Why Having A “Ripped Physique” Is Overrated
Personal Trainer, Mat, trains at Wise & Prime's Private Studio in Hove
When I was a boy, I wanted to look like Goku from the Japanese anime series, Dragon Ball Z. I used to draw his rippling six pack and bulging biceps and imagine myself standing powerfully like a real life Super Saiyan. “If only… one day… I could look like that.” I thought.
Then one day, I started to resemble someone with a muscular physique. And people would comment. “You look ripped, dude”. And it felt good. I would stare at my self in the mirror. Posing. Taking photos in perfect lighting at just the right angle to maximise the look. Then add a dash of retouching and boom. I am complete. Right?
Oh dear...
Skip ahead to 2017 and my world comes crashing down along with a burnout so bad I can no longer train the way I used to. I lost 10kg in weight and most of my muscle. And in that moment, I realised how entwined my self image had become with my sense of self worth. And what a wake up call that was.
Goku from the anime series, Dragon Ball Z.
I started to notice how whenever I trained for physical appearance or to compete with others, I would suffer in some way. Almost as if the universe was saying ‘Mat, remember, ego is not the way.’
Choose Function Over Form
That’s where I shifted my focus to functional fitness. I.e. training for optimum health and physical function rather than for aesthetic reasons.
I also focused on becoming more present and enjoying exercise by slowing down the intensity and letting go of any pressure to achieve physical prowess.
The irony was that the more I let go of how I looked, the more externally impressive my body became anyway. Almost like the universe was rewarding me for it.
Why We Are Attracted To Muscular Physiques
It made me realise why we are attracted to muscular physiques in the first place - they are an external representation of what we can do physically and, on a deeper level, represent our ability to do hard things and look after (love) ourselves and others.
But to get to that point, I had to do the work and find the love and joy that was already in me - rather than use external sources (such as my own body) to make me feel ok. Nowadays, I still appreciate how my body looks but it’s just a nice by-product of training this way. And I see the same thing happen for my PT clients too.
PT, Michelle, training one of her clients in the studio
Enjoy The Process
Now, as an experienced Personal Trainer, it’s worth mentioning that any extrinsic goal can never be fulfilling long term so even if you were to achieve your ultimate physique, the feeling won’t last. That feeling of fulfilment needs to come from the inside first.
If you’re interested in learning more about that, consider joining one of my upcoming Wim Hof Method Workshops as we take a deep dive into the nature of the human mind and how to heal from the inside out.
I also recommend focusing on enjoying the process of getting fitter and stronger as much as possible because that will enable you to be more consistent - which is ultimately what will drive results long term.
Considering Hiring a PT?
If you’d love to change your relationship with your body, exercise and food, have you considered working with one of us?
We offer a safe, private space to workout out in - free from “regular gym” vibes and focus on helping you become more physically capable in the 7 key functional movement patterns. And by making the process as enjoyable as possible, you might find that external changes start to take place too.
