Delhi:Fitness content on the internet often seems easy. Excellent edits, great energy, no struggle in sight. But that’s not always how it is in real life. Especially when you are trying to get back into a routine after a breakup.
Actor Ira Khan, daughter of , recently shared a much more candid version of that process. In an April 19 Instagram post, she discussed her first week back at the gym. And she was clear on one thing. It’s not fun yet.
The mental haggling that takes place before a workout
Her post was about something that a lot of people deal with in silence. That back and forth in your head before you get started. The reasons. The wait. The "maybe tomorrow."
Ira wrote about how she didn't "ditch" her workout on Thursday, but she did skip it on Friday for no good reason. So she made a rule for herself.
"I told myself I couldn't go to work on Saturday until I was done with my workout," she said. "Even if it meant being late for my meeting, it took talking to four people to get me to work out on Saturday."
It's a small moment, but it's real. Discipline isn't always about motivation. It's about making things so that you can't get out.
What her workout schedule looked like
The video showed her doing a full-body workout. No fancy setup. It's just a mix of strength and movement work.
She did push-ups and squats. Simple but useful. Then, do suspension rows with TRX-style straps that work on the back and core. There were also moving exercises like bear crawls and kick outs that help with coordination and stamina.
She even added more difficult exercises, like handstand drills. These are all about keeping your shoulders and balance stable. It was a mix of strength, control, and movement in general. Not random.
Why the "not fun yet" stage is important
There was one part of her post that stood out. She talked about the time between starting and really enjoying it.
A lot of people leave early. Most of the time, within the first 21 days. People expect that workouts will feel good right away. That "high" from endorphins. But that doesn't always happen right away. The body needs time to get used to it.
She made a simple point. Discipline doesn't mean wanting to do the work. It's about making a system that makes you do it anyway. Even if it means making someone wait 10 minutes for a meeting.
How exercise helps mental health
There is also a bigger picture to think about. More than just physical changes.
The Mayo Clinic says that moving around can help you stop thinking about stress and ease muscle tension. Exercise also raises levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, all of which help control mood.
The World Health Organization also says that regular exercise makes the brain's executive function better. In short, it helps you deal with stress better. Completing a hard workout can give you confidence that lasts in other areas of your life.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that adults should try to get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.
If you're stuck in that early, uncomfortable phase of getting back into shape, the lesson is pretty clear. The mental benefits usually happen before the physical ones do.