Breaking Free from Comparison: Embrace Your Own Unique Movement Journey
One of the greatest downfalls of social media today is the obsession with comparison. We do it consciously and unconsciously, constantly measuring every detail of our lives against what we see on our screens - whether it's home decor, the food we eat, our hobbies, interests, or family traditions. It's as if we’re all striving to be carbon copies of one another. But let’s be real…what kind of boring world would that be?
As a personal trainer, I see this comparison trend play out especially in the fitness world. My Instagram feed, for example, is tailored to my interests in health and fitness, which means I’m constantly bombarded with fitness-related content. While I’m all for sharing motivation and inspiring others to move their bodies, there's a downside to this constant stream of comparison - if we don’t stop to realize and embrace our own individuality in how we care for our bodies, it can do more harm than good.
Here’s the hard truth: what works for Sally Sue might not work for you. After years in the fitness industry, I’m here to tell you one thing you need to know: fitness is NOT a one-size-fits-all journey. That’s the core truth. And that’s the first step toward finding what works for YOU.
Yes, there’s science behind achieving certain physiques, and yes, specific movements can lead to specific results. But here’s the kicker: if you don’t enjoy a particular type of movement, chances are you won’t stick with it. It’s that simple.
Before we dive into any aesthetic goals, we need to remind ourselves of the most important reason to move our bodies: health. When we shift our focus to health and well-being, we unlock the space to explore and get creative with the way we move. And here’s the exciting part - there are endless possibilities.
Too often, we box ourselves in with societal ideas of what fitness should look like. Lately, we’ve seen a rise in either weight lifting or Pilates as the “go-to” trends. But guess what? These are just trends that will come and go - remember your mom’s old workout VHS tapes from the ‘80s? Those fads faded, too.
So, let’s get back to what really matters. Ask yourself: What movement feels like joy? What could you commit to doing every single day without complaining? Start there. It could be walking, biking, hiking, rollerblading, dancing, or something entirely different. The point is to start with what feels right for you.
Building momentum comes when we trust ourselves enough to show up, day after day, for the things we love. And when we love it, we’ll stick with it.
So go ahead, explore! Try a new group fitness class with a friend, or dive into YouTube to discover a new type of movement you’ve been curious about but were too hesitant to try. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to move your body, and there’s no need to compare yourself to anyone else. The key is to keep moving. Keep exploring. Keep enjoying the journey, and most importantly, keep showing up for yourself.
— Caroline