There is a specific kind of "workout" I’ve been doing for the last few months, and it mostly involved dodging a jealous ex.
For a while there, my fitness routine was basically a high-stakes stealth mission. If I wanted to go to my co-ed CrossFit gym? Forbidden. If I tried to do an at-home video with a male instructor? Cue the interruption and the jealousy.
Apparently, even a digital fitness coach was a "threat" to the relationship. It’s hard to get your heart rate up when someone is constantly trying to shut your spirit down.
But guess what? The only thing I’m "dropping" these days is the dead weight of that relationship.
Since the breakup, I’ll be honest: getting out of bed has felt like trying to lift a literal ton of bricks. Depression and anxiety are heavy, but luckily, I have a secret weapon. I’ve officially hired my Mom as my personal human alarm clock. She wakes me up, and instead of dreading the day, we head to the living room for 20 minutes of Tai Chi.
Flowing through those slow, graceful movements has been a total game-changer. Here’s how life looks now:
Tai Chi Mornings: Mom and I flowing like water. It’s hard to feel anxious when you’re focusing on "Pushing the Mountain"—plus, seeing Mom’s "warrior pose" is a guaranteed mood boost.
The Bonus Round: On the days I’m feeling extra spicy, I actually have the energy to throw in a short workout afterward. No interruptions, no jealousy, just me and my sweat.
Family Strolls: I’ve been taking short walks with both Mom and Dad. Turns out, fresh air and supportive parents are much better for the heart than a controlling boyfriend.
Slowly but surely, the Tai Chi is helping me find my balance again. My sleep is better, my confidence is creeping back, and my broken heart is finally starting to mend in the flow.
To anyone out there feeling stuck: Find your flow, find your people, and remember that no one has the right to block your sunshine—especially not while you're trying to crush a workout.
Last updated on:2026-04-29T20:49:03+05:30
Comments (3)
do you notice yourself feeling lighter on the days you move your body with your mom compared to the days you don’t?
the part where you found something gentle that brings you back to yourself… i leaned into routines like that too. even when it felt pointless at first, it slowly gave me pieces of me back.
my ex used to get weird about the smallest things too, even who i followed online. i didn’t realize how much it shrank me until i got out. that “dead weight” line hit hard.