glowing up – Elizabeth Yuen

When we talk about glowing up, it’s easy to think about the physical aspects—weight loss, skincare, fitness goals. While these are important, your glow up is about so much more than just physical transformation. True, lasting glow ups involve a deep internal shift that encompasses your mental and emotional health as well. It’s not just about looking better on the outside; it’s about feeling better, more confident, and aligned with your best self on the inside.

1. Mental Health Matters

Often, we focus so much on what we can see in the mirror that we forget to take care of our mental well-being. The glow-up journey isn’t complete until your mind feels as strong and clear as your body does. For me, that meant developing healthier thought patterns, working on my emotional resilience, and learning how to embrace positive self-talk. Mental well-being is foundational—when you feel mentally strong and at peace, it shows in everything you do, from how you carry yourself to how you interact with others.

2. Emotional Healing is Key

A major part of my glow up was addressing past emotional baggage. Whether it’s letting go of self-doubt, practicing self-love, or working through limiting beliefs, emotional healing is crucial for personal growth. I realized that to truly “glow up,” I needed to clear out the emotional clutter that had been holding me back. Working on my emotional health allowed me to break free from negative cycles and start living authentically. When you feel emotionally aligned, you radiate a sense of peace and confidence that makes you feel more “glowing” from the inside out.

3. Your Glow Is a Reflection of How You Treat Yourself

True glow-up isn’t just about the transformation others can see—it’s about how you treat yourself when no one is watching. Are you prioritizing self-care? Setting boundaries? Saying “no” when necessary? A huge part of my glow up was creating habits that nourished my body, mind, and spirit. Whether it was meditating for five minutes a day, journaling to process my emotions, or taking moments to simply breathe and reset, these little acts of self-care added up to huge changes in my overall well-being.

4. Confidence Comes From Within

No matter how many workouts you do or how clear your skin gets, if you don’t believe in yourself, that glow won’t truly shine through. Confidence comes from taking action, from pushing past your fears, and from realizing your worth. Your inner transformation is what enables your outer transformation to truly shine.

5. It’s About Living Aligned With Your Values

A key part of my glow up journey was also about aligning my life with my true values. It’s easy to get distracted by outside expectations or societal pressure, but when I focused on what truly mattered to me—whether it was spending quality time with my family, building a career I love, or fostering personal growth—I found my energy and confidence soaring.

6. The Glow Is a Holistic Transformation

While losing 35 pounds and achieving my fitness goals was an important part of my journey, it wasn’t the whole picture. The glow-up experience is a holistic one—it’s about nurturing your body, mind, and spirit. When all three are in alignment, the glow radiates naturally.

In the end, your glow up isn’t about achieving perfection or checking off every box on a fitness or beauty list. It’s about living authentically, feeling confident in who you are, and taking care of your whole self—inside and out. True glow-ups come from embracing your worth and continuously working on becoming the best version of yourself. Your glow starts from within. 🌟✨

If you’re on a glow-up journey too, I’d love to hear about your experience! How are you nurturing your mental, emotional, and physical health? Drop a comment below!

When I first started my glow up journey, I knew one thing for sure: I needed to make fitness a regular part of my life. As a new mom, my energy levels were low, and I was feeling sluggish—often struggling with basic things like climbing stairs or carrying my baby. It was clear that something needed to change. But one of the most important decisions I made was not just about starting to work out—it was about choosing the right kind of workout for me. That’s where fitness classes played a major role in helping me lose 35 pounds and completely transform my life.

Accountability and Motivation

One of the most significant factors in my fitness success was choosing group fitness classes. Initially, I thought about working out at home or going to the gym on my own. But, after some thought, I realized that group classes were what I truly needed. Group workouts helped me stay consistent, not only because I was part of a community but because I knew that people were counting on me to show up. This accountability motivated me to get out of bed early, push myself during each session, and stay committed to my goals.

Fitness classes also introduced a sense of camaraderie that made the entire experience more enjoyable. I wasn’t just showing up for myself, but for a group of people who were all working toward similar fitness goals. I saw familiar faces every time, which made me feel like I was part of a fitness family. And it wasn’t just about working out—it was about creating friendships, building connections, and having fun along the way.

Varied Workouts for a Full-Body Transformation

Another benefit of group fitness classes is the variety of workouts available. I didn’t have to worry about planning a routine or trying to figure out what exercises to do next—each class was structured and targeted different aspects of fitness, such as strength, flexibility, and cardio. For me, classes like Body Pump, Body Balance, and yoga were key to my weight loss success.

Body Pump: This class focused on strength training, and it was perfect for building lean muscle and boosting my metabolism. The mix of weightlifting and high-repetition exercises helped tone my body, and I could feel myself getting stronger each week.

Body Balance: This class combined elements of yoga and Pilates, which helped improve my flexibility and balance. It also gave me a mental break and allowed me to focus on deep breathing and relaxation. I found that doing these types of workouts helped reduce stress and contributed to my overall well-being.

Yoga: Yoga helped me become more in tune with my body. It gave me time to slow down, stretch, and take care of my mind and body. It also helped me recover from intense workouts, keeping my muscles flexible and preventing injuries.

By consistently taking these classes, I didn’t just lose weight—I also improved my overall fitness and mental health. The combination of strength training, stretching, and cardio allowed me to see results in all areas of my body, giving me the toned and fit physique I was striving for.

The Joy of Group Support

The best part about fitness classes was the support and encouragement I received from instructors and fellow participants. Instructors would cheer me on, push me to work harder, and celebrate my progress, no matter how small. This kind of positive reinforcement helped me stay focused and motivated, especially on days when I felt exhausted or discouraged.

There were also plenty of times when the other participants would share their journeys, offer advice, or simply encourage me to keep going. Knowing that we were all working toward the same goal—becoming healthier and stronger—made it easier to push through challenging workouts. This shared energy created an uplifting environment that made the process of getting fitter much more enjoyable.

The Power of Consistency

Fitness classes became an essential part of my routine, and consistency was key to my success. I started going six days a week, and I was amazed by how quickly my body responded. Not only did I lose the 35 pounds I had gained during pregnancy, but I also gained muscle, improved my posture, and built a level of endurance I never thought possible.

The structure of the classes made it easier to stay on track. Having a set schedule each week kept me disciplined, and knowing I had a class to look forward to motivated me to stay active even on days when I wasn’t feeling up to it.

The Bottom Line: Find What Works for You

What I’ve learned from my experience is that fitness is not a one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay. For me, fitness classes were the perfect solution, but if group workouts don’t appeal to you, that’s fine too. The important part is finding something you enjoy and can stick to in the long run.

If you’re struggling with motivation or just don’t know where to start, I recommend trying out a few different types of fitness classes or activities. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy a class that you initially thought wasn’t for you. The most important thing is to find something that feels right and keeps you coming back for more.

Losing 35 pounds was not about an extreme transformation—it was about making small, consistent changes that built up over time. Fitness classes were a game-changer for me, and I’m so grateful for the community, support, and motivation they provided. If you’re ready to start your fitness journey, remember that the right workout can make all the difference.

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Why Your Glow Up Isn’t Just Physical