7 Myths about being in the best shape of your life

18th September 2023

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As a fitness coach and personal trainer, I have seen many fad diets and exercise regimes come and go in popularity. People often reach for quick fixes in the quest to be in the ‘best shape’ of their life.

Unfortunately, a cycle of weight gain and loss can result from these extreme measures, rather than the desired health, happiness and body confidence that is desired.

Here are 7 myths about being in the best shape of your life:

1. The ‘best shape’ of your life isn’t your smallest size or the lowest number on a scale

The ‘best shape’ of your life shouldn’t be attached to a number on a scale or fitting into the smallest clothing size you can. You shouldn’t expect the same of your body now as you did 10 or 20 years ago.

Being in the ‘best shape’ of your life should be when you are at your healthiest in both your mind and your body.

Consider healthy factors such as:

When you can enjoy food without feeling guilty
When you are exercising in a way that makes you feel good and in a way that is manageable and sustainable, rather than as a punishment for what you have eaten
When you appreciate what your body allows you to do each day
When you can move comfortably and pain free

Struggling to enjoy exercise and appreciate purposeful movement in your day? Here are 7 ways to change your thinking to help you enjoy exercise.

The ‘best shape’ of your life isn’t your smallest size or the lowest number on a scale

2. There is not one perfect image of ‘fit’.

Being fit and health means something different to everybody. ‘Fitness’ and looking ‘fit’ is not attached to one specific look or body shape.

It is easy to get caught up with the fitness influencers on your favourite social media channels, chasing their look and body. If your current social media feed isn’t inspiring you to embrace your OWN body and appreciate your OWN journey, it’s time to do a cleanse!

Surround yourself with positive images and people who encourage you to be the best version of yourself rather than feeling like a failure as your struggle to look like the latest influencers.

There is not one perfect image of ‘fit’.

3. The ‘best shape’ of your life will change

Fitness, health and the ‘best shape’ of your life will change depending on the phase of your life that you are in.

As we age, body fat increases and lean muscle mass decreases which leads to a lower metabolism, a decrease in strength and a softer appearance (even if you are at a healthy weight). To counter this, an exercise programme for mid-age should include cardio, strength, stretching and rest.

Including strength training can help combat some of the age related changes that our body goes through, but it is important to embrace your body as it ages.

Weight continually fluctuates and there are a number of factors that can affect your weight. Worried about the numbers on a scale increasing? Here are 6 things to do next time you gain weight.

Not sure where to get started with training? Hutton Health provides a structured programme and live workouts from the comfort of your home!

The ‘best shape’ of your life will change

4. You don’t need to follow strict dieting rules to be in the ‘best shape’ of your life

The best shape of your life doesn’t require you to cut out food groups, restrict your food intake, excessively exercise or follow any other extreme diet/exercise regimes.

When you are in the best shape of your life, you should healthy and happy, eating and exercise in a way that makes you feel good and that you can maintain for years to come.

You don’t need to follow strict dieting rules to be in the ‘best shape’ of your life

5. You may not feel like you are at your ‘best shape’

Your best shape is reached when you focus on living a lifestyle that allows you to feel healthy and happy.

Your ‘best shape’ may not align with the image that exists in your mind.

Attaching the way you feel about your body and your body image to your weight can be challenging for our mental health.

Beating body image blues can help you help you think more positively about your body, health and fitness to embrace your current body.

You may not feel like you are at your ‘best shape’

6. Nobody else is your ‘best shape’

No two bodies are the same and comparing your body to others will not allow you to achieve your ‘best shape’.

Recognising beauty in others is great, provided it is not detrimental to your own body image and confidence.

Learning to eat mindfully, and living a lifestyle that makes you feel healthy, happy and fit is a recipe to find your ‘best shape’; to look and feel your best, no matter what stage of life you are at.

7. Your ‘best shape’ is not what society says it is

We can feel immense pressure to fit into what we feel society says the ‘best shape’ is. Who decides what the ‘best shape’ looks like?

Your ‘best shape’ is where you feel your best. Not sure how to start your journey? This blog looks at ways to feel fitter and healthier.

Your ‘best shape’ is not what society says it is

Tips for getting into the best shape of your life:

Set a health and fitness goal

Consider setting a health and fitness goal that is not attached to your weight or body shape.

Shorter term goals can help keep you on track and give you reason to celebrate your progress on your journey.

Download Hutton Health ’s free GOAL SETTING WORKBOOK

Plan and prepare your meals

There are countless benefits of meal planning.

Download Hutton Health's FREE Meal Planner to help set yourself up for long term success.

Move your body

Regular, purposeful movement has incredible benefits for our mind and body. Find a form of exercise that you enjoy and that motivates you to get out the door.

Remember,

Exercise doesn’t need to be a long, exhausting bootcamp that leaves you drenched in sweat and aching for days.
You don’t have to attend a commercial gym or group fitness class to exercise. Hutton Health offers a structured program and live workouts from the comfort of your home.
There is not one ‘right’ way to exercise.
Exercise should make you feel good. It is not a punishment for what you ate or for gaining weight.
You don’t need to be a certain size, shape or fitness level to start exercising