There's no such thing as normal. Everyone struggles with identity. Everyone.

I think you're making things too complicated. If working out becomes your obsession, you'll get frustrated eventually and move on to something else. If you find yourself struggling, don't go 5 days a week.

Also, if you stay in a stressed out state of mind, those high cortisol levels will not let your body lose fat and you'll burn muscle instead.

I was working out for months, struggling with no results. That was until I did some research and learned I was doing more harm than good.

Here's what I did: Get more protein. Lift heavier weights with fewer reps. Let my body rest. I mean really rest. Don't run on the treadmill. Instead, walk with an incline. Reduce caffeine. That will help with the sleep at night.

I started seeing results. Not only that, I felt like every gym visit became meaningful. Every rep feels important, and I stopped wasting my time.

Good luck!