The Fitness Wake-Up Call I Didn’t Expect

Over Christmas, I went to France to visit my grandparents. Like most of us during the holidays, I let myself relax. No workouts, no routine—just good food, good company, and a lot of indulgence.

For 10 days straight, I didn’t exercise and ate whatever I wanted. Chocolates, heavy meals, and more bread than I’d usually touch in a month. It felt great in the moment, but when I got back home, I decided to go on a run to shake off the holiday haze.

Big mistake. Or at least, that’s how it felt at the time.

From the moment I started running, I felt like I’d been smoking cigarettes for the past 10 years. My legs felt heavy, my lungs burned, and I was out of breath way sooner than usual. I could barely keep up with the pace I normally crush. It was like my body was saying, “What have you done to me?”

How 10 Days Can Change Everything

That run was a wake-up call. Just 10 days of skipping exercise and eating poorly had thrown me completely off track. It’s crazy how fast our bodies respond to what we put them through—or in my case, what I didn’t put them through.

It was a humbling moment. It reminded me how fragile progress can feel if we don’t stay consistent. Sure, I’d worked hard for months before Christmas, but those 10 days made me feel like I was starting from scratch.

The Challenge: Go Feel It for Yourself

Here’s what I want you to do: if you’ve been skipping your workouts or letting things slide, go on a run. Or hit the gym. Just move. See how your body feels. It might be tough at first, but it’s the best way to remind yourself why consistency matters.

That first run back was tough, but it also reignited something in me. It reminded me why fitness is so important—not just for how I look, but for how I feel. The energy, focus, and control it gives me are worth every bit of effort.

So don’t let a 10-day slump (or a holiday indulgence) turn into a bigger setback. Lace up, get moving, and show your body some love. Trust me, it’s always worth it—even when it feels like you’re breathing through a straw on that first run back.

Zacheo