Start Where You Are: Embracing a New Health and Fitness Regime, TODAY

Toby Hazlewood
4 min readAug 8, 2024

The time is to get started is now — always.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

“Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.”

- Arthur Ashe

In the realm of personal development, few quotes resonate as profoundly as this one from Arthur Ashe. It encapsulates the essence of taking action, no matter the circumstances. When it comes to health and fitness, this philosophy is particularly pertinent. Often, we find ourselves waiting for the “perfect” moment to begin a new regime — whether it’s the start of a new week, month, or year. However, the truth is, there is no better time than now.

I was reminded of the quote recently during a hike while on vacation. I was sweating profusely, regretting that my annual intention to get in shape for summer had failed. The inner-debate over when I might eventually take myself in hand raged as I considered when I might finally get back to getting in shape.

This essay explores the merits of starting a new health and fitness regime immediately and provides five practical steps to help you live more healthily and lose weight. It’s advice to myself as much as to you, dear reader.

The Fallacy of the Perfect Time

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Toby Hazlewood

A writer, dad and husband sharing his thoughts, wins and losses to help and inspire others. https://tobyhazlewood.substack.com/