"CALORIE WARRIORS" - by Samuel Ibok

<p>I'm a fitness enthusiast, but I tend to walk away from conversations where "calories" are overemphasized. I get the idea behind calories and the need to enlighten people, but can we tone down on the technicalities? People just want to feel good after a workout rather than get hooked on the mathematics of calorie counting. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people finally chose health. Even my parents started exercising! It dawned on people that life truly is transient. Here's the crazy part: there are too many people out there with the title of fitness coach who just mislead people. I know a lady who shared that her so-called coach was basically body-shaming her. According to her, she lost confidence, and she felt like there was no need to continue exercising. I told her fitness is a journey, and we must understand that regular people cannot reach the heights reached by professional athletes. Don't let edited pictures fool you. It's all about the right angles and having a good camera!  I think we should define our fitness goals intentionally and carefully so as not to give ourselves room for self-harm in the event that we don't meet the target. There was a time I could jog daily for 3 months straight, but I can't even think of that now because I am already stuck in traffic by 5:30 a.m. and I get home drained. You won't die if you don't have a six-pack, and you will still live happily ever after with your bae even if you don't have a slim waistline or figure 8. Hey ladies, y'all are 10/10!  The fitness industry is a billion-dollar industry, and they're great at creating narratives. Your coach is hustling oo. Don't go and kill yourself. I am the last person to stick to a specific meal plan. It doesn't mean I am not disciplined; it only reflects the perception I have about fitness. Besides, following a meal plan is only part of the fitness equation. There's still the part about resting properly and genetics. Some people have a natural advantage, and that's just a fact. Please know this and have peace. For me, do what you can, even if it's only at home. You can get fit at home. I'm not against going to the fitness centre. But at this point, I would rather use the subscription money for food! I'm not even joking. Freedom sometimes stems from information. Do what is within your means, and seek knowledge about fitness. Don't injure yourself in a bid to attain a physique you can't afford to maintain. In other words, no go do pass yourself. Abi you want to win Mr Olympia? To all the calorie warriors out there, remember that you only have one body for a lifetime. Be careful how you mould it. Try to live a healthy and balanced life. Finally, be wise! My biological brother, @theprowellnesscoach on Instagram, is a nutritionist and wellness coach. I'm sure he'll smile when he reads this. #YourBodyYourChoice #FitFam</p>

Other insights from Samuel Ibok