What I Wish I Knew Before Forcing Myself to Work Out

21 Feb

For years, I believed what they told me.

"If you want to feel good, go to the gym."
"If you want to lose weight, go to the gym."
"If you want to be healthy, go to the gym."

So, I did. I pushed myself, I showed up, I followed the plan.

But what they didn’t tell me?

That movement, when done from a place of punishment instead of love, only deepens the disconnect between mind, body, and soul health.

That forcing myself through workouts out of guilt, shame, and resentment wasn’t making me stronger—it was breaking me further.

That holistic wellness for women is not about hustling, grinding, or forcing yourself into exhaustion—it’s about honoring your body with kindness and grace.

The Downside of Forcing Exercise

I used to believe that if I just pushed harder, if I ignored my exhaustion, if I kept up with the “no excuses” mindset, I’d finally feel better in my skin.

But here’s what actually happened:

I ignored my body’s signals and ended up feeling depleted, not energized.
I saw exercise as a chore, rather than an act of self-care.
I tied my worth to how much I could do, instead of how well I listened to my body.

It wasn’t until I let go of the pressure and embraced holistic healing that I realized:

Movement isn’t something you “owe” your body—it’s something your body invites you into.

Biblical wellness isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about caring for the body God gave you.
Spiritual healing starts when we stop seeing our bodies as projects and start seeing them as sacred vessels.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19

A Holistic Approach to Movement: Listening Instead of Forcing

When I stopped forcing my body to fit an unrealistic standard and started embracing faith-based health, everything changed.

Now, I move:

Softly and intuitively—honoring what my body needs instead of following rigid rules.
In sync with my cycle—recognizing that my energy shifts throughout the month and that’s okay.
For joy, not punishment—choosing activities that make me feel alive, not depleted.
As an act of gratitude—thanking God for the ability to move instead of resenting my body.

This shift from force to flow isn’t just about movement—it’s about spiritual freedom from guilt and shame. It’s about stepping into Christian healing, where health isn’t about control—it’s about connection.

Rest is part of wellness. Grace is part of the process. You don’t have to fight your body to be healthy—you can honor it instead.

Ready to Stop Punishing Yourself & Start Nourishing Yourself?

If you’re tired of:

Forcing yourself into exhausting workouts
Feeling guilty for resting
Viewing exercise as a chore rather than an act of self-care

Then it’s time for a new approach—one that aligns with holistic health coaching, biblical healing, and faith-based wellness.

Are you ready? I offer private coaching for women who are ready to move with intention, peace, and self-love instead of guilt and punishment.

Because, love—you were never meant to fight your body. You were meant to flourish in it.

Book your slot here

"Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” Psalm 34:5 (NIV)

The content of this blog is for educational purposes and is not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.