When I began my fitness journey in 2015, I was told that the first step is to set myself goals in the gym, so that is just what I did. My biggest and most daunting goal was to have "abs". I wanted that effortless, no flex, post meal, defined "6-pack" if you may call it. Little did I know, this goal would soon drive me crazy. I was not only focused heavily on superficial goals, but I was unaware of the detrimental effects of over-exercising…

Although this is not always the case and some women have a more muscular build or a naturally low body-fat level that allows for their abdominal muscles to be visible, it was the case for me.

Unfortunately, I began to experience intense fatigue and stopped getting my period.

Amenorrhoea is the absence of menstrual periods. Women who are elite athletes or who exercise excessively on a regular basis are at risk of developing athletic amenorrhoea. The causes include low levels of body fat and the effects of exercise-related hormones on the menstrual cycle.

The "fitspiration" trend plastered all over social media today allowed me to set myself a toxic goal. My goal of achieving ab definition did not care for capability, it was purely aesthetic. I wanted to look a certain way and be admired for it. Achieving visible abs as a woman is unfortunately seen as the "gold standard" of fitness.

Thankfully, I am beginning to see more and more women and fitness gurus promoting body capability and strength. This is something I wish I had been subject to in the past. Luckily, I have since focused on strength and my relationship with food. I no longer have athletic amenorrhoea and have grown to love my body and food. With the support of my best friends, family, and loyal gym partners, I focus on being satisfied in the kitchen and strong in the gym. My focus is less on what I look like and more on what I feel like.

I want to be strong, full, nourished and capable.

This is all a product of being intuitive and listening to my body.

Your body truly is your temple.

Loyally,

Imran