My 27-Year Journey of Movement, Mindset, and Motivation

Hi beautiful! Welcome to my blog, where Happiness is Habit! 🌟

Consistency and movement have been part of my life for a long time — almost three decades, to be exact. I started training regularly when I was 15, and I’ve never really stopped since.

Of course, my routine has evolved over the years. Life changes, bodies change, motivation shifts. But at every stage — through high school, long workdays, burnout, healing, love, heartbreak, and surgery — movement has been a thread I could always hold onto.

It’s not because I’m ultra-disciplined or because I love exercise every day. It’s because movement is part of how I connect to myself. It’s one of the ways I care for my body, protect my energy, and reset my mind. And when it’s built on that kind of foundation, it doesn’t feel like a “habit” — it feels like home.

From Structure to Flexibility

One of the things that’s changed most over the years is how I train. There were years where I loved the gym. Others where I craved nature walks or quiet yoga practices. There were times I wanted structure and times I needed freedom.

In 2019, I discovered an app that helped me bring all of those needs together. It offered structured programs, but also flexibility. I could choose short workouts or longer ones, strength or cardio, low-impact or high energy — depending on how I felt that day.

Since then, it’s been my training partner through busy weeks, emotional lows, strong seasons, and recovery phases. I’ve mentioned it on my Go-To’s page — but the point isn’t which app I use. The point is: I’ve learned to adapt my training to my life, instead of trying to fit myself into a rigid plan.

This flexibility has been essential for staying consistent with workouts, and it’s something I encourage you to explore — not the perfect plan, but the one that actually works for you.

What Helps Me Stay Consistent — And Why the Science Agrees

I’ve worked with many women who want to “get back into exercise,” but feel stuck. And often, the reason they’re stuck isn’t because they’re lazy or unmotivated — it’s because they’re trying to follow routines that aren’t built for real life.

Here’s what’s helped me build long-term fitness habits — backed by what science tells us works:

I train according to how I feel — not how I “should” feel
Some days I’m full of energy. Others, I’m not. I’ve learned to choose my workouts based on what my body needs in that moment — which research supports as a key factor in sustainable fitness.📚 (Ryan & Deci, 2000 – Self-Determination Theory)
This is also how movement stays joyful — it becomes a form of body connection, not self-punishment.
I made movement part of my identity
Training isn’t a goal — it’s part of who I am. And studies show that when we associate an action with our identity, we’re far more likely to stick with it. 📖 (Clear, 2018 – Atomic Habits)
This is why exercise identity matters more than motivation. You’re not “someone trying to work out” — you’re a person who moves.
I removed barriers
Whether I’m traveling, at home, or short on time, I’ve made it easy to stay consistent by removing as many obstacles as possible. I keep things simple. No fancy gear. No pressure. Just enough structure to feel supported.
Research shows that reducing “friction” — like complicated routines, long commutes to the gym, or unrealistic schedules — can dramatically increase the odds of sticking to an exercise routine.

It’s Not About Being “Perfect”

Even with 27 years of experience, I don’t train perfectly. I miss days. I take breaks. I go through phases. But I don’t guilt myself or punish my body. I rest when I need to. I come back with kindness.

That mindset — one of self-respect over self-control — is what keeps me going. It’s what I want for every woman who feels disconnected from her body or overwhelmed by the idea of “starting again.”

If You’re Just Starting (Or Starting Again)

Whether you’ve never trained or you’re coming back after a long break, start small. Start with what feels doable, not what looks impressive. Making exercise a habit should be about ease and empowerment — not pressure.

Find something that fits your rhythm. That might be walking, yoga, dancing in your kitchen, or working out with an app like I do. But whatever it is, make sure it’s yours.

You don’t need to earn your movement — it’s already a gift.

Final Thoughts

I don’t train because I have to. I train because it reminds me who I am.

After all these years, movement still grounds me. It brings me clarity. It’s one of the few things I’ve truly carried with me through every chapter of life.

So if you’re wondering how to stay consistent — maybe the answer isn’t discipline.

Maybe it’s a shift in how you relate to your body, and what you believe movement should feel like.

Start there. And trust that, with time, consistency won’t be something you have to chase.

It’ll be something that comes naturally — like returning to yourself.

💌 Want help making movement part of your life — for good?

If this resonated with you, my signature program Happiness Is a Habit is the next step.

It’s a 6-phase journey where I help women rebuild their eating and exercise habits by starting with mindset and inner self-talk.

Because no strategy sticks if your words are working against you. 💬💗

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Curious to learn more? Let’s talk about it. WhatsApp me!

Lots of love.

Helena🌸

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🌿 PS: If you want to see what tools I use to support my healthy routines, check out my curated list here — including my favorite Ringana products. No pressure, just love!