every step towards a healthier lifestyle is a victory, no matter how small. Reward yourself (preferably not with a whole cake, but hey, we’re not judging).

Step 6: Embrace the suck – it’s part of the process

Let’s be honest, there will be days when working out feels like torture, and you’d rather cuddle with your dog and watch reruns of The Office. That’s OK. Embrace the sucky days because they make the good days even sweeter. Remember, even the most ripped athletes started somewhere, usually in a puddle of their own sweat and self-doubt.

Step 7: Visualise your future self

Close your eyes and imagine the best version of you – not just physically, but mentally. Picture yourself with more energy, more confidence, and more zest for life. Hold onto that image because that’s what you’re working towards, one step, one laugh, one tiny victory at a time.

The bottom line

You’ve got this! Yes, you! The journey to a healthier lifestyle isn’t about drastic changes or extreme diets; it’s about small, sustainable steps that fit into your real, wonderful, messy life. So, dust off those sneakers, sip that coffee with pride, and remember – you’re not alone. We’re all in this together, one hilarious, sweaty, joyful step at a time.

As usual, remain unapologetic about your entire fitness and wellness journey. Stay true to yourself and always be honest with your efforts.

Happy Wednesday fitfam! Go out there and conquer your day, you fitness rock star! And don’t forget to laugh along the way – it’s the best exercise there is."

Happy Wednesday, fitfam!

• Dre Hinds is a personal trainer, aerobic and yoga instructor and fitness “addict” with more than 20 years’ experience. She specialises in nutrition, weight and sprint training, operating out of HindsSight Fitness and Wellness at the Berkeley Cultural Centre. Contact her onabsbydre@gmail.com or 599-6683. Find her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram under @Absbydre