Bougie Brunette in Motion

How I’m Reclaiming My Routine, My Strength, and My Spark

I know not everyone can dedicate an entire portion of their home, a spare room, or an outbuilding to a gym — and I completely understand that. When I lived in my first apartment, I used to tuck weights under my bed and host cardio workouts with friends in my living room.

There’s nothing more honorable than moving your body within 600 square feet of living space. (Pro tip: invest in drapery to block out creepy/nosy neighbors.)

The real key is setting the intention to move your body, trying new things, and keeping movement interesting and challenging.

Building the Dream, Bit by Bit

Recently, I shared on social media the lower-level gym we’ve created and curated over the past 15 years. It hasn’t been a massive expense — we built it piece by piece, bit by bit. But if I added it all up, I’m sure my 19-year-old self would be wide-eyed at the final price tag. She could only have dreamed of the space we enjoy today.

I share this because making movement a non-negotiable part of life is essential. You know that old saying, “move it or lose it”? It’s true. The statistics about how longevity and quality of life are tied to maintaining muscle mass as we age have inspired me even more to keep my body moving.

From Teams to Home Turf

For most of my life, I’ve been part of a team, class, or fitness community. As a kid, I played soccer on multiple rec and travel leagues — it never felt like exercise, just fun. In adolescence, I joined track and cross-country, which carried me into college.

After school, I joined gyms, attended group classes, and even tried subscription-based programs. Each season of life has taught me more about my abilities — through wins, setbacks, and injuries — and I’ve learned to respect my body’s unique strengths and limitations.

When the Motivation Fades

Of course, some days are harder than others. Recently, I heard the phrase: “You can’t heal where you’ve been hurt.” For me, that’s applied to my gym. Over the past few years, I’ve dealt with health challenges, and I’m no longer the same athlete I was in 2020–2021.

My gym once gave me an outlet and a body I was proud of, but lately, I’ve stopped viewing it positively. That’s tough to admit — especially after pouring so much time into building it.

A Rebrand in Motion

So, I’ve decided it’s time for a rebrand. I want to feel excited walking into my gym again. I want it to be a place of pride, joy, and accountability — just like any fitness studio I’d join elsewhere.

I’m even toying with the idea of setting “operating hours” for myself to reduce anxiety about skipping workouts or pushing too hard. Because rest matters, too. My home gym should be both a retreat and a powerhouse.

And so, a name was born: Maison du Mouvement — The House of Movement. That’s what I strive for daily. To make it even more playful, I’ve added a tagline: Coup d’État Fitness — an overthrow of everyday fitness.

I don’t want to subscribe to whatever everyone else is doing. I want the freedom to take classes, bring that knowledge home, and build my own rhythm.

Here’s to overthrowing ordinary fitness.
Here’s to building a gym — piece by piece — just like we build our bodies.
Here’s to trying new things, learning new moves, and letting go of what doesn’t serve this season.

Now I just need to order some swag and start sporting my new at-home fitness brand. Watch out, Gold’s Gym — there’s a new chic, bougie baddie on the block.