Start Where You Are: Building Wellness & Fitness One Step at a Time
As the semester begins, the pressure to do everything “right” can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s your academics, social life, or fitness, many of us get caught in the trap of thinking we need to be perfect from day one. But here’s the truth: wellness is a journey, not a finish line. This September, Campus Recreation’s Wellness and Fitness Wednesday series, season 2, is back to remind you that the best place to start is simply where you are.
What “Starting” Looks Like
The first step doesn’t have to be big—it just has to happen. Easing into movement after a long summer might mean checking out the Western Student Recreation Centre (WSRC, The Rec), going for a walk with a friend, or stretching between classes. Starting small helps reduce the pressure and makes the process feel achievable instead of overwhelming.
What Starting Looks Like video: https://youtube.com/shorts/E8nhLDGMyio?feature=share
Progress Over Perfection
Perfectionism often gets in the way of consistency. Maybe you’ve set a goal to work out every day but find that it isn’t realistic when life gets busy. Adjusting your plan to one, two or three days a week can make your goals more sustainable and help you feel successful instead of discouraged. Research shows that focusing on progress rather than perfection builds long-term habits (American Psychological Association, 2021).
Progress Over Perfection video: https://youtube.com/shorts/d2Xw4KHWemY?feature=share
Small Steps, Big Wins
Five minutes of movement may not seem like much, but it counts. Taking the stairs, walking instead of riding the bus, or doing a quick stretch break while studying all contribute to your health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022) notes that every bit of physical activity adds up, supporting both physical and mental well-being.
Small Steps, Big Wins video: https://youtu.be/c-0bMlpGr_g
Normalizing Re-Starting
Everyone gets off track at some point. What matters most is the willingness to begin again. Restarting after a pause is a sign of resilience, not failure. By embracing the idea that restarts are normal, you remove the pressure of having to “get it perfect” and instead build a mindset of persistence and self-compassion.
Normalize Restarting video: https://youtube.com/shorts/DzVDSGanlUk?feature=share
Takeaway
Movement doesn’t have to be perfect or complicated. It just has to start. So whether you’re walking into Campus Recreation and the WSRC, stretching in your room, or just taking a breather between lectures, remember: the best time to start is now, and the best place to start is where you are.
References
- American Psychological Association. (2021). Setting realistic goals. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). How much physical activity do adults need? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults
To view past articles and videos visit: Fitness & Wellness Educational Resources - Sport and Recreation Services - Western University
