When did fitness become performative?

Just when it felt like society was becoming more health-conscious, with less smoking, less drinking, more strength training and more running... something shifted.

Being healthy stopped being enough. Now it feels like everything needs to be measured, optimised and shared.

Getting up and going for a run is amazing! So then how did the first question become, "How far did you run?"

Starting weight training is a huge step in muscle-loss prevention. So then why do people say "yea, but how much can you lift?"

Self-love and self-care is sooo important. So why, instead of truly resting, are we often just switching from physical stimulation to mental stimulation, in the form of podcasts, Netflix and doom-scrolling?

What happened to simply enjoying the process? Running because it boosts your mood, you get some sunshine, and get to listen to a banging playlist! What happened to lifting slowly enough to actually feel your muscles working? To be present in your body instead of lifting heavy with poor form? What happened to recovery being... quiet?

Maybe health doesn't need to be hustled. Maybe we don't need to optimise every moment of our lives. Move because it feels good and rest because you need it! Taking care of your health is something to be enjoyed, celebrated and proud of, especially in a world that already demands so much.