Page 22 - Intra Muros April Issue 2026

ESTATE NEWS

WHY CONSISTENCY MATTERS MORE

THAN INTENSITY

By Leigh-Mari Wallace

y April, the excitement of New Year’s Small efforts repeated regularly – such as Strategies to stay consistent
resolutions has often faded. Work, training a few times each week, eating well • Set clear and realistic goals that are easy
Bfamily and changing schedules make most of the time, and prioritising rest – to measure.
it harder to maintain the goals that once felt compound into meaningful progress. • Schedule workouts in your calendar like
motivating. However, this time of year is the you do important appointments.
perfect opportunity to reset, refocus and If your routine has slipped or your goals feel • Focus on building healthy habits instead
recommit to your health and training goals. out of reach, it does not mean you have of only chasing outcomes.
failed. Often, the real issue is that goals were • Adopt one small habit at a time and give
A mid-year reset: realigning your not clearly defined or realistic from the start. it 30 days before adding another.
goals • Allow for flexibility, and remember that
If your goals feel out of reach or your routine Effective goals should be specific, missing a day does not mean failure.
has fallen apart, it doesn’t mean you’ve measurable and meaningful. For example, • Celebrate small wins and track your
failed. It simply means your goals may need instead of simply aiming to get fit, a stronger progress to stay motivated.
adjusting. Life changes and schedules shift, goal would be to train three to four times
and so your training plan should evolve with per week for a set period of time, or to Ultimately, progress in health and fitness
them. improve a performance marker such as a is not built through perfection but
5km run time. through persistence. Each small step taken
Ask yourself a few simple questions: Does consistently moves you closer to a stronger,
this goal still fit my current lifestyle? Is my Another key factor in long-term success is healthier version of yourself. The rest of the
training schedule realistic, given my work focusing on sustainable habits rather than year still holds tremendous opportunity; all
and family commitments? Am I focusing on dramatic short-term changes. Health and it takes is the decision to keep showing up.
progress or perfection? fitness are lifelong journeys, and the most
successful individuals are those who keep Tracking your progress can also be a
One of the most important truths in health showing up even when motivation fades. powerful motivator. Seeing improvements
and fitness is that consistency matters far Building routines – such as scheduling in strength, endurance, energy levels or
more than motivation or intensity. While workouts, preparing meals ahead of time, daily habits will remind you that your
motivation can come and go, consistent and creating consistent sleep habits – makes efforts are working. Progress is often
action over time leads to lasting results. it easier to maintain healthy behaviour. gradual, but when you look back after
a few months, the results of consistent
action become clear.

The rest of the year is still full of
opportunity. Twelve months of progress is
not built in January alone; it is built in the
ordinary days when you choose to show
up, again and again.

So, stay focused on the process, keep your
goals clear, and remember that consistency
– not perfection – is what ultimately
creates lasting results.

Leigh-Mari Wallace is a biokineticist and
nutritionist.

For more information, email her at
leighmariniemand@gmail.com

20 | INTRAMUROS APRIL 2026