Interestingly, many people are searching for something that doesn’t really exist. This endless pursuit causes torment, frustration, and inevitably, low self-esteem and confidence.
We’re often trying to create a body that looks athletic, fit, strong and lean - as though we’ve spent years nourishing it with good food and consistent care - when in truth, we haven’t. It’s the difference between appearance and authenticity.
When Pilates first gained popularity, I would often hear women say they were doing it because ballet dancers did, and ballet dancers had amazing bodies. Yes, they do - but that’s because they are ballet dancers! To look like one, you need to live like one, with years of disciplined training and lifestyle to match.
It’s not about borrowing the surface detail. It’s about authenticity.
Authenticity in Practice
I’ll never forget an experience from many years ago when I was teaching a student to be a Personal Trainer. During a role-play exercise, I pretended to be a 40-year-old man, 25 kilos overweight, whose career had taken priority while his health was neglected. When asked what he had for breakfast, I replied, “white toast with jam and a hot chocolate”. As my student wrote this down, she raised an eyebrow. I paused and said, “you just judged me”.
That ‘client’ was already feeling ashamed and embarrassed. A raised eyebrow was enough to reinforce the fear of being judged.
Later, my student asked me how to avoid those involuntary expressions. My answer was simple - don’t focus on hiding your facial expressions. Instead, don’t judge in the first place. That is authenticity.
No Shortcuts, Just Choices
Health is the result of healthful living: nourishing food, quality sleep, consistent exercise, and stress management. It doesn’t come from pills, potions or quick fixes. Marketing often tells us what we want to hear - that there’s an easy way. The recent surge in GLP-1 drugs is a prime example. What we need to hear is that success comes from doing the hard things - making lasting lifestyle changes.
The truth is, you get to choose your ‘hard’. Living with chronic illness, poor mobility, and low energy is hard. Making changes to your nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle is also hard. The choice is yours.
The Real Thing
For those old enough to remember the old “Claytons” ad - don’t aim for a Claytons body, the body you have when you’re not really looking after yourself. Aim for the real thing. Build a body that doesn’t just look well - but is well.
Because when you choose authenticity, the results are not just skin deep. They last.
