What I Got WRONG About Fitness in My 20's (And What You Can Avoid)
In my 20s, I looked like I had it all together—lean, muscular, “disciplined.”
But under the surface, I was burned out, frustrated, and silently wrecking my relationship with food and my body.
Here’s what my week usually looked like:
Chicken and raw broccoli. Protein shakes. Repeat.
“Clean” eating all week… and then drinks, pizza, and binging on the weekend.
Fat burners and other supplements that didn’t do a damn thing.
Feeling guilty Monday through Friday, then “earning” my weekend.
I thought if I could just be perfect during the week, I’d outwork my slip-ups on the weekend.
I thought looking good was the same as being healthy.
I thought willpower was everything.
But here’s what I’ve learned since then:
1. You can’t out-discipline a broken relationship with food.
I wasn’t “disciplined.” I was just in a restrict–binge cycle with a six-pack.
Real discipline is learning to trust yourself around food, not fear it.
2. Looking fit isn’t the same as being healthy.
I was sleeping poorly. My performance in the gym sucked. My stress was high.
Eventually, I ended up in the hospital—and realized I wasn’t as healthy as I thought.
3. Extremes don’t last—systems do.
What works long-term isn’t raw broccoli and protein powder.
It’s building a routine that doesn’t need to be “perfect” to work.
It’s knowing how to adjust when life gets messy.
Real Client Story
I always wanted to make change to my overall wellbeing, which goes beyond exercise and eating well. The right mindset and mental health are as important when it comes to achieving your goals, no matter how small or big they are. That is why I started working with Alex, to connect the body and mind. In the last 5 months I managed to gain more physical strength, and I look better than when I was in my 20s! But I also understood what matters to me, what choices I need to make and how to prioritize my wellbeing in more sustainable way, so it is part of my lifestyle, not another chore on my to do list. If you are looking for a patient and understanding personal trainer, who can tailor the workouts around your needs and working schedule, and at the same time really pushes you to achieve your goals, I really recommend working with Alex.
-Agnieszka
I share this because if you’re stuck in that cycle—strict all week, off the rails on the weekend—
I’ve been there. It feels like discipline, but it’s really a trap.
You deserve to feel good, perform well, and enjoy your life—not just chase aesthetics.
This Weeks Challenge
Pick one habit that feels rigid and replace it with something flexible.
Then ask: Would I still be doing this 5 years from now?
P.S. Been here before? Or maybe you’re in this phase right now?
Hit reply and share your story—I read every message.
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