Fitness, COVID, Cancel Culture Comeback: The Shift

ElleHdgs
ElleHdgs Posts: 2 Member
edited April 21 in Health and Weight Loss

Hi everyone,It’s been a minute (okay, more like years) since I last posted here. I think my last activity on MyFitnessPal was around 2016, and wow, life has changed a lot since then! I’m 35 now, and I’m stepping back into this community with a mix of excitement and curiosity about where this journey will take me.

Back in the day, I was super active here—tracking meals, workouts, and progress religiously. But something happened to the world during COVID, not to mention “cancel culture” was rampant, all this and more made me back away from social media, fitness apps, and most of my health-focused habits. Life got chaotic, and I needed a break from the constant “grind” mentality.
During this time, I rediscovered my Catholic faith, which has brought a lot of meaning and balance to my life. It’s reshaped how I think about my goals, including fitness. Time flies too—our youngest is about to turn 9, and our oldest son is soon to be 16, so I’m juggling family life while trying to carve out space for myself again (and use the gym my husband built us when the gyms closed)

Right now, I’m in the middle of a strict Lent—fasting (1 meal a day)and focusing on discipline—which has been both tough and rewarding. It’s got me rethinking my approach to food and wellness, and I’m excited to figure out what works for me at 35. I’m not chasing the same goals I had in my 20s—less about the scale, more about feeling strong, energized, and centered.

I’d love to reconnect with old friends (if any of you are still here!) and meet new ones. What’s been keeping you motivated lately? Anyone have tips for staying focused during Lent? And what’s the biggest thing you’ve learned about your fitness journey since that awful Covid time? 😊

— Iron Mom

Replies

  • sollyn23l2
    sollyn23l2 Posts: 1,985 Member

    Welcome back! Biggest thing I learned? I don't need a gym or to pay crazy prices for a gym membership to work out. Granted, if I had unlimited cash flow and more time, I'd probably join a gym again. I also learned to cook a lot more. Nothing fancy, but it's helped me in my goals.

  • megd44
    megd44 Posts: 587 Member

    Biggest thing I learned or truly recognized is how important being in nature is for my mental health. The best therapy for me is a hike through the woods or a walk on the beach. Grateful I live in a place I can do both easily.

    What keeps me motivated is knowing I want an active retirement. Which is less than a decade away. Making better choices now for a strong future is my focus.

  • SafariGalNYC
    SafariGalNYC Posts: 2,138 Member
    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10936490/fitness-covid-cancel-culture-comeback-the-shift

    What’s been keeping you motivated lately? Anyone have tips for staying focused during Lent? And what’s the biggest thing you’ve learned about your fitness journey since that awful Covid time? 😊

    @ElleHdgs - Lately I stay active because I like the physical and mental boost from exercise and eating well. It helps me battle stress.

    Focus for me is actually easier during holidays and lent - maybe it’s the collective reflection of the season.

    My fitness journey since Covid- I don’t think the pandemic changed much regarding fitness for me. If anything it highlighted the importance of maintaining good health. Culturally, hmmm that’s another thing entirely!

  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,653 Member

    I guess the biggest thing I've learned is that I don't need to eat 3 meals a day. In fact, I only eat lunch and dinner. You post makes me wonder if I could skip dinner sometimes. The more I practice fasting, the easier it gets.

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