Hey there. When most people think of hard work in fitness, they think about pushing themselves to the absolute max. More time at the gym. Heavier weights. Extra cardio. More effort. And yes, sometimes that’s what hard work looks like. But not always.
To me, hard work in health and fitness is about self-awareness. It’s about knowing what you need in the moment and making decisions based on that. If you’re working out and you feel great, yes, maybe you push a little more. But if you start feeling a tweak or your energy is off and the session is not flowing, sometimes the smartest move is to pull back.
The hardest part for most people isn’t showing up to work out, it’s knowing when to ease up. It’s being honest enough with yourself to say, today isn’t the day to go all in, but I’ll show up again tomorrow. That’s the kind of self-awareness that builds consistency, and consistency is where the results really come from.
This is why I encourage everyone to build their own fitness plan. When you’re following your own program based on your preferences, tendencies, and schedule, you’re more likely to stay in tune with your body and mind. That’s how you know the difference between when to push and when to pause.
And let’s be honest, social media doesn’t help with this. Fitspiration posts make it seem like the only path to progress is through relentless intensity. But the real work is knowing yourself well enough to navigate those moments with intention.
The truth is, working hard and working smart are not opposites. They’re partners. You need both. You need to show up and put in the effort, but you also need to be able to adjust, pivot, and be patient. Your journey isn’t just about this week or next month. It’s about building something that lasts.
So what does working hard mean to you? I want to hear about it. Message me on Instagram or head over to yourlevelfitness.com and let’s talk about it.
And if you’re ready to build a program that works with you instead of against you, join The YLF Experience. Let’s build your foundation together.