My #1 Fitness Habit Might Surprise You

When people ask me what my best fitness habit is, they usually expect something like “I never skip a Monday workout” or “I meal prep every Sunday.”

And don’t get me wrong—I do believe consistency matters. But if I’m being totally honest?

My #1 fitness habit is praise.

Yes, praise.

Gratitude.

Worship.

That’s what keeps me going.

Because no matter how strong my body becomes, it’s nothing compared to the strength I find in His presence.

Why Praise Is a Fitness Habit

It might sound strange to connect praise and fitness, but in reality, they’re inseparable.

Our minds, bodies, and spirits are interconnected, and if one part is out of alignment, it affects the rest.

You can have the best gym plan in the world, but if your spirit is weary or your mindset is negative, it’s only a matter of time before burnout creeps in.

That’s why every day, before I move my body, I align my heart.

I step into gratitude.

I worship the Miracle Worker who’s been working miracles in my life, all my life.

And I remind myself: this strength I’m walking in? It didn’t come from me. It came from Him.

Praise Sets the Tone

When I start my day with praise, something shifts.

Worries get smaller.

Confidence grows.

My workouts feel more like an act of worship than a chore.

Even the hard days feel lighter when I’ve already handed them over to God before I’ve eaten breakfast.

Praise is how I set my mind.

It’s how I renew my spirit.

It’s how I stay strong—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually, too.

Living Proof of His Strength

I’ve seen God move in my life in ways I could never earn or explain.

I’ve felt Him carry me through pain, through doubt, through seasons where I had nothing left to give—and still, He showed up.

So yes, I’ll keep praising.

I’ll keep stepping into each day with thankfulness for the miracles I’ve already seen and expectation for the ones still unfolding.

Because I’m living proof: He never lets His kids down.

Your Turn

If your fitness journey feels stuck or your motivation’s been running on fumes, I want to encourage you to start with praise.

You don’t need perfect circumstances to be grateful.

You just need a moment to pause and remember Who's walking with you.

Let your fitness journey be more than physical.

Let it be an overflow of a heart that’s anchored in joy, purpose, and praise.

With love and strength,

Amber Dabney Smith

Your Three-Part Fitness Coach | Spirit, Mind, Body