Do you really need to track all of your macronutrients if your goal is to lose weight? Is it really that necessary to lift weights 5-6 times each week and practically live in the gym if you want to build muscle? And do you absolutely have to restrain yourself from going to social events and indulging in the occasional glass of wine or slice of pizza if you desire to completely transform your physique for the better?

Rewind to over a decade ago and I would have told you yes. I would have told you that you have to make life changing sacrifices and have complete drive, determination and dedication to achieve your target training goals. However now that I’m little bit older, somewhat wiser and have ALOT MORE experience working with athletes, fitness competitors and the general population, I would change my answer. Not necessarily to a complete no, however by no means would I suggest that anyone live as a prisoner within their own body just so that they could achieve the body of their dreams. I mean what’s the point of having a great looking physique if you’re too busy worrying about what and when to feed it, how you’re going to look if you miss a workout and overall feeling irritable and lethargic for the better portion of your day due to practically starving yourself to maintain your “perfect physique”?

Bettering You Body While Breaking Your Brain

The other day I found myself in a conversation with a female client who was in her mid to late 30s about Instagram. We were discussing how it seems as if everyone who is anyone involved in health and fitness industry these days only seem to post beautiful and flawless photos of themselves online for their followers and fans to see. Now I can understand how a person would not want to post a bad or unflattering photo of themselves for the world to see, however the photos that I’m speaking of look as if they’ve been photoshopped by a professional photographer. Perfect skin, excellent lighting, and immaculate muscle tone and definition. Now even though most of us understand that these photos have been filtered and altered through some kind of application, they can still be intimidating and self depreciating to look at for many people.

Meaningless Motivation

I have to be honest. Seeing a nice set of ripped abs or a big muscular chest does not motivate me to go the gym and lift heavier and/or train harder. I can definitely appreciate a good looking physique, as I understand all the time, effort and work that has gone into making this physique look so good. But the reality is, is that’s all I can do -Appreciate it. I don’t think any higher of someone because they are in better shape then me. I don’t admire someone any differently because they can lift more or run faster then me. And I don’t want to “follow” someone on Instagram or Facebook and “like” their stupid bathroom selfies showcasing their perfect glutes or tight tummy because they think they are inspiring others to diet and exercise. Not to sound like a hater but all they are inspiring me to do is unfollow and/or block them so as I’m no longer bombarded with their ridiculous narcissistic “look at me” and “love me” photos of themselves.

Let’s Get Real

Look, if you want to get healthy, fit and look good naked, all you need to do is to start moving and stay moving! Keep it simple. Don’t overcomplicate things and look for new ways to reinvent the wheel. I train for aesthetics and I train for health. I train because I enjoy it and because it makes me feel good. I don’t train everyday and I don’t have a perfect diet. I’m grateful that I can exercise and I’m thankful that I have good health. I don’t need a millions followers to stroke my ego nor do I need to post photos of myself walking around with my shirt off online to gain more clients. I rely on my body to help portray an image of strength, power and confidence. However I rely on my mind to execute those images and my brain to ensure that those images remain with me for life.

Regardless of whether I’m young, old, muscular or fat, I know that my body will only take me so far in life. But my brain will ensure that I finish the journey.

Yours in Good Health,

Nick Cosgrove
Forever Fit Performance