Week 7 Bikini Prep | Progress Doesn’t Always Come From Doing More

Despite nearly two decades of coaching and clinical experience, this week reinforced a simple truth for me—progress doesn’t always come from pushing harder.” When you ease the pressure and set more realistic expectations for yourself, the relief is almost immediate. I felt a thousand times better this week—mentally and emotionally. Everything just felt lighter. It’s interesting—I share this perspective with my clients all the time, and I know it’s 100% true. And yet, I still found it hard to fully embrace a more sustainable set of expectations for myself. Why is that? Part of that comes from the pressure to demonstrate excellence—because I know I can. I have the knowledge and the experience. Part of it comes from that familiar inner voice that says, “I’ve done hard things before—why should this be any different?” This week I had to remind myself that capability doesn’t always need to be proven through intensity or self-sacrifice. Sometimes the most skillful choice is knowing when to take your foot off the gas pedal, adjust expectations, and continue building something that’s sustainable rather than simply impressive. Choosing sustainability isn’t a step back from excellence. It’s simply a different expression of it. It’s not about avoiding effort; it’s about respecting the season I’m in and recognizing that doing something well doesn’t always mean doing it the hardest way possible. Anyway, this got me thinking about all thing stress. Honestly, its wild how deeply stress can affect your health. My skin has already cleared up, my energy is back, and my overall outlook is so much more positive. It’s a powerful reminder that lowering stress isn’t just about feeling better mentally—it shows up in every aspect of your well-being! 🔗 BIABODY RESOURCES, FREEBIES & LINKS 📱BiaFit Fitness App💪🏽 Train with programs built with science — not trends or shortcuts. The new BiaFit app gives you structured workouts, intelligent progression, and clear execution guidance so you can apply research the right way. Subscriptions Only $15.99/month 👉 Start training smarter today: https://getbiafit.com 📈 Download Hollys Workouts 💪🏽 Not Ready To Subscribe to the BiaFit App but still want evidence based workouts? Download any of Holly's training programs (muscle building, strength, hybrid, cardio, warm up & mobility), complete with exercise demonstrations volume tracking and so much more. Visit: https://shop.bia-body.com/collections/training-programs 💗Helping Women Feel Better Through: 👉🏼 Stronger body image & self-confidence 👉🏼 Increased strength, hypertrophy & fitness 👉🏼 Smarter nutrition & science-based programming 👉🏼 Better performance, recovery & injury prevention 👉🏼 Practical tools you can actually use every day 📲 Free Resources ★ Instagram (daily tips & behind-the-scenes): @hollytbaxter ★ Learn about 1:1 Coaching Consultations: https://bit.ly/40ImARS ★ FREE Glutes & Shoulders Workouts: https://bit.ly/3MHqnsV ★ FREE Ms. Bikini Olympia Part 1 Workout: https://bit.ly/3SMRXai ★ FREE Progress Tracker: https://bit.ly/3N37aSz ★ FREE Balanced Bites Recipe Book: https://bit.ly/3YrqTl4 📚 Books & Cookbooks by Holly • The Complete Exercise Guide to Muscle Hypertrophy: https://bit.ly/4dZXtjD • FREE Sample Chapters: https://bit.ly/3QDkVrT • Contest Prep Recipe Guide: https://bit.ly/4bC92vN • Foods That Fit Your Macros: https://bit.ly/4dW1UMt • NEW! Macro-Friendly Recipe Guide: https://bit.ly/4dZXVyl 🔥 Grab ALL cookbooks in one bundle: https://bit.ly/4e6cWif 🏋️ Favorite Training Accessories • Glute Bands for anywhere workouts: https://bit.ly/3KnciPt • Knee Sleeves for lifting support: http://bit.ly/4ceUSDZ • Ankle Attachment for Kickbacks: https://bit.ly/4rFci1x About Holly: Holly T. Baxter, A.P.D. — Online Nutrition & Physique Coach M.S. Dietetics | B.S. Food Science & Nutrition World Champion Natural Fitness & Figure Model | IFBB Bikini Pro 📩 Coaching inquiries: [email protected]