Thanksgiving, as a tradition, may be rooted in American culture, but its core premise —being thankful — is universal and deeply human. For those of us who don’t observe the holiday itself, there’s no reason we can’t embrace the opportunity to reflect on the blessings in our lives. As we think about gratitude, let’s take it beyond the dinner table and extend it to how we approach fitness, wellness, and our journey towards a healthier life.

One of the most transformative lessons in life is that progress — not perfection — is the key to growth. Whether it’s in relationships, personal achievements or physical wellness, the journey matters far more than the destination. Being thankful for the process, rather than fixating on perfection, allows us to find joy and fulfilment in everyday moments.

Gratitude for Life

To truly be thankful for life means appreciating the simple act of being alive. In fitness, this translates to being grateful for what our bodies can do, rather than dwelling on what they can’t (yet). Every step taken, every weight lifted, every stretch performed is a testament to a body that supports us through life’s demands.

Instead of lamenting the limitations — be it an injury, age, or time constraints — we can honour what we can achieve. Celebrate the breath that fuels your movement during a run. Be grateful for the sensation of your muscles working during a yoga pose or strength session. These small, everyday victories remind us that life itself is a gift, one that movement and wellness amplify.

Gratitude for Love

Love shows up in many forms, from the relationships that support us to the self-love that motivates us to prioritise health. In the fitness and wellness journey, love is present in the encouragement of a friend who pushes you to show up at the gym, in the guidance of a coach who believes in your potential, and in your own determination to care for yourself.

Being thankful for love also means appreciating the balance it brings. Fitness isn’t about punishing ourselves for imperfections; it’s about loving ourselves enough to commit to wellness, even on the tough days. Love fuels progress because it reminds us why we started and who we’re doing it for — often ourselves and those we care about most.

Gratitude for Progress

Perfection is an illusion that often steals joy. Progress, however, is real and deeply rewarding. Whether it’s running your first 5K, choosing a nutritious meal over convenience, or simply showing up when you didn’t feel like it, every small step forward deserves acknowledgement.

Progress also comes with setbacks, and that’s okay. Injuries, plateaus, or even missed workouts are part of the process. When we shift our mindset to gratitude we can find value in these challenges. They teach us resilience and remind us that growth isn’t linear. Progress means learning to be okay with the ups and downs because they’re all part of the journey.

Wellness Gratitude: The Small Things

There’s so much to be thankful for in the realm of fitness and wellness that often goes unnoticed. Consider these moments:

- The satisfaction of hitting your personal best in a workout.

- The calm that follows a deep meditation or yoga session.

- The energy boost after a nourishing meal.

- The support of a fitness community or workout partner.

- The peace that comes from disconnecting from stress during a long walk or run.

These aren’t grand gestures — they’re small reminders of how fitness and wellness improve our quality of life.

Progress Over Perfection: A Mindset Shift

Being thankful isn’t about ignoring challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about choosing to focus on the positive aspects of life and the effort you’re putting in. In fitness, this means appreciating the sweat, the sore muscles, and the incremental improvements, knowing they all lead to a healthier, happier you.

So, as Thanksgiving approaches, whether or not you celebrate the holiday, take a moment to reflect on what you’re thankful for in your wellness journey. Be kind to yourself. Celebrate how far you’ve come, no matter how small the steps may feel. Life is not about perfection but about living fully, with gratitude and love for the process.

This season, let gratitude guide you—not just in fitness, but in every aspect of life. You are alive, you are progressing, and that is something to be truly thankful for.

Happy Wednesday fitfam. As usual, remain unapologetic about your fitness and wellness journey, stay true to yourself and always be honest with your efforts.

• Andrea "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 at onabsbydre@gmail.com or 599-6683. Find her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram under @Absbydre