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Use your fitness setbacks as springboards

No shortcuts, no gimmicks: Dre Hinds writes that real movement, real effort, and real growth should be your goal (Photographs submitted)

Another opportunity to spread my love of fitness and wellness! There’s something about the middle of the week that feels like a reset. It’s not quite Monday’s chaos, not quite Friday’s finish line — but it is a solid checkpoint. And for those of us on this journey of movement, nutrition, and growth, these checkpoints matter.

Let’s talk about why we do this. We train because of what it brings out of us. The discipline. The energy. The moments of clarity when the sweat is dripping and the mind finally quiets down.

That post-workout glow isn’t just about looks — it’s about the pride of showing up, especially on the days when every excuse felt justifiable.

Of course, it’s not always sunshine and six-packs.

Injuries happen. Motivation dips. Life throws curveballs. Maybe you tweaked something last week and now you're sidelined, pacing like a lion in a cage because your body is not co-operating.

Or maybe you have been eating well for days, then one birthday dinner sends you off track, and suddenly you're carrying guilt over one slice of cake. But that’s part of the process.

If you train long enough, you’ll experience setbacks. If you eat with intention long enough, you’ll have slip-ups. If you live a full life, you’ll get tired, discouraged, even distracted.

We don’t stop. We adapt. I’ve had clients train around injuries with more focus and intensity than they ever did at full strength.

I’ve seen people use setbacks as springboards — adjusting their nutrition, refining recovery routines, dialling in mobility. I’ve watched them pivot, not pout.

When your body says pause, it doesn’t mean quit. When your schedule tightens, your goals don’t disappear. And when your energy dips, that’s when your habits and systems carry you through.

This journey isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency. And part of that consistency means knowing when to pull back, when to shift gears, and when to offer yourself grace – without giving up on yourself.

And let’s not forget the foundation holding it all together: nutrition.

You can train like a beast, but if you’re fuelling like a raccoon, it’s going to catch up with you.

Nutrition is the quiet partner in your progress. It doesn’t always get the spotlight, but it’s what keeps everything running smoothly.

Hydration, whole foods, enough protein, the right amount of carbs ― it all plays a role in your results.

So here’s your midweek reminder. Show up, even if it looks different than it did last week.

Respect your body. Keep your food choices in alignment with your goals, not your emotions. And trust that the work is working, even when the progress isn’t shouting at you from the mirror.

This is a lifelong journey. No shortcuts. No gimmicks. Just real movement, real effort, and real growth. Let’s keep going.

You know the deal! Remain unapologetic about your fitness & wellness journey, stay true to yourself, and be honest with your efforts.

Have a great Wednesday fitfam!

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

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Published April 23, 2025 at 8:00 am (Updated April 22, 2025 at 5:23 pm)

Use your fitness setbacks as springboards

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