What this is about: A realistic conversation about fitness, body care, and finding balance in our actual lives—inspired by Mr. Olympia 2025 trending everywhere, but grounded in what works for regular people like us in Mumbai.
When Mr. Olympia Started Trending on My Feed
So Mr. Olympia 2025 has been all over my Instagram this past week. Incredible physiques, unbelievable dedication, and honestly? It's impressive to watch. I was scrolling through these posts while sitting at Candies in Bandra, halfway through my chicken sandwich, and I had this funny moment of "Good for them, but also... I'm happy right here."
My friend Neha leaned over and said, "Should we be doing something more intense at the gym?" And we both laughed because we know ourselves. We're the girls who celebrate making it to three yoga classes in a week. Our version of "gains" is finally touching our toes without our hamstrings screaming.
But it got me thinking—not about comparing ourselves to professional bodybuilders (that's a different universe), but about how we regular people navigate our own fitness journeys in Mumbai. How do we find that sweet spot between caring for our bodies and not losing our minds over it? And honestly, how do we deal with the very unglamorous realities like gym sweat, post-workout skin chaos, and that weird combination of being motivated and exhausted?
The Gap Between Instagram Fitness and Real Life
Here's what they don't show you in those Mr. Olympia highlight reels or fitness influencer posts: the daily reality. These athletes have teams—trainers, nutritionists, chefs, and yes, probably someone managing their skincare routine too. Their entire life revolves around this one goal.
Meanwhile, I'm trying to fit a 45-minute gym session between a 9 AM meeting and lunch, while also remembering to drink water, return my mom's calls, and figure out what to cook for dinner. You know, regular life.
And that's completely okay. Actually, it's more than okay—it's real. The fitness industry loves to make us feel like we're not doing enough, but what if "enough" looks different for each of us?
I've been going to the gym near my office in BKC for about two years now. Some months I'm super consistent, going four times a week and feeling amazing. Other months? I'm lucky if I make it twice. And I've finally made peace with the fact that my body and my life both deserve this flexibility.
My Messy, Real Fitness Story
Let me tell you about last monsoon. I'd signed up for this early morning HIIT class because everyone said it would "transform" me. For three weeks, I dragged myself out of bed at 5:45 AM, worked out, and felt accomplished. But I also felt exhausted by 3 PM every day, was constantly hungry, and my skin broke out like I was sixteen again.
One particularly humid morning, as I was struggling through burpees and feeling my foundation literally sliding off my face, the instructor cheerfully yelled, "Push through the discomfort!" And I thought, "But what if the discomfort is trying to tell me something?"
I quit that class. Not because I gave up, but because I realized that fitness for me isn't about pushing to some extreme. It's about finding a rhythm that makes my body feel strong and my mind feel clear—not depleted and stressed.
What I Do Now Instead:
- Three days at the gym: A mix of weights and cardio that I actually enjoy. If I'm loving it, I go four days. If work is crazy, two days is fine.
- Two days of yoga or walks: Something gentle that doesn't feel like punishment.
- Two days of rest: Actual rest. Netflix, books, or just sleeping in.
And you know what? My body feels better than it ever did when I was trying to follow someone else's "optimal" plan.
The Body Care Side Nobody Talks About
Can we have an honest conversation about gym skin? Because I feel like everyone posts their cute gym selfies, but nobody talks about the reality of sweat, clogged pores, and that weird rash you get from exercise clothes.
When I first started working out regularly, my body skin went haywire. My back broke out (something that hadn't happened since college), and my shoulders developed these rough, bumpy patches. I was so frustrated because I was doing this "healthy" thing, but my skin was rebelling.
Turns out, fitness and skin care need to work together—they're not separate things.
The Pre-Workout Reality Check
I learned the hard way that you can't just slap on your morning moisturizer and go straight to a sweaty workout. Your pores need to breathe. Now I keep my face super simple before the gym—just sunscreen if I'm going for an outdoor run, nothing else. My body too—I skip heavy lotions on gym days.
The Post-Workout Ritual That Changed Everything
This is where I had to completely relearn things. After my workout, I don't just wipe my face with a towel and call it a day. I actually shower (revolutionary, I know!). But here's the thing—I use a proper body scrub at least twice a week now.
The Minty Mocha Body Scrub has been my favorite discovery this year. After a sweaty workout, that cooling mint feeling is like a reward, and the coffee helps with the rough patches on my shoulders and back. It's become this little moment of "good job, body" instead of just rushing through a shower.
The Moisture-Back Moment
Here's what I didn't understand initially—after you exfoliate and cleanse all that sweat away, your skin is actually really thirsty. Mumbai's humidity tricks you into thinking your skin is fine, but it's not. I started using a light body lotion right after my shower, on damp skin, and the difference was visible within a week.
On regular workout days, something refreshing like the Berry Baby Body Lotion feels perfect because it's hydrating but not heavy. On days when I've done a longer session and my muscles feel tired, I'll use something richer on my legs and arms—just being kind to my body, you know?
Finding Your Own Balance (Not Instagram's Version)
I think the biggest trap is thinking there's one "right" way to be fit or healthy. Watching Mr. Olympia is inspiring in its own way—the dedication, the discipline—but it's also so far from my daily reality that it almost exists in a different category altogether.
What helps me is thinking about fitness in seasons, not in extreme transformations.
The Motivated Season
Some months I'm really into it—trying new classes, meal prepping, feeling strong. I ride that wave and enjoy it. This is when I'm more consistent with everything, including my body care routine.
The Maintenance Season
Other times, I'm just maintaining. Going to the gym enough to not lose progress, but not pushing for anything new. My workouts are shorter, simpler. And that's perfectly fine.
The Rest Season
And yes, sometimes there are periods where life takes over—work deadlines, family stuff, or just needing a mental break. I've stopped feeling guilty about this. Rest is productive too.
The key is being honest with yourself about which season you're in, rather than forcing yourself to be in "transformation mode" all the time.
The Questions I Get Asked All the Time
How do you stay motivated when you're tired?
Honestly? I don't force it. If I'm genuinely exhausted, I skip the gym and do gentle stretching at home. But if it's just laziness, I tell myself "Just show up for 20 minutes." Usually, once I'm there, I end up staying longer. But even if I don't, 20 minutes is better than nothing.
What about diet? Do you follow a strict plan?
No strict plans for me. I tried that and was miserable. Now I eat mindfully—more protein, lots of vegetables, but also that vada pav when I'm really craving it. Balance, not perfection. Also, I've noticed that when I'm hydrating properly and eating enough, my skin looks better than any expensive serum can achieve.
How do you deal with body comparison at the gym?
This was hard initially. Everyone at the gym seems to know what they're doing except you, right? Now I remind myself that everyone started somewhere, and most people are too focused on their own workout to judge yours. Also, I've made friends at my gym, and having a community makes such a difference.
Do expensive fitness products actually work better?
For some things, yes. A good pair of shoes that support your feet is worth the investment. But for others? Not really. I've found that simple, natural products for my post-workout body care work just as well as (sometimes better than) expensive "athlete-targeted" products that are mostly marketing.
The Small Changes That Made a Big Difference
I'm not going to give you a complete transformation story because that's not what this is. But here are the small shifts that actually improved my relationship with fitness and my body:
Things That Actually Helped:
- Keeping a gym bag in my car: Removes the excuse of "I didn't bring my clothes."
- Scheduling workouts like meetings: Sounds corporate, but it works. When it's in my calendar, I'm more likely to show up.
- Having a post-workout ritual I enjoy: That shower with a good body scrub, followed by a refreshing face mist (I keep the Bahaar Face Mist in my gym bag for that instant cool-down), has become something I look forward to. It's self-care, not just hygiene.
- Buying workout clothes I actually like: Shallow? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. If I feel good in what I'm wearing, I'm more excited to work out.
- Following realistic fitness accounts: I unfollowed the ones that made me feel inadequate and followed people who share honest, messy fitness journeys.
Your Move (Small Steps Welcome)
If you're reading this and feeling overwhelmed by fitness culture, here's your permission to start small. Really small.
This week, just try one thing:
- Take a 15-minute walk during your lunch break.
- Do five minutes of stretching before bed.
- Try that gym class you've been curious about (and give yourself permission to never go back if you hate it).
- Start a simple post-workout skin care ritual—even just washing your face properly and using a light moisturizer counts.
Progress doesn't have to be dramatic to be real.
What I've Really Learned
Watching Mr. Olympia 2025 trend reminded me that fitness exists on a massive spectrum. On one end, you have elite athletes who've dedicated their entire lives to their craft. On the other end, you have people just trying to take the stairs instead of the elevator.
And everywhere in between is valid.
- Your fitness journey doesn't need to look like anyone else's.
- Taking care of your body includes rest, good skin care, and not hating yourself for skipping a workout.
- Consistency beats intensity, but flexibility beats rigid perfection.
- The best workout routine is the one you'll actually stick with.
I'm not competing in Mr. Olympia anytime soon (or ever). I'm just a girl in Mumbai trying to feel strong, take care of her skin, and not feel guilty about enjoying her life. If that's you too, you're in good company.
What's your honest relationship with fitness like? Are you in a motivated season, a maintenance phase, or taking a break? I'd love to hear your story in the comments—the real version, not the Instagram version.