The fitness world loves a good motivational slogan. You’ve heard them all: “No excuses.” “Listen to your body.” “Push through discomfort.” “Prioritize recovery.” They all sound great—until you realize they completely contradict each other.
One minute, you’re told to hustle harder, no matter what. The next, you’re warned about overtraining and reminded that rest is just as important as effort. If you feel like you can’t win, you’re not imagining it. The constant back-and-forth messaging in fitness (and wellness in general) is exhausting. It creates confusion, guilt, and the nagging feeling that no matter what you do, you’re getting it wrong.
This isn’t just frustrating—it’s draining. And worse, it makes it harder to trust yourself.
Why Fitness Advice Feels So Confusing
Contradictory messages show up everywhere. One day, you hear that fitness is about self-acceptance. The next, you’re bombarded with pressure to “be your best self,” which somehow always seems to mean changing something about your body.
We’re told to stay informed but also avoid doomscrolling. Speak our truth but also read the room. Rest more but make no excuses. The contradictions don’t just exist in fitness—they’re woven into so many aspects of modern life. And nowhere is this more obvious than in the extreme ways people talk about silence.
Lately, there’s been a rise in messages like, “Your silence is noted.” The idea is that not speaking up means you’re complicit in something bad. And sure, sometimes silence is intentional avoidance. But other times? It’s self-care. It’s exhaustion. It’s the understanding that not every moment requires a public statement.
This same tension exists in fitness. We’re constantly balancing between pushing forward and pulling back, speaking up and staying quiet, taking action and knowing when to pause.
How to Cut Through the Noise and Train Smarter
So, how do you find balance when the fitness world is full of mixed messages? You focus on what actually works for you.
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If advice feels extreme, take a step back. Fitness isn’t black and white. Rest and effort both matter. Consistency and flexibility can coexist.
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Trust your own experience. A one-size-fits-all message doesn’t account for your individual needs, goals, or body.
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Work with someone who understands nuance. A coach who acknowledges these contradictions can help you find an approach that doesn’t leave you feeling drained and frustrated.
I help athletes—especially masters and menopausal athletes—navigate training in a way that respects both their performance goals and their well-being. If you’re tired of the confusion and want an approach that makes sense, let’s work together.
You don’t have to pick between effort and self-care. You can have both.
Let’s cut through the noise and build a plan that actually works for you. Ready? Work with me here.