I have a confession: I’m tired of before and after photos. Yep, I said it. Those side-by-side snapshots that showcase someone who’s “transformed” their body are everywhere—Instagram feeds, gym walls, you name it. But here’s the thing: they rarely tell the whole story, and honestly, they miss the point of fitness entirely.
Now, don’t get me wrong. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with setting and achieving physical goals. But the fitness space is so focused on shrinking bodies or “toning up” that we’re overlooking all the other (arguably, more important) transformations that exercise can create—both mentally and physically. Let’s be real: no one’s life magically changes because they dropped a dress size or revealed some abs. What about mental health, confidence, energy, strength, and resilience? What about how those things impact success in work, relationships, and self-worth?
The Ever-Changing ‘Perfect’ Body
Think about it. Women’s bodies are judged on their appearance, and the “ideal” look changes faster than fashion trends. In the 90s, it was all about that heroin chic, stick-thin look. Fast forward a decade, and suddenly we’re told curves are the thing—remember the “Does my bum look big in this?” era? (Positive connotation for some, trauma flashback for others!) Now, we’re in the ‘Pilates era’ where it’s all about that long, lean, and sculpted physique.
The problem with body trends is that they’re a moving target. One decade, big bums are ‘in,’ and the next, everyone’s trying to lose their curves and get that ‘model off-duty’ look. It’s like the fitness industry is constantly shifting the goalposts, making it impossible for women to feel like they’ve “made it.” And what does that do to our mindset? It keeps us chasing something that’s not only unrealistic but entirely unfulfilling.
Let’s Talk About Why We Really Exercise
Now, if you’re reading this and nodding along, you know where I’m going. Fitness isn’t just about aesthetics, but the industry has a way of making it seem that way. When we keep pushing the narrative that exercise is solely to shrink, tone, or transform bodies, we’re missing the bigger picture. We’re undermining all the incredible, life-changing benefits that fitness offers—benefits that have absolutely nothing to do with how you look in a pair of leggings.
At Studio6, we focus on mind, body, and soul. Exercise can be a powerful tool for managing stress, boosting mental health, and helping us age beautifully (yes, I said beautifully—grey hairs and all!). It can be about building strength, finding balance, or discovering joy in moving your body. It’s about showing up for yourself in the gym so that you can show up better in your life—whether that’s at work, in relationships, or simply being comfortable in your own skin. And, by the way, isn’t it time we stopped apologising for the fact that women age and, shocker, don’t look 25 forever? Ageing is an incredible part of life—let’s stop pretending we have to fight it.
Saying Goodbye to Diet Culture, One Squat at a Time
Look, diet culture is sneaky. It shows up in the most innocent ways—like when we praise someone for “finally” fitting into a smaller dress size or when we clap for women who bounce back after having a baby. (And don’t get me started on the pressure new mums face to “get their body back” like it’s a missing set of car keys.) This kind of mindset keeps us trapped, making us believe that our worth is tied to how closely our bodies fit an ever-changing mould.
But here’s my hope: that one day, we can wake up and see this for what it is—a trap. It caps our potential. It stops us from showing up fully, whether that’s in the boardroom, on a first date, or even in the mirror when we’re all alone. When we realise how truly manipulative it is, we can shed the weight of these unrealistic expectations and start to love the skin we’re in, for real.
Women Are So Much More Than Before and After Photos
Here’s the truth: women have more to offer than a side-by-side comparison. Fitness isn’t just about fitting into a smaller size or revealing the ‘perfect’ body. It’s about strength, resilience, and feeling confident in your skin. It’s about getting strong enough to lift your own weight, run faster, or carry your kids without breaking a sweat. It’s about feeling powerful, confident, and in charge of your life—no matter what age or stage you’re in.
So, next time you see a before and after photo, remember that there’s always more to the story. And as for me and Studio6, we’re all about creating a fitness culture where women are valued for more than just their size or shape. It’s time to redefine what success looks like in fitness. Hint: it’s not a number on the scale.
Let’s celebrate women’s strength, joy, and power—and leave the body trends behind.
Lots of love,
Abbi, founder of Studio 6
