Why have I been taking steps back from being consumed by fitness?
First off, I love to exercise, that will never change. You’ll forever find me in gym clothes and a healthy lifestyle is something I will always have.
Recently I took a moment to remember where I was when I began lifting. I was at a very low point mentally and began using the gym as a release of stress and for an entity of strength. I didn’t dislike my body at this point or even know what the fitness industry was.
I did it because it made me feel good. It made me feel stronger in all aspects of my life. And for that reason, I fell in love with it.
I know for a fact, that if I had begun exercising in combination with counting macros or with the mindset to compete or reach a certain aesthetic, my mental space would have worsened.
This is where I realized that it felt hypocritical of me to be so consumed by the industry - it has nothing to do with why I exercise in the first place.
I think there is a misconception of what it takes to be a “relevant” person. I don’t think you have to have a 10 sponsorships, compete, and spend 3 hours in the gym every day. I don’t think that’s relevant at all.
Embodying and sharing a healthy lifestyle shouldn’t be valued by a trophy, a follower count, or a body fat percentage. To be the embodiment of something, you must be able to take away all of the material things and remain that person at your core.
When I started I didn’t have social media. It was for me.
Are you doing this for you?