I seriously didn’t want to work out today, July 2, 2026. Especially when I only had about 4 hours of sleep, had just enough breakfast to get me started with the day, then immediately went off to an appointment across town. I was already exhausted and running on pure adrenaline as it was, yet after my appointment I made the effort to walk more than necessary. After which, once I got home and ate lunch, I did some home workouts.

Even if I didn’t make it to the gym I at least owed it to myself to find a way to workout. Which I surprised myself by exercising for a full 30 minutes. I didn’t think I had 10 minutes in me. But that’s the power of trying and having a good playlist to help me push past the urge to quit.

Throughout my 30-minute workout, I did have many points in wanting to stop because the pain was too much. But at the same time, the pain was mostly due to the fact I haven’t used those muscles in a long time. So in truth, it gave me an in-depth reality check on where I was physically.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a blind believer in the “no pain no gain” mentality. I do believe that is something to take with a grain of salt. There are different types of pain. Pain from working out a muscle that doesn’t get used often. Vs a pain that can easily lead to an injury.

I’ve noticed during my at-home workout that certain movements my knees did not agree with. To the point it caused a certain pain that should not be ignored. That is what I like to call an early sign of an injury—making it the type of pain that doesn’t fit the “no pain no gain” mentality.

I’m already in a very compromising position with my overall weight and location of living. If I injure my knee, I will suffer greatly. Not only will I be out of commission for a while, but my way of life will also be severely compromised. After all, I walk everywhere, I live in a second-floor apartment, and I live alone. Along with the fact that I do not have a reliable support system to help me with daily living. So I am in that weird position of living alone where any wrong move can cause me. Making me put more emphasis on how I move and work out.