#prettyinpilates

for the girlies who are excited to get fit this year—i’m so, so proud of you. here are a few things i’d tell myself if i could go back to when i first started.

first things first

ditch the “i need to crush it every day” mentality. that’s how you burn out, not build strength.

you don’t have to look like a fitness influencer on day one (trust me, no one’s watching you that closely anyway). be kind to yourself, especially when things get tough. no one starts off lifting 50-pound dumbbells.

progress isn’t linear. some days you’ll feel like you’re killing it, other days it’ll feel like you can’t even do a single push-up. that’s normal!

shoes!

you don’t need every piece of gym equipment you see on tiktok on to get started. here’s the real MVP: a good pair of sneakers.

you don’t need anything too fancy, but you do need something that can handle a variety of workouts. here are some great options:

nike air zoom pegasus 40

adidas ultraboost 23

new balance fresh foam 1080v12

check out outlet stores, amazon, or dsw for deals that won’t hurt your wallet.

clothes!

no need to splurge on high-end brands like lululemon when affordable options exist that work just as well.

target’s all in motion line: super affordable (leggings for $20–$30) and cute enough to wear outside the gym.

old navy activewear: comfy, supportive, and usually around $25–$40.

walmart athletic works: comfy, super affordable prices range between $18-35

amazon activewear: brands like baleaf and crz yoga are highly rated and won’t break the bank.

aerie: blends athleisure with everyday wear, usually priced around $30–$50.

the goal is to feel comfortable, not restricted, so you can focus on moving your body.

consistency > perfection

when you’re starting out, consistency is the name of the game. show up—even if it’s just for 20 minutes. those little wins add up, whether it’s going to the gym three times a week or doing an extra set of squats.

you’ll get stronger every time, and the results will come. just keep showing up.