Have you ever felt like your fitness journey is one step forward, two steps back? Like despite following all the “right” steps, something’s still pushing back against your progress? As a fitness coach with over 13 years of experience, I want to share why this resistance isn’t just normal—it’s actually a sign of transformation.

Understanding the Push-Back

Our bodies naturally resist change. It’s not just you—it’s biology. Your primitive brain is wired to see change as threatening, even positive change like building strength or adopting healthier habits. When you start pushing your boundaries, whether through heavier weights or new nutrition habits, your body’s first response is often to push back.

The Science Behind the Struggle

This resistance happens on multiple levels:

• Your primitive brain perceives change as a threat
• Your amygdala (fear center) activates during challenges
• Your prefrontal cortex needs to override these protective responses

But here’s the beautiful truth: just like muscles grow under tension, personal growth happens through resistance.

The 3R Framework for Handling Setbacks

When you’re facing resistance in your fitness journey, try this proven framework:

1. Reflect: Ask yourself what you’re really struggling with. Is it burnout? Schedule conflicts? Your workout environment?
2. Reframe: Instead of seeing challenges as failures, view them as feedback. Your body is communicating with you.
3. Realign: Make small, graceful adjustments based on your reflection and reframing. Remember: sustainable change happens through small tweaks, not drastic overhauls.

Faith and Fitness: A Powerful Connection

As James reminds us, “Consider it pure joy when you face trials because testing produces perseverance.” This spiritual truth perfectly aligns with our fitness journey. Just as faith requires patience and perseverance, so does physical transformation.

Breaking Free from Perfectionism

Here’s a liberating truth: God gives us grace in our failures, so why can’t we extend that same grace to ourselves in our fitness journey? Your worth isn’t tied to perfect macros or consistent workouts. Progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence.

Moving Forward

If you’re in a season of resistance right now, remember:

• Setbacks aren’t failures; they’re feedback
• Growth happens under tension
• Small, consistent changes create lasting results
• Your identity is in Christ, not your fitness achievements

Remember, you can’t see the label from inside the jar. Sometimes we need someone to help us see our situation clearly and guide us forward. That’s why having a coach or community can be transformative in your journey.

Your Next Step

Are you ready to transform your fitness journey by aligning it with your faith? The FLOURISH intensive might be your next step. This 40-day faith-based program combines spiritual foundation with practical fitness strategies, helping you build lasting change from the inside out.

[Join the waitlist here before it closes on February 16th]

Remember, sister: struggles aren’t stop signs—they’re growth opportunities. Let’s embrace the messy middle together and trust that God is using every part of our journey for our good.