Grace Delgado never imagined herself as someone who would look forward to exercising. At 45, the mother of three had always put her family’s needs before her own. Moving to Australia five years ago meant new routines, a busier lifestyle, and a sense of guilt when thinking about taking time for herself. But when a routine health check revealed high blood pressure and rising cholesterol levels, Grace knew something had to change.
“I wasn’t out to lose weight or look like a fitness model,” Grace says with a laugh. “I just wanted to feel like myself again.”
Starting Small: The Power of a Ten-Minute Walk
Grace’s first step was literal. Instead of trying to overhaul her entire schedule, she decided to commit to a ten-minute walk every morning after dropping her kids at school. At first, it felt insignificant. What difference could ten minutes make? But soon, it became a part of her day she looked forward to.
“Those ten minutes were my time,” Grace recalls. “I’d put on my headphones, listen to my favourite Filipino ballads, and just enjoy the fresh air.”
Experts say that starting small is key for beginners. Small wins like these can snowball into bigger lifestyle changes without feeling overwhelming.
Overcoming Barriers: Guilt and Self-Doubt
Grace struggled with feelings of guilt for taking time away from her family. “I felt selfish at first,” she admits. “But my husband reminded me that being healthy meant I could be there for my family in the long run.”
Her turning point came when her youngest child joined her on her walks. “It became our bonding time,” Grace says. “I realized I was setting a good example.”
Affordable Fitness: Finding Joy Without Breaking the Bank
Gym memberships and fitness gadgets weren’t in Grace’s budget, but she discovered plenty of free resources. She started following simple bodyweight exercise videos on YouTube, using a sturdy chair for support during squats and her living room floor for stretches.
“I didn’t need fancy equipment. I just needed to start,” she says. Walking, stretching, and even light dancing in the kitchen became part of her routine.
Health Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
Within a month, Grace noticed unexpected changes. Her mood improved, she had more energy throughout the day, and her sleep became more restful. These benefits motivated her to keep going, even on days when she didn’t feel like it.
“I used to think exercise was just about losing weight,” Grace says. “But it’s more than that. I feel stronger, and I can keep up with my kids.”
Fitness for the Busy Migrant
Like many migrants, Grace’s schedule was packed. She found creative ways to stay active, like doing calf raises while waiting for the kettle to boil or stretching during TV commercials.
For Grace, fitness wasn’t about dedicating hours at a gym—it was about making movement a part of her day.
Staying Safe: Listening to Your Body
Grace’s advice for beginners? Listen to your body and take it slow. “I learned to stop when something didn’t feel right,” she says. A quick visit to her GP before starting her fitness journey gave her the confidence to ease into her new routine safely.
A New Beginning
Today, Grace walks for 30 minutes daily, incorporates light exercises into her week, and even dances with her kids on weekends. “I feel like I’ve found a new version of myself,” she says, smiling.
Her journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to start—and that small steps can lead to big changes.
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