A quiet reminder from my body to slow down, listen and stop trying to prove anything. Instead of pushing through, I focused on rest, sleep, protein and gentle movement that did not make things worse. No heroics. No dramatic fixes.

Recovery is not glamorous, but it is part of getting stronger. Strong is not just about doing more. Sometimes it is knowing when to stop, take care, and trust that stepping back is still progress.

Coming back to running after years away is never just about fitness. For Jules, attempting a 5K again was a mix of nerves, excitement and a quiet hope that she might still have it in her. She didn’t pretend it was easy. There was stopping, frustration, and one moment where she nearly talked herself out of finishing.

But she kept going.

Her story is for every woman who has ever felt like starting again is too big, too late or too hard. It is a reminder that strength is something you rebuild, step by step, without perfection and without pressure. And sometimes the victory isn’t the distance. It is simply choosing not to give up on yourself.

Jules heads back to yoga this week, trading springs and straps for a simple mat and a slightly bruised ego. Between shaky poses and stubborn hamstrings, she finds a rare moment of calm and a savasana so good it borders on spiritual. Yoga is officially back in the mix, awkward lunges and all.

I finally braved my first Reformer Pilates class… and the machine nearly scared me off before I even lay down. With springs, straps and a carriage that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi film, I went in hoping for gentle strengthening and left with trembling legs, a humbled core and the surprising feeling that I might actually love this. It was awkward, wobbly and slightly chaotic, but something clicked. Maybe this is the start of my Pilates era. Catch you next week.

I finally hit a proper squat and didn’t need a hoist to get back up. My glutes are waking up, my leggings are clinging in all the right places, and I’ve officially entered my Strong Girl Era. Who knew good form, a fire TYNA set, and a grudge against push-ups would be my glow-up combo?

Week 9: Burpees, Boob Sabotage & Pushing Through
Missed a week? Same. But I’m still here, sweaty and slightly traumatised by 40 burpees. This week was all about showing up, laughing through the chaos, and remembering why strong > perfect. Spoiler: sports bras have a dark side.

This week was less “boss babe in beast mode” and more “survived spin class by sheer willpower (and snacks)”. I didn’t crush every workout, but I did show up, sparkle (sweat), and rock my TYNA leggings like a champ. Progress isn’t perfect – and that’s the whole point.

Hormones, resistance bands, and a full-blown hummus meltdown; this week was chaos in activewear. But even through the tears, tantrums, and one (yes, ONE!) unassisted pull-up, I’m still showing up. Just about. Come for the relatable rage, stay for the protein pancakes and pep talks.

Staring down a sea of gym pros in their slick matching sets, Jules nearly ghosted the gym this week. But armed with banging tunes and a whole lot of TYNA attitude, she pushed past the fear, smashed a treadmill session, survived an accidental Olympic-level rowing disaster, and discovered that confidence isn’t required – it’s built, one sweaty win at a time.

Sore. Sweaty. Slightly smug. Week 5’s got me flexin’ in the mirror and actually enjoying the ache. I didn’t eat the kid’s nuggets. I booked yoga and didn’t cancel. The comeback’s officially in motion. Come feel strong(ish) with me

In Week 4, Jules decides it’s time to "eat like an athlete" – or at least someone who occasionally chooses salad on purpose. One big batch-cooking session later, she’s knee-deep in quinoa, emotional breakdowns, and real-life realisations that true strength isn’t always built in the gym.

Jules attempts a gentle home workout but ends up wrestling her sports bra, raging at the YouTube instructor, and experiencing a full hormonal rollercoaster. Still, she shows up, breathes through the chaos and learns that sometimes the strongest thing you can do is laugh.

Jules takes on her first proper class in years – beginner’s Pilates. It was meant to be graceful, empowering, and core-focused. Instead, it featured shaking limbs, mystery moves, and one very awkward moment involving a fart during ‘Happy Baby’ pose. Still, she’s booked again for next week. Progress.

Week 1: I Bought Leggings and Hope – Let’s Begin
After three years of couch life and chaos, Jules buys a pair of TYNA leggings and dares to take her first walk. What starts as a simple stroll turns into a sweaty, emotional awakening (with a solid playlist and some knee cracking). She’s not trying to bounce back — she’s resetting. Gently. Hilariously. One step at a time.