I was talking to my “acegirl mama friend” who was expressing her need to exercise, her desire to be better, remain consistent ― yet she does neither. The thought is always there, but the follow through is not. The motivation is lacking and because of that ― she does nothing.

What's the take away from that? Is it that she really doesn't want to be active? Is it that she's all talk and no action? Is it that she's busy watching others get fit more than doing it?

She also mentioned, when she walked in different circles, she was more active. When a specific friend circle said they did a 5 mile walk, she too went and did something.

Here's my take away from this conversation: There’s a quiet space between wanting something and doing something. A lot of people live right there.

Not because they’re lazy. Not because they’re fake about their goals. But because the distance between intention and action can feel bigger than it actually is.

My acegirl is probably standing in that exact spot. She’s thinking about it. Talking about it. Imagining the version of herself that moves more, feels better, shows up stronger. But thinking isn’t doing.

And the truth is, motivation is one of the most unreliable things to wait on. If people only exercised when motivation showed up, most gyms would be empty six days a week.

The real shift happens when people stop treating exercise like a grand performance that requires the perfect mood, the perfect schedule, the perfect outfit, the perfect level of energy.

Life rarely hands over perfect conditions. Motherhood especially doesn’t.

Sometimes the only winning move is the messy one.

You do it tired. You do it annoyed. You do it while the house is loud and the to-do list is longer than your patience. You just do it.

When you finally act, the conversation in our head changes. The first few workouts might feel forced. The body complains. The mind negotiates.

If you keep showing up though — not perfectly, just consistently — something begins to shift. The gears change. What once felt like effort slowly starts to feel like routine.

Three months later, you’re not the woman trying to start a fitness routine any more. You’re the woman who has one.

Then there’s the other piece she touched on — the company you keep. That part matters more than people like to admit.

Humans are mirrors. We rise or shrink depending on what we’re surrounded by. When you're around people who move their bodies, who talk about the walk they just finished, the class they just took, the early morning they pushed through — it quietly raises the standard of what feels normal.

Suddenly movement is not some distant goal. It’s just what people around you do.

That’s the power of being equally yoked. Not in a competitive way, but in a collective way. Everyone pulling in the same direction.

Everyone reminding each other, sometimes without even saying it, that showing up matters more than showing off.

My acegirl already proved that environment shifts behaviour. When she was in circles where activity was the norm, she moved too. That tells you the desire is there. The capability is there.

What’s missing isn’t potential. It’s friction. It’s hesitation. It’s waiting for motivation to arrive like a guest who may never show up.

Sometimes the most honest advice is the simplest one: stop waiting to feel ready.

Start where you are. Walk the block. Do ten minutes. Put the shoes on and step outside even if you’re rolling your eyes the whole time. Momentum doesn’t ask for perfection — it just asks for movement.

She mentioned doing 5 minutes on her rebounder (trampoline), to which I replied. “Better than nothing minutes”. Keep doing it, especially when you're unmotivated.

And the funny thing about starting unmotivated? Half the time you finish proud. The other half … you finish anyway. Which still counts.

So if you’re like my “acegirl momma friend” thinking about getting active but struggling to start, let this be your gentle nudge.

Find your people. Find your circle. Find the ones who move — and move with them. Sometimes the difference between thinking about it and actually doing it is simply walking in the right direction with the right people.

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

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