It takes time.

It takes consistency.

It takes dedication.

It takes much sacrifice.

It doesn't take crash diets.

It doesn't take gimmicks.

It doesn't take secret sauce.

It doesn't even take motivation.

It takes time.

Welcome to the world of fitness and wellness, where the journey to a healthier you is marked by valuable lessons and personal triumphs. Picture this: just like the time it took for your favourite TV series to develop intricate plot twists, achieving your fitness goals demands patience. It's not an overnight success story; it's a narrative built over time. Building a healthier, stronger version of yourself is a gradual process, a marathon not a sprint. The quicker you accept this, the easier and more enjoyable your journey will be.

It takes consistency

Success is a result of small daily habits, not sporadic, big bursts of effort. Consistency, similar to a daily sunrise, is the key that unlocks the door to transformation. Imagine your fitness routine as a series of brushstrokes on a canvas, each contributing to the masterpiece that is your wellbeing.

It takes dedication

Dedication is the daily decision to lace up those sneakers even when the couch calls. Dedication means prioritising your wellbeing over momentary pleasures, consistently making choices that align with your fitness and wellness goals. Have you ever thought about the months of rigorous training it takes to complete a marathon? Dedication in fitness is similar to the unwavering commitment of a runner, tirelessly putting in the miles, rain, blow or shine. It's the relentless pursuit of your goals, fuelling your journey to success.

It takes sacrifice

Now, let's talk about sacrifice, not in a gloomy way, but as the price you pay for the ticket to your desired destination. Think of it as choosing a salad over fries or completing an early morning workout instead of swiping the snooze icon. Sacrifice is the refining process, shedding old habits and making room for the new.

Don’t fall for the ‘easy way out’

Now here’s a truth bomb, the point that may hurt some feelings. Crash diets and gimmicks are like glitter; they may sparkle briefly, but they won't give you lasting shine. The real recipe for success lies in embracing the fundamentals, keeping things simple and remaining committed to your goals, regardless of being motivated or not.

As I reflect on my most recent four-year (yes, four years!) post-partum journey, I can testify that it was the combination of time, sacrifice, dedication and consistency that created the mosaic of my fitness story. While I’ve been active all my life, this part of my story was different, new and challenging.

The challenge

As you write down your resolutions for 2024, remember this: your goals aren’t just destinations; they are the journey itself. As you decide on your resolutions, I encourage you to add sacrifice, dedication, consistency and patience to your list of goals. Embrace the process and the results will follow, unfolding as a testament to your enduring commitment to a healthier you.

Happy new year, fitfam! As usual remain unapologetic about your entire fitness and wellness journey, true to yourself and always be honest with your efforts.

• 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