You vs. You – Lets Talk About Body Image
It’s You vs. You
It’s great to see so many people training hard in the gym, pushing toward their goals. The gym is a special place where it’s you vs. you. Sure, it might be you vs. the weights, or you vs. an opponent in sport, but truly, it's about you becoming better than you were yesterday.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t always feel that way.
The Comparison Trap
When you’re surrounded by others working toward their own goals, it can be hard not to compare. You might catch yourself thinking, Why are they so fit? So strong? So lean? What makes them better than me?
This is amplified by the endless stream of fitness influencers on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Their content can be helpful, showing you how to lift with better form, sharing new training ideas, or even giving you something to strive toward.
But it's important to remember: you are not that person. Their life, genetics, priorities, and struggles are not yours. Your journey is your own.
When Progress Isn’t Enough
Sometimes, despite making progress, people start to feel disappointed in their own reflection. They don’t like what they see in the mirror. They don’t acknowledge the PR they just hit. They only focus on flaws.
It’s always easier to break something down than to build it up.
These thoughts are common in people experiencing body dysmorphia - a persistent dissatisfaction with one’s appearance, often paired with a distorted view of how their body actually looks.
Body Dysmorphia vs. Healthy Goals
Wanting to improve yourself is not a bad thing. It’s how we grow, physically and mentally. But there’s a line, and it’s important to know when you’ve crossed it.
Healthy training goals are based on performance, consistency, and celebrating wins along the way. Body dysmorphia, on the other hand, can make you feel like nothing is ever enough, no matter how far you’ve come.
When progress feels pointless, and self-worth is tied only to how you look, it’s time to check in.
The Slippery Slope of Obsession
Obsession can lead to overtraining, chronic fatigue, burnout, or chasing shortcuts, through extreme dieting or unsafe supplement use.
And worst of all, it can rob you of the joy of training.
The gym should be a place of empowerment, not punishment.
Creating a Healthier Mindset and a Healthier Habit.
Here’s how to protect your mental space in the gym:
Shift your focus to what your body can do, not just how it looks.
Celebrate small wins, whether it’s lifting heavier, moving better, or showing up when it’s hard.
Take rest seriously. Recovery is part of progress.
Unfollow accounts that make you feel worse, not better.
Talk to someone, whether it’s a friend, coach, or a mental health professional.
At Savuti, we value more than just aesthetics. We train for:
Strength
Health
Confidence
Longevity
Performance
Our goal is to foster an environment where everyone feels supported, regardless of where they are on their journey. If you ever feel like you're struggling with body image or motivation, we’re here to chat. You’re not alone in this.
Final Thoughts
Your body is not the enemy, and your worth is not measured by a reflection. Train because you can, not because you hate what you see. Let’s keep pushing for goals that build us up mentally and physically.