Fitness for Strength, Not Just Looks

When I first got into fitness, it was all about changing how I looked. I wanted the “perfect” body. I thought that achieving a certain aesthetic would boost my confidence and make me feel better about myself. But after spending time working on fitness, I realised that fitness is about so much more than just aesthetics.

Fitness is about building strength—physical and mental. It’s about developing the stamina to take on life’s challenges. It’s about feeling empowered in your own body and knowing that you can rely on it when needed. Whether it’s running up the stairs without getting winded or carrying groceries without straining your back, fitness is about functionality, not just looking good in a mirror.

For example, I found that lifting weights wasn’t just about building muscle for appearance’s sake; it was about building resilience and increasing my overall strength. I began to realise how strong I truly was—not just physically, but mentally as well.

My perspective shifted: I no longer worked out to fit into a certain mould but to feel strong and capable. Fitness became a tool for boosting energy, improving my mood, and reducing stress. It was a way to clear my head, challenge myself, and celebrate what my body was capable of, rather than focusing on how it looked.

Bruce Lee’s words perfectly capture this mindset:

“Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, add what is uniquely your own.”
—Bruce Lee

This quote helped me understand that fitness should be tailored to you. What works for one person might not work for another. Instead of trying to follow someone else’s routine or definition of success, I embraced what felt right for my body, my goals, and my lifestyle. I focused on what made me feel strong and empowered.