Exercise and I were never friends. In fact, we didn’t even acknowledge each other until recently. Now, I work out five to six times a week and, shockingly, enjoy it. How did this happen? Let me take you back to where my accidental fitness journey began—with a loud, clicking knee.
How a Clicking Knee Started My Fitness Journey
It all began with a knee that clicked so loudly it turned heads. If you’ve ever worked in a quiet office, you know how embarrassing it can feel to draw attention for something like that. The heavier I got, the louder the clicking became. Walking to the copy machine made me dread leaving my desk.
Desperate for relief, I went to the doctor, who sent me to physical therapy. At first, I wasn’t thrilled. Physical therapy, as it turns out, is just a fancy word for “exercise.” I didn’t enjoy it, but my desire to walk quietly outweighed my dislike of the workouts.
When Exercise Became a Habit Without Me Noticing
Somewhere along the way, something unexpected happened. One day, I realized: Wait—I’m exercising almost every day! It was a habit that snuck up on me, but I leaned into it.
I bought a scale, set goals, and started waking up at 5:00 a.m. for 15–20 minutes of exercise a few times a week. These short workouts gave me a sense of accomplishment. That small start eventually grew into a daily routine.
Turning a Few Minutes into a Fitness Routine
What began as short sessions turned into consistent weekday workouts. Now, I exercise five to six times a week for at least 20 minutes, often closer to 30. Exercise has become part of my life, and while not every session feels easy, most days I look forward to it.
I’ve discovered workout videos that work for me, and my favorite is Yes2Next. It’s perfect for days when I feel sluggish because the routines are simple and easy to follow. On more energetic days, I push myself with faster movements or add a step for an extra challenge.
What My Accidental Fitness Journey Taught Me
This journey has taught me that motivation isn’t always the starting point—sometimes necessity takes the lead. I didn’t wake up one day and decide to love exercise. I just wanted my knee to stop clicking.
Small wins kept me going: quieter steps, feeling stronger, and proving to myself that I could stay consistent. Those little victories transformed my accidental fitness journey into an intentional routine.
Start Your Fitness Journey with Small Steps
If you’re thinking about starting a fitness routine, my advice is simple: start small and imperfect, but just start. You don’t need to wait for motivation. Small steps lead to big results, and you might be surprised at where your journey takes you.
