And there you have it, the reason why I don't have a six pack and why you probably don't either and it isn't just the Nutella. It is the family dinners, girly cocktails, beers and burgers with the boys and it's the tea and biscuits at your Grannies.
It is having a social life outside of the gym.
So if you want a six pack, if you want that lean as hell physique with veins popping out left right and centre, then lock yourself in a room, do crunches, squats and curls until you're blue in the face and don't go out again. Ever.
Okay, not quite but are you starting to get my point?
I am a qualified fitness instructor. I have qualifications in spin, kettlebells, metafit, zumba, circuits and I exercise 5-6 days a week. I lift weights, I do HIIT, I run (occasionally), I play netball, I do yoga and I do not have a crazy ripped body. Shock horror. Throughout the week I eat well. Some would say I eat and train like I am in prep for a fitness comp and if I ate the way I did throughout the week everyday, for a good 12 weeks then yes, I no doubt would look like one of those instagram girls, but the fact is, I don't. At the weekends I enjoy a beer or a wine. I love having fat days with my boyfreind. I love ordering in a pizza and seeing who can eat the most. I am loving travelling and trying every god dam thing on the menu. I love socialising. I love living in the real world.
People, including myself, need to understand that these girls and guys on Instagram are PROFESSIONAL FITNESS MODELS. Their living is to bulk, shred, have minimal body fat for their shows and shoots and then repeat the process. They literally get paid to train twice a day, eat 100% clean, take part in shows and photo shoots and promos. It is how they make a living, and unless you want to strut about the office in your glittery bikini or g-string then it is time to sit down, simmer down and have a snickers.
Oh and if you think that that is also what they permanently look like, go have a wee peak at what they look like on off season, ayep they are human too and also get food babies. Oh the shame!
Now, I am not saying that you can't achieve an amazing body through a more relaxed regime, but unless you are one of those annoying people who have an incredibly lean physique naturally (usually those who have been very active from a young age) then you probably aren't going to look as shreded as those who are more strict. Sorry to disappoint. I was active my whole childhood. I did athletics, danced, climbed trees, ran about mental with scissors much to my parents distress and I believe that it has helped me retain a flat stomach that has a bit of something going on (maybe a 2.5 pack if I tense like a mother) but it isn't anything to be #goals. It is a healthy, normal, REAL stomach. One that belongs to a person that is a fitness fanatic, lover of kale and spinach as well as cheesy chilli fries....
Exhibit A....
Moral of the story, my lifestyle at the moment (travelling, making memories) doesn't really allow for an atheistic goal. At the moment, my goals are strength based. I am focusing on lifting heavy with some accessory work with the ultimate dream of maybe, just maybe entering a power lifting competition one day. I am a long way off, I can't bench for shit but it is an aspiration and a goal that is not aesthetic and one that suits where I am in life right now. I may not have a stomach you can grate cheese on but you bet your ass I could out run a zombie apocalypse whilst doing multiple burpees on the way. Having abs does not define levels of fitness, they are signs of discipline. If you really want to look like a fitness model and that is your ultimate goal then I wish you the best of luck and would encourage you to enter a bikini or body building competition because of all the god damn hard work you are going to have to put in. The willpower, determination and drive those guys have is insane and I will always admire their commitment and maybe once I have settled down, I will give it a shot. However, like me, if you are not willing to give up all those crazy nights out and Ben & Jerrys Sundays then cut yourself some slack and LOVE the incredible body you already have. Focus on getting stronger, faster, fitter and inevitably you will more often than not want to fuel your body with nourishing foods that will help you feel and look amazing, maybe not like a fitness athlete but still absolutely banging. Aim for health, aim for progress, aim for BALANCE and most importantly, aim for the bag of malteasers.
Shit I mean happiness, aim for happiness.
