Would Your 20-Year-Old Self Be Proud… or a Little Bit Embarrassed? (Be honest — this one might sting… but it matters.)
Hey Everyone,
This week is a little different. My topics for this newsletter always come from the back of a conversation I had during the week, and today I was talking about my Great Aunt, who we fondly called ‘cuddly’ because she was soft and squishy to lie our heads on (and because she was always cuddling us!). I started thinking about what she might have been like in her teenage years and early 20s. From the photos she used to show us, she had an hourglass figure with a tiny waist, and she was proud of her youthful look. I wondered what that version of herself would think about here 60-year-old self?
Think back to your 20-year-old self…
Full of energy, opinions, and probably a very clear idea of how you’d look after yourself “when you’re older.”
Now here’s the question:
Would they be proud of how you’re treating your body today?
Not in a judgmental way, but in a real way.
Because many of us remember looking at older adults and thinking:
“I’ll never let myself get like that…”
And yet… life happens. Habits creep in. Priorities shift.
This isn’t about guilt.
It’s about awareness and what you choose to do next.
5 Ways to Start Showing Up for Your Future Self
1. Lift Weights (Because Strength Is Power)
Muscle isn’t just about looks; it protects your metabolism, your bones, and your independence.
Strong now = capable later.
2. Eat Like You Respect Your Body
More fruits, more veg, more whole foods.
You don’t have to aim for perfection, just better choices, more often.
3. Move Daily (Not Just “When You Have Time”)
Walking, stretching, fresh air - it all counts.
Your body is built to move, not sit.
4. Get Outside More
Fresh air, daylight, a break from screens, it resets your brain and your body.
5. Reduce the Habits That Age You
Smoking, excess alcohol, ultra-processed foods…
They don’t just affect how you feel; they accelerate how you age.
7 Reality Checks to Ask Yourself This Week
Be honest, no judgment, just awareness:
Am I treating my body with respect or convenience?
Would I be proud of my current habits if I could see them from the outside?
Am I moving enough for long-term health, not just short-term goals?
Are my food choices supporting my energy… or draining it?
Do my daily habits reflect the future I want?
Am I relying on “I’ll sort it later”?
If nothing changes, where will I be in 5–10 years?
Awareness creates change. Avoidance keeps you stuck.
3 Hard Truths (That Might Just Change Everything)
1. You Don’t Get Away With It Forever
What you do daily compounds - good or bad.
2. It’s Not About Age, It’s About Habits
You’re not “getting old”, you’re experiencing the result of repeated behaviours.
3. Change Doesn’t Happen by Accident
No one drifts into being fit, strong and healthy.
It’s built, step by step.
Final Thought This Week
This isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about being intentional.
Your 20-year-old self doesn’t expect perfection…..
But they’d hope you’d take care of the one body you’ve got.
And your future self?
They’re depending on the choices you make today.
If you’re ready to start showing up for yourself properly, let’s keep it simple.
Book your FREE 20-minute Health Audit — no pressure, just a conversation to help you understand where you are and what your next steps look like.
👉 Book your Health Audit - https://linktr.ee/clarebennettcoach
👉Read my previous newsletters - https://linktr.ee/clarebennettcoach
Small steps now = a stronger, healthier, more confident future.
What’s Coming Up
Don’t like the gym? Try our new beginner’s pole class on Tuesday at 7 pm at Pole 4 Fitness, or Aerial silks and hoop course - Tuesday 7 pm £40 per course
Join us at AOF Champion gym in our new fitness class - Pad Blast, where you can take out all the week's frustrations! Friday 6 pm - £6 per class. Ju-jitsu Friday 6.45 pm / Saturday 11.30 am
🗣️ Connect With Me
Follow along here: Instagram or Facebook
@clarebennettcoach / @pole4fitness_uk / @AOFchampionsgym
Or just hit reply - I’d love to hear from you!
Meet Clare
Clare is a pragmatic and empathetic leader who combines loyalty, tenacity, and curiosity to create innovative, practical solutions for health and well-being. Known by her family as “Mum’ll fix it!”, she embodies a get-it-done mindset, tackling challenges head-on and finding effective, sustainable solutions.
As a coach, creator, and motivator, Clare champions people to believe in themselves and take small, consistent steps that lead to long-term change. She believes exercise and nutrition should always be personal, adaptable, and practical, ensuring strategies fit seamlessly into real life.
Her approach is understanding, considerate, and kind, but also driven by a strong sense of accountability and follow-through. Sociable and approachable, Clare builds trust quickly, making her both relatable and inspiring.
Above all, Clare creates healthier, more content lives - combining innovation with empathy, leadership with kindness, and strategy with action.
You can work with Clare in the pole or aerial studio at Pole 4 Fitness, located at AOF Champions Gym, or join her online.
Clare believes that everyone knows what to do to live a healthier lifestyle, but what people need to achieve it is personal to them. We are all different, and therefore, we need a plan that works for you.
Keep nourishing your body and flourishing in your fitness journey.