No one told me this. After many, many years of approaching fitness the wrong way, I’ve finally uncovered the truth that so many fitness experts and influencers fail to address. You’ve heard it all before—eat this macro split, work out for hours every day, and push yourself to the extreme. Scroll through social media and you’ll be bombarded with highlight reels of people flaunting their extreme results. But here’s the question no one is asking—how much of this is actually healthy? And more importantly, is it even maintainable?
As someone who competed at a national level, I can confidently tell you this: maintaining incredibly low body fat, especially for women, is almost impossible in the long term. It requires extreme measures involving restrictive diets and obsessive workout routines. What no one tells you is the cost of this lifestyle. Extreme dieting and over-exercising are not just unsustainable—they’re also disordered and deeply unhealthy. Yet, many people glorify this approach, leaving countless others chasing an ideal that does more harm than good.
What’s worse is the shame and disconnect this creates. If you’ve ever been “fit,” competed, or coached others, you’ve likely experienced this pressure. People hold you to an impossible standard, tying your identity to a specific body image or level of fitness. When you no longer meet these ideals, you’re left feeling like a fraud. It’s a vicious cycle that makes you question your worth and creates a stark divide between who you are and how people perceive you.
It’s time to change the conversation about fitness. Instead of glorifying extremes, we need to normalize balance, health, and sustainability. Fitness should enhance your life, not dominate it. It starts with recognizing that pursuing unrealistic ideals isn’t just unproductive—it’s damaging. Fitness is about building a sustainable, healthy lifestyle, not about chasing perfection.
This shift in mindset begins with redefining success. Success in fitness isn’t measured by the number on a scale, the size of your waist, or the visibility of your abs. It’s about feeling strong, having energy, and cultivating a positive relationship with your body. It means listening to your needs, fueling yourself with nourishing foods, and exercising in ways that you genuinely enjoy—not because you’re punishing yourself, but because it feels good.
We also need to challenge the narrative that discipline is the only path to fitness. While consistency and commitment are important, they should never come at the expense of your physical or mental well-being. Rest days, flexibility, and self-compassion are just as critical to the process as hitting your workouts or sticking to a meal plan. Balance isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a necessary component of a truly healthy lifestyle.
Finally, it’s crucial to remember that fitness looks different for everyone. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay. Your fitness routine should be tailored to your unique needs, preferences, and goals—not dictated by societal standards or unrealistic expectations. By prioritizing what makes you feel good and supports your overall well-being, you can build a healthier, happier, and more sustainable relationship with fitness.
For further information about health & fitness, contact us via our website for a free non-committal 30-minute consultation. Start your journey towards a healthier and fitter you today! https://www.corevefitness.ca/
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