Today was my first day training with Ivana ~ and wow, we vibe.
She’s strong, chill, and absolutely body goals, which means I can’t even question her workouts. If it shows in her, I’m sold.
Honestly, I should’ve done this weeks ago. Having a trainer doesn’t just correct your form ~ it makes you show up. On time.
I used to spend 3 hours at the gym just… roaming. Now? Just 1 focused hour with Ivana and I’m wrecked (in the best way).
My muscles are screaming but my soul is clapping.
We focused on full body workout today and ended it with a 2 minute plank.
💡 If there’s one area I’d love to improve with her, it’s setting clearer goals around meal planning, BMI tracking, and fitness targets. I loved how LA Fitness structured those things, and I’m hoping we’ll integrate that soon.
Post-Workout: Chocolate Shake & Language Adventures
After the sweat, I stopped by the gym’s café for a choco protein shake (290 dinars). Surprisingly good — just mixed with water. What threw me off? No ice. How is it a shake without ice? 😅
I even asked in Serbian, “Imate li leda?” (“Do you have ice?”) and thank God, they did. Crisis averted.
Also yes — this is officially my first gym day in Serbia. Took me almost 3 weeks to get here but I’m glad I chose this one.
It’s massive, clean, has high ceilings, lots of machines, and let’s be honest… almost everyone’s ridiculously fit. And attractive.
The men? Ooof. Tall. Masculine.
The women? Goddesses.
Slavic masterpieces.
🐱 A Little Furry Blessing
As if the day wasn’t already perfect, a really sweet clingy cat decided I was her person. She came up to me right outside the gym, rubbed herself on my leg, and just… stayed.
They say when a cat chooses to rub up against you, it means you’ve been chosen. That you are their human.
And in that little moment — just me, my sore muscles, and this soft ball of love — everything felt still. We shared something unspoken and tender.
I looked for her again today… but she wasn’t there. I missed her.
But maybe that’s what little angels do — they show up exactly when you need them, and float off after they’ve left their magic
Second Shake? Yes Please.
Was the protein shake enough? Of course not.
I passed by Kafeterija ~ my favorite café so far — and tried their protein shake (585 dinars). Absolute bomb.
I’m low-key craving it again while writing this.
This spot is slowly becoming my place. I walk by it every morning, and it feels like home now. I bring my Kindle everywhere I go, but rarely read it — too many distractions, conversations, music, life happening. But as Grant Cardone says, “There’s no money at home.” Go out. Connect. Be seen. Be felt.
🧾 What I Spent Today in Dinars (Total Wellness Day Breakdown)
- Gym Membership: 3,500 RSD (monthly rate)
- Membership Card: 300 RSD
- Personal Training Session: 1,300 RSD (per session)
- Gym Protein Shake: 290 RSD
- Kafeterija Shake: 585 RSD
- 🟰 Total: 5,875 RSD (~49 USD)
Not bad for a full mind-body-soul recharge.
Evening Vibes: Tech Talks & Soul Chats
Later that evening, I met up with Ana, a kind Serbian woman I met at my cooking class. She’s also in IT, and we connected deeply over tech, growth, and life.
Our conversation flowed. We exchanged stories, ideas, and laughs. Her company reminded me of where mine was years ago — and it felt good sharing the little nuggets we’ve learned: progress tracking, how books became part of our culture, and growing a team with soul.
She even opened up about her love life — meeting her current partner after a broken marriage — and sweetly wished me love, too. The next day she texted a heartfelt thank-you and invited me to visit her company in person.
It’s moments like these where I fall in love again with what I do. Being a tech woman isn’t always easy, but it’s so rewarding when you get to empower someone else.
I feel useful. Inspired. Alive.
✨ Final Thoughts
From protein shakes and gym gains to cats and tech convos, today was one for the books. It reminded me that healing, growth, and happiness often happen in unexpected places:
In sweat. In sips. In purrs. In stories shared between strangers.
I may be new to Niš, but I’m already finding my rhythm — and I’m starting to love the beat.
