Redefining Beauty and Strength in the Age of Social Media

In a world where Instagram filters reign supreme and plastic surgery seems to be as common as getting a haircut, the definition of beauty is constantly evolving. As a strength athlete and coach, I've often found myself grappling with these ever-changing standards, especially when it comes to my clients' goals and expectations.

Recently, I encountered a new term that left me scratching my head: "snatched." My client, a vegan woman in her 50s, explained that she wanted to achieve a "snatched" physique -a defined body without appearing overly muscular, with smooth and firm skin, and devoid of any signs of aging. It sounded like a tall order, especially considering my role as a strength coach, not a magician or plastic surgeon.

Navigating the complexities of beauty standards, particularly in the realm of social media influencers and celebrities, can be daunting. The pressure to conform to unrealistic ideals of perfection can take a toll on one's self-esteem and sense of worth. That's why, instead of chasing after fleeting trends, I've chosen to focus on a more sustainable and empowering approach with my clients: body acceptance.

Rather than promoting the idea of loving or even positively affirming every inch of our bodies, I advocate for body neutrality - a mindset that encourages acceptance without placing undue emphasis on appearance. 

It's about recognizing and respecting our bodies for what they can do, rather than how they look. By shifting the focus away from aesthetics and towards functionality, we can cultivate a healthier relationship with our bodies and ourselves. In the end we will all die one day, so the "let me become the best version of myself" narrative isn't a realistic one.

Check out an amazing photo shoot by Howard Schatz who depicted the top olympic athletes in plain underwear. You can see all bodies here: small, large, skinny, short etc.

https://howardschatz.com/human-body/

For my client we focused on strength training and a solid whole food plant based diet without a huge deficit, by prioritizing plenty of carbs and calories to fuel her workouts and support her strength training regimen. Rather than succumbing to restrictive dieting or fad detoxes, we focus on nourishing her body with wholesome, nutrient-dense foods that enhance her performance and promote overall well-being.

Speaking of strength training, our approach is centered around powerlifting -a three-day-a-week program designed to build muscle, increase strength, and improve overall body composition. By focusing on compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, we target multiple muscle groups simultaneously, maximizing efficiency and effectiveness.

But beyond just physical gains, strength training offers a host of benefits for mental and emotional well-being.

It fosters resilience, boosts confidence, and cultivates a sense of empowerment that extends far beyond the gym walls. It's not about conforming to someone else's idea of beauty; it's about embracing our own unique strengths and capabilities, inside and out.

In a world that often equates beauty with youth, thinness, and perfection, it's refreshing to see a shift towards a more inclusive and empowering definition of beauty. By rejecting unrealistic standards and embracing our bodies for all they are capable of, we can redefine beauty on our own terms. So here's to being strong, confident, and unapologetically ourselves - because that's the truest form of beauty there is.