Why I Don’t Strive for a Six-Pack (and Why You Don’t Need To Either)
Let’s talk about something that needs to be said more often: You do not need to have a six-pack to be healthy, successful, or confident. For women in particular, constantly striving to be lean, tight, and tiny can come at a serious cost—and it’s a cost I’m not willing to pay.
I've always said: My man can have a six-pack (if he wants). But I won't chase one.
Here's why:
1. The "Lean Look" Comes With Trade-Offs
To maintain a very low body fat percentage, you often need to:
Eat less than your body truly needs
Skip social gatherings or celebrations that involve food
Prioritize appearance over energy, focus, and flexibility
Push through workouts even when your body needs rest
Sacrifice hormonal balance and long-term health
That might be worth it for a photoshoot or a season of competition. But all the time? It costs too much.
2. A Fit Body Isn’t Always a Feminine Body
As women, our bodies are designed to carry more fat than men. It's part of our biology. A certain amount of body fat supports:
Hormonal health
Fertility and menstrual regularity
Strong bones and joints
Mood stability
Chasing a six-pack can actually move you away from your healthiest self.
3. Food Is More Than Fuel
When you're constantly chasing extreme leanness, food becomes a math equation. It's all about grams, macros, restriction, and guilt.
But food is life. It's:
How we gather
How we celebrate
How we comfort and connect
When you always say no, you miss out on more than just a bite.
4. Research Backs This Up
Study after study shows that for women, having a little extra fat is protective. It lowers risk for:
Osteoporosis
Hormonal imbalances
Infertility
Mood disorders
Being too lean, especially for long periods of time, can actually compromise your health in ways you might not see right away.
5. It’s Time to Redefine Health
Health isn't about visible abs. It's about:
A body that works and feels good
A life filled with energy, focus, and freedom
Hormones that hum, sleep that restores, and food that fuels without fear
I want to feel good in my skin AND live my life fully. I want to be strong, soft, present, and powerful. I want to move well, eat well, sleep deeply, and laugh a lot. And I want the same for you.
So no, I won't chase the six-pack. And you don't have to either.
Let’s shift the focus from what we look like to how we live!
Want support on building a body and life you actually love? Join my program or follow along by joining our Facebook group Emblaze Energy (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1263925648295088/) for weekly tips you can actually use.
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