Every few weeks, I get a message from someone feeling defeated. Generally, the messages are along the lines of:

“I fell off again.”

“I was doing so well and then … life happened.”

“I need to start all over.”

And every time, my response is the same:

“Stop starting over.” That’s not because I don’t care, and it’s not because I’m not proud of them for coming back.

It is because starting over implies that everything that came before does not count. And that’s not how this works.

Let’s get one thing straight, readers: fitness and wellness aren’t built on perfect streaks. They’re built on the days that you show up, no matter what.

The real work is not in your strongest reps or your longest runs.

The real work is in your decision to stay the course, even when the wheels get a little wobbly.

Here’s the reality — and I say this with all the love in the world — you are going to fall off. Not once. Not twice. Maybe five times before the next holiday season.

But falling off doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means … you’re human.

Life will interrupt your gym schedule. Stress will attack your meal plan. And your body will not always respond the way you want it to.

Motivation will dip, the scale won’t budge, and your favourite leggings will feel tight on laundry day.

That doesn’t mean it’s time to scrap the whole journey.

It means it’s time to pivot.

Our beautiful little family at HindsSight, full of everyday people just trying to live a little better — know this all too well. We’ve seen clients push through setbacks, show up on tired legs, train through grief, and start again without starting over.

Because this isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being consistent.

It’s about building a lifestyle so strong, so grounded, with a good foundation, that when life knocks you off balance, you wobble — but you don’t fall.

Here’s what I wish more people knew: You don’t have to start over just because you stumbled.

Did you eat the whole pizza? OK. Hydrate, and don’t let that guilt carry into Monday.

Missed two weeks of classes? Fine. Come back next week. You’re still a member. You’re still an athlete.

Skipped a morning workout because sleep won? Congratulations — that’s still wellness.

The key is resilience, not rigidity. We don’t need more all-or-nothing attitudes.

We need more people who can bounce back with grace, who can say, “that wasn’t my best moment”, and then lace up their shoes anyway.

And if you’re reading this thinking, “This sounds like me …” — that’s a good thing, because that means you’re still in the game.

Still reading. Still trying. And trust me — trying matters.

So here’s your challenge for the next two weeks: Stop trying to be perfect and start being present.

Move how you can. Eat to fuel, not to punish. Rest without guilt.

And when the wheels fall off — because they might — pick them up, screw them back on, and ride it out.

No dramatic restarts. No all-or-nothing declarations. Just quiet consistency. Over and over again.

Let’s normalise pivoting, not quitting. Let’s celebrate continuing, not restarting. Because your progress isn’t erased when you pause — it’s only delayed if you refuse to get back in the game.

So don’t start over. Just … start again. We’ll be right here when you do!

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. "

• 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, X and Instagram under @Absbydre