I used to think structure and rigidity were the same thing.

Routine always felt like a cage since I was a child. 

That’s why I had to stop competing in 2015, I couldn’t follow the program my coach gave me. 

Trying to follow everything perfectly, I developed overeating, body dysmorphia, depression, etc.

I thought competing wasn't for me 

All that was necessary to understand now 10 years later, that I was doing all wrong.

I wasn’t undisciplined.

I was rigidly contained without understanding my own nervous system.

Structure is not the bad guy...

There's a difference 

As a self-coached athlete and coach, I don’t follow a static plan.

I follow feedback.

That’s structure with movement inside it, you do not force a body, you BUILD one.

Rigidity is:

	•	Punishing yourself for fluctuations.

	•	Cut carbs completely out of fear.

	•	Forcing intensity when your nervous system is fried.

	•	Ignoring signals because “the plan says so.”

No wonder so many girls end up with eating disorders, burnout, and hormonal damage.

Routine doesn’t have to feel like a cage.

There is a sweet spot where structure protects you

instead of suffocating you.

That’s the difference between forcing a body

and building one.

How do you feel about your prerp? Do you still follow others' rules and restrictions when creating your own programs?

 I understand the methodical left-brain people thrive with a lot of structure maybe this is more for the creative and all over the place right-brainers that compete  lol 

Btw the picture : my first overall Regional show 2022 Jay Cutler 

Building Structure Without Killing Your Spirit