Do you ever feel like you’re doing the work, but it doesn’t add up? Maybe you’ve set a goal—lifting heavier, trying a new exercise, or just wanting to feel stronger every day—but somehow, it never seems enough. Letting Go of Fitness Perfectionism is about releasing those pesky “shoulds” that hold us back. Today, we’re diving into why self-judgment creeps in and how letting go of unrealistic expectations can help you find the progress you seek.

Why “Should” Shows Up in Fitness

In midlife, we often carry a strong sense of responsibility for our health and bodies. We might feel we should be as strong or fit as we were in our 20s or 30s. But this “should” can quickly become heavy, becoming self-criticism that blocks us from enjoying our journey. Learning to let go of these judgments can be truly freeing. 

The Trap of Unrealistic Expectations

Building strength takes time, but it’s easy to think we should see results quickly. Fitness is a skill that develops gradually, and comparing ourselves to others or even our younger selves only adds pressure. We can enjoy the journey without judgment or frustration by letting go of these expectations.

Redefining Strength Beyond Physical Ability

True strength isn’t just physical—it’s about the courage to keep going and the resilience to try again. Strength might look like:

• Overcoming self-doubt and embracing where we are today.
• Committing to habits that support well-being, even on challenging days.
• Recognizing that simply showing up, regardless of performance, is a win.

Letting go of physical comparisons allows us to celebrate internal victories that build mental and physical resilience.

Reframing Progress: Letting Go of Fitness Perfection

Reframing how we see progress can help us enjoy fitness without the weight of judgment. When my client shifted her focus from “what she couldn’t do” to “what she was building,” she saw her progress differently. Instead of focusing on reps, she noticed her effort and felt the bigger picture. By letting go of perfection, we create space to grow truly.

No Judgment, Just Progress

Think of your fitness journey as an ongoing story. Every step forward, big or small, is progress. Letting go of self-judgment frees you to stay engaged and motivated in the present moment and enjoy every part of the process.

Resource: 8 Practical Tips To Cultivate Courage In Midlife

4 Simple Ways to Start Letting Go Of Fitness Perfectionism

Ready to build strength without “shoulds” and perfections? Here are some easy, practical shifts to get started:

1. Embrace Where You Are Today
   Shift from “I should be further along” to “I’m building strength, one day at a time.” Letting go of judgment allows you to stay consistent and focus on what you can do right now.

2. Shift Focus with Compassion
   Instead of measuring success only by results, pay attention to your effort and small signs of growth, like feeling more comfortable with each movement. Letting go of perfection encourages resilience and long-term success.

3. Celebrate Your Progress
   Keep a “strength journal,” or reward yourself for showing up consistently. Celebrating your moments of progress makes staying motivated easier.

4. Focus on Small Wins
   Recognize that each small step, even just one extra rep or one workout, adds up. These small wins create a strong foundation, proving that consistent, steady efforts are as powerful as big leaps.

Letting Go of Judgment: The Beauty of Small Wins

Celebrating small wins builds consistency. A single pull-up, a well-done squat, or simply showing up on a challenging day are all wins worth noting. Every small win builds confidence, helping you let go of self-criticism and enjoy the journey of growth.

Building Strength with Compassion

Letting go of “shoulds” in your fitness journey is about embracing where you are today and showing up without the pressure of being “perfect.” When we approach fitness with compassion, real change happens.

So, ask yourself: What if letting go of fitness perfectionism is the key to building true strength?

Check out the Pursue Your Spark Blueprint if you’re ready to build lasting habits. This 8-week program is designed for midlife women prepared to make lasting changes with compassion and support. Together, we’ll work through mindset tools, flexible routines, and straightforward nutrition guidance to help you build stick habits. 

Here is the link to learn more and see if you are a good fit for the program.