10/11/2026
You want to be lean. But do you want the life required to be that lean?
This is what about 17% body fat looks like on me at 45.
I lift every week. I intentionally train 6+ hours a week. My VO₂ max is exceptional. I pay attention to my food, hydration, recovery and data. I’m not taking a GLP-1, and I haven’t had lipo.
And yes, I’ve had a six-pack before.
Which is exactly why I can tell you: for me, the juice isn’t worth the squeeze.
I don’t need to live around 15% body fat to accomplish the things I want my body to do.
That doesn’t mean your goal is wrong. Your goal is yours. But I want you to understand what you’re actually asking of yourself.
Sometimes a 45-year-old woman shows me a picture of a 20-something fitness model and says, “I want to look like this.”
Okay, sister. Let’s look at the whole picture.
How old is she?
What is her body-fat percentage?
How much does she train?
What does she eat?
How often does she drink?
How much of her life revolves around maintaining that physique?
Because getting very lean has trade-offs.
You may be training most days. Eating out less. Drinking little or no alcohol. Prioritizing protein. Planning your meals. Ordering differently than everyone else. Protecting your sleep. Recovering intentionally. And being willing to say, “No, that doesn’t support my goal.”
You absolutely CAN pursue an exceptionally lean physique.
But first ask yourself:
Do I actually want that body, or do I want what I believe having that body will make me feel?
And if you do want it, do you want the lifestyle required to maintain it?
I can help you build a plan for reality.
I cannot build you a plan in La La Land. 😂 Wrong planet.
You can look amazing at 45, 55, 65 and beyond.
But the goal isn’t to become 20 again.
The goal is to decide what you want from the body you have now, understand the trade-offs, and build a life that can actually support it.
Permission granted to be real with yourself. ❤️
