Mistakes That Keep You Stuck (And What to Do Instead to Actually Start Healing)

The people I work with didn’t fail at fitness, fitness failed them. What I mean is they were failed by advice that didn’t consider what their body was actually going through.

If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of trying, crashing, and starting over—it’s not because you’re weak. It’s because most fitness and health advice was designed for people with stable energy, no to low inflammation, and less sensitive nervous system.

Let’s break down three common patterns that keep you stuck—and how to gently turn them around:

🚫 Mistake #1: Pushing Through the Pain

Old mindset: “If I don’t push myself, I won’t make progress.”

What really happens: You push… you crash… and then you’re sidelined for days (or weeks).

Overexertion triggers a stress response in the body. For people with chronic illness or nervous system dysregulation, that spike in cortisol can lead to inflammation, pain flares, and extreme fatigue. It’s not just uncomfortable—it’s counterproductive.

Try this instead:

1. Choose workouts that leave you feeling more grounded and stable—not wiped out.

2. Use how you feel after the workout (not during) as your success metric.

3. Remind yourself: Real strength is built through consistency, not intensity.

🚫 Mistake #2: Skipping Meals to “Be Good”

Old mindset: “I’ll feel better if I eat less.”

What really happens: You’re under-fueled, your blood sugar crashes, and your nervous system perceives that as danger—which keeps your body stuck in survival mode.

Undereating (especially protein and complex carbs) slows down your metabolism, weakens your muscle tissue, and can worsen brain fog and fatigue.

Try this instead:

1. Aim to eat every 4–5 hours, especially when doing any kind of movement.

2. Prioritize simple, anti-inflammatory meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

3. Think of food as fuel for healing—not something to restrict or earn.

🚫 Mistake #3: Thinking “No Sweat = No Benefit”

Old mindset: “If I don’t sweat or feel sore, it didn’t count.”

What really happens: You dismiss the exact types of movement that your body actually needs to regulate inflammation, support lymph flow, and build safe strength.

Gentle movement like fascia release, breathwork, and nervous system-aware strength training may not make you sweat—but they absolutely change how your body functions and recovers.

Try this instead:

1. Start thinking of movement as regulation instead of punishment.

2. Celebrate the small wins: less pain, better sleep, faster recovery.

3. Track how you feel—not just how many calories you burn.

🌿 Remember This:

1. Don’t confuse discomfort with progress.

2. Don’t confuse ease with failure.

3. The right workout for your body is one that makes healing feel possible again.