My 10-Year Fitness Journey: From Challenges to Listening to My Body by Francesca Nardelli, MyPlantBasedKitchen

A Decade of Movement

When I look back, I realize I’ve been committed to fitness for over 10 years. It hasn’t been one straight line—it’s been a mix of structured programs, intense challenges, and quieter seasons where I just tuned in to what my body needed. Through all of it, I’ve learned that wellness isn’t about one perfect plan. It’s about showing up consistently, evolving, and building strength that lasts.

The Challenges I Tried

Fitness Programs and Trends

Over the past decade, I’ve tried it all: structured fitness programs, home workout guides, gym memberships, and even popular challenges that were trending online. These programs taught me discipline, gave me a sense of community, and pushed me to test my limits.

75 Hard and Other Challenges

One of the biggest tests was 75 Hard, a challenge that requires two workouts a day, strict nutrition, daily progress photos, and reading personal development books. While it taught me mental toughness, I also realized that extreme routines don’t always feel sustainable in the long term. They’re powerful for building momentum, but what matters most is what you can carry with you after the challenge ends.

What 10 Years of Fitness Taught Me

Consistency Over Perfection

The biggest lesson? Consistency beats intensity. It’s not about doing everything perfectly—it’s about showing up, week after week, year after year. Missing a workout doesn’t erase progress. Getting back to it does.

Listening to My Body

Over time, I stopped chasing “all-or-nothing” programs and started tuning into what my body actually needed. Some days it’s strength training. Other days it’s yoga, a long walk, or rest. Honoring those signals has made my fitness routine more sustainable and enjoyable.

Pairing Fitness with Plant-Based Wellness

Fueling my body with high-protein vegan meals—like tofu stir-fries, sprouted lentil bowls, and Meati cutlets—helped me recover faster and stay energized. Nutrition and movement aren’t separate—they’re partners in building strength, glow, and resilience.

The Transformation Beyond Workouts

Mental Health and Confidence

Fitness isn’t just about a toned body. It’s about clarity, energy, and mental resilience. Moving my body daily reduced stress, built confidence, and gave me the discipline to show up in every other area of life.

Glow-Up from the Inside Out

The glow I share today didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of 10 years of sweat, setbacks, progress, and alignment. A true glow-up comes from combining fitness, plant-based living, and self-awareness.

My Current Fitness Philosophy

After a decade, my philosophy is simple: do what makes you feel strong, grounded, and alive. Challenges can spark motivation, but true transformation comes when you integrate movement into your lifestyle and listen to your body.

If you’re just starting out—or if you’ ve been at it for years—the best fitness routine is the one you can stick with, adapt to, and actually enjoy.

👉 Explore my Release · Align · Glow framework to pair fitness with plant-based wellness.