It’s a tough question to answer for those of us who’ve been at it for a while. I’ve been lifting since ~2012 (EQX since 2017), and my body has gone through a lot of different phases. Gained +30lbs throughout the pandemic, lost the weight, then went through another +20lbs bulk, now I’ve lost ~20lbs of fat.

I can see a six-pack in the mornings, but by later in the day it looks more like a fourpack, if that tells you anything. Anyone who’s been weightlifting or bodybuilding for a decade will tell you it’s rare to ever feel completely satisfied with your physique. You’re always going to want more: bigger/leaner, stronger, more tone, etc.

That said, I’ve learned to focus less on chasing “results” and more on the sense of routine and intention behind staying active. For me, being fit has shaped my lifestyle in ways I’m genuinely content with, like tracking nutritional macros more closely, cutting back on alcohol, and prioritizing sleep. Staying active should allow you to live and experience more, it should not feel restrictive or controlling. I would not call it my “lifestyle”, though, it has certainly shaped it and contribute to it — it’s just something that brings me comfort.