I Stopped Training out of Fear of Being Fat — Now I Train Because I’m an Athlete. So Can You!

If you’re a vegan woman who lifts weights, trains for strength, or simply wants to build a healthier body without obsessing over numbers on the scale, this article is for you. I’m Katya Gorbacheva, founder of Vegan Powerlifter and a passionate advocate for strength training as a way to transform not only your body but your mindset and values. Today, I want to share a personal insight that changed how I approach training, nutrition, and life: the powerful difference between goals and values — and why understanding this can help you train consistently without fear or guilt.

Goals vs. Values: What’s the Difference?

Many of us chase goals—lose 10 pounds, hit a PR squat, compete in a powerlifting meet. But what happens when those goals feel like pressure, fear, or self-judgment? That’s when it’s time to step back and ask: are you training because you have to, or because it aligns with your values?

Values are your core beliefs — the principles that define who you are and how you see the world. For me, being vegan is a value rooted in compassion. It’s not just a goal to “eat plant-based” but a deep conviction that shapes every choice I make.

Goals, on the other hand, are milestones or achievements we set for ourselves. They can be changing and flexible. For example, your goal might be to lose weight, improve your deadlift, or get into a university program. Sometimes you achieve them, sometimes you don’t. That’s okay.

Why Values Matter More Than Goals

Values are the foundation of your identity. When you act against your values, it causes discomfort and guilt that lingers. But missing a goal—even an important one—might feel disappointing but won’t shake your core self.

This is crucial in fitness. If your training is just about hitting a certain number on the scale or lifting a specific weight because you “have to,” it’s easy to get caught in fear and frustration. I used to train out of fear: fear of gaining fat, fear that no one would love me if I got “soft,” fear that my body was aging and changing beyond my control.

But now I train because I’m an athlete. Training is a non-negotiable part of who I am. It’s tied to my values of strength, health, and self-respect—not just a fleeting goal.

How This Mindset Changed My Training

Currently, I’m in the second trimester of pregnancy, and I’m not preparing for a powerlifting meet or trying to lose weight. I train and stay active because it’s part of who I am — it makes me feel good mentally and physically, supports my health, and aligns with my values of self-care and discipline.

My training is consistent but flexible. I don’t pressure myself with deadlines or unrealistic goals. Instead, I set intentions rooted in my values, like staying strong for myself and my baby.

Setting Realistic Goals That Support Your Values

Don’t get me wrong — goals are important! They give you direction and measurable progress. But the key is to set realistic and flexible goals that work with your life, not against it.

For example, many of my clients aiming for weight loss don’t reach 100% of their goals within a set timeframe — life happens. But if they achieve even 50–75% of their goal, that’s a big success! It’s about progress, not perfection.

Your goal could be:

• Lose a sustainable amount of weight over time
• Improve your squat or deadlift form
• Get consistent with workouts despite a busy schedule

And always check if those goals fit with your values. Are they promoting your wellbeing and self-love, or are they causing stress and fear?

The Power of Training for Identity, Not Just Results

When training becomes part of your identity, it’s no longer about fear or appearance — it’s about living your values. For me, lifting weights is about being strong, confident, and showing up for myself every day.

I believe my work as a vegan powerlifting coach and content creator is meaningful because it helps women break free from diet culture and body shame. It’s selfish in the best way — I’m investing in a mission that’s true to who I am.

• If you want to start shifting your mindset from fear to value-driven training, try these steps:
• Reflect on your core values related to health and fitness
• Separate your goals from your identity; see them as tools, not definitions
• Set flexible, realistic goals aligned with your values
• Celebrate progress, not just outcomes
• Train because it feels right, not because you fear failure or judgment

Why This Matters for Vegan Women in Strength Training

As a vegan powerlifter, I know how tough it can be to juggle societal expectations, body image struggles, and performance goals. But when you ground your training in your values — compassion, strength, health — everything shifts.

You stop training because you’re afraid to get fat or because someone told you to lose weight. Instead, you train because you’re an athlete who deserves respect, power, and health.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between goals and values is a game-changer. It frees you from fear, guilt, and frustration and replaces those feelings with purpose, identity, and sustainable motivation.

Remember, training is about who you are, not just what you achieve.

✨ Ready to Start Lifting Smarter, Not Harder?

If you’re ready to build lasting strength and train with purpose — I’d love to work with you.