Long time no post!
Life feels different when you hit 30 (or 30-plus-whatever). That includes how your body responds to exercise. The workouts that once felt effortless in your 20s don’t always have the same impact—especially if you’ve taken a break from regular training.
I recently got back from a cruise to New Zealand, and as expected, my usual exercise routine went straight out the window. When you’re on holiday, it's easy to let fitness take a back seat—buffets, cocktails, and pure relaxation take over. And honestly? I embraced it.
I’ll admit, staying consistent with exercise at the start of 2024 was a challenge. I managed a couple of workouts a week—sometimes skipping a few entirely. But by mid-October, I reminded myself that fitness isn’t linear, and I decided to take back control. I started small, aiming for at least three workouts a week—sometimes hitting four. Progress, not perfection.
I kept telling myself, "You’ve done this before; you can do it again." And I have. I once lost 15kg over two years just by being consistent. So, I got back into a mix of cardio and HIIT workouts, gradually rebuilding my strength and stamina.
On the cruise, I was determined to relax but also take advantage of any opportunity to move—even in the smallest ways. Of course, leisure won for the most part, but when we docked on the islands in New Zealand, I made it a point to get my steps in while soaking up the stunning views.
I explored some beautiful spots, but Tauranga was my favorite. My partner and I decided to take on a “mini hike-ish” trail walk at Mount Maunganui.
We took the "easy" walking track, which ended up being a 1 hour and 45-minute trek. Thankfully, there were benches along the way to rest after each climb. As someone with CP, these walks come with their own set of challenges—uneven ground, unexpected inclines—but I was determined to push through. We briefly considered taking a steeper track for a higher view, but after a quick scout, we realized it would be too difficult. Still, I was incredibly proud of us (mostly me, this was a breeze for my partner!) for completing the trail. I can’t even remember the last time I walked that much, and it’s always been on my bucket list to go on a proper big walk. I've always just been conscious of my CP and the challenges.
After a break and some lunch, we stumbled upon Hopukiore Lookout. At first glance, it looked like just a few stairs—no big deal, right? So I thought, "Let’s go!" But after the stairs, we were met with a deceivingly steep hill. Since we were already halfway there, I grabbed my partner’s hand and pushed through. And I’m so glad I did.
The view at the top was absolutely worth every step. Sweaty, tired, but accomplished—I had given my CP legs one hell of a workout that day.
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