If you’ve ever heard the phrases “Go big or go home” or “No pain, no gain” at the gym, you’re not alone. These slogans are everywhere in the fitness world. And for a long time, I believed them. I thought pushing myself to exhaustion was how I’d get stronger—that if I wasn’t drenched in sweat or limping out of a workout, I wasn’t working hard enough.
But you know what? That mindset burned me out. It made me dread exercise. And I’ve talked to countless women who’ve felt the same.
Somewhere along the way, fitness became about punishment instead of nourishment. And honestly? I have a big problem with that.
Why These Fitness Mantras Do More Harm Than Good
Let’s break down some of the most common phrases you’ve probably heard:
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- “Go big or go home”: This suggests that if you’re not going all out, it’s not worth it. But what if going big today means taking a walk or doing a gentle workout? Movement doesn’t have to be extreme to be effective.
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- “No pain, no gain”: Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Discomfort from challenging yourself is one thing—actual pain is another. Ignoring that can lead to injury.
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- “Sweat is just your fat crying”: This one really gets me. It implies that the only reason to move your body is to lose weight. Movement should be about feeling good, not punishing yourself for what you ate.
How This Hurts Women Especially
These narratives are more than just catchy phrases—they’ve shaped how many women approach fitness. I’ve spoken to women who feel if they can’t go to an intense boot camp class, they shouldn’t bother moving at all. Others push through pain to meet some arbitrary standard of “working hard enough,” only to get injured or burnt out.
This isn’t just harmful—it’s completely backwards. Fitness should help you feel better, not worse.
What Strength Training Should Actually Be About
Strength training doesn’t need to be about maxing out weights or leaving a puddle of sweat. For me, discovering Pilates changed everything. It taught me that you can build incredible strength with mindful, controlled movements that feel good.
And that’s why I created the EASE Method—to offer an approach that blends strength, balance, and core work in a way that’s inviting, not intimidating. It’s about moving in a way that supports your body, not punishing it.
My Journey: From Punishing Workouts to Gentle Strength
I wasn’t always this way. There was a time when I chased gruelling workouts, believing they were the only way. But after becoming a mom and struggling to keep up with those intense routines, I found Pilates—and I found myself.
Now, at 45, I feel stronger than ever. Not because I push myself to the brink, but because I listen to my body. I’ve built strength through consistency and compassion, not punishment.
Redefining Strength: Here’s What It Can Feel Like Instead
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- Joyful movement: Moving because you want to, not because you have to.
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- Strength that lasts: Building a body that supports you in everyday life—lifting groceries, playing with your kids, standing tall.
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- Empowerment through gentleness: You don’t have to “go hard” to feel powerful. There’s incredible strength in choosing what feels right for you.
Ready to feel stronger—without pushing your body to the limit?
My On Demand Studio is filled with feel-good Pilates classes that are gentle, effective, and designed to meet you where you are. Whether you’re looking to ease back into movement, build gentle strength or shake off stiffness, you’ll find something that works for you.
Get a 7-day free trial inside my On Demand Studio—plus 50% off your first month. Only $13.99/month (regular $27.99) with code FIRSTMONTH.
No pressure. No perfection. Just movement that feels good.
Come see if it’s the right fit—you’re always welcome here. Click here to get started today.
