This gym owner’s best advice? Stop comparing, start loving

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Navigating the path to self-love and body confidence can often feel like a challenging journey.

Apolonia Calleja, aka Apples, is a seasoned fitness trainer and gym owner who embodies the spirit of embracing oneself fully. Her career, dedicated to helping others achieve their health goals, mirrors her personal mastery of self-love. Apples' journey offers inspiration for those striving to nurture both body and spirit. Her perspective on her body reflects a profound sense of growth and acceptance. With the wisdom that comes from experience, she explains, “As I get older, I am learning to accept how my body changes. If you continue to love and pour into yourself, you will always accept what changes your body is making and embrace it.” This mindset reminds us that loving yourself is a continuous journey, not a destination. The more effort we put into ourselves, the more we can appreciate the natural evolution of our bodies.

For Apples, fitness is much more than a way to stay in shape; it’s a lifestyle. She shares her passion with palpable enthusiasm, saying,

“Being able to stay active and just move my body is a blessing.”

Her role as a trainer and gym owner at LIV FIT (@livfitgymfacility) has reinforced her belief that fitness is crucial for longevity and vitality. “I want to live a long life and be the best I can be for my son and future kids!” To her, fitness is not just about physical appearance but about embracing the gift of movement and the promise of a vibrant life.

Apples' confidence is both inspiring and refreshing. As a mother who has worked diligently to maintain her body, she takes immense pride in her accomplishments. “The female body is remarkable, and recognizing that gives me confidence,” she explains. Her commitment is evident in her choices, such as her enthusiastic embrace of wearing a bikini. “After all those squats, why skip the bikini? No way—I’m rocking it!” This bold and joyful celebration of her hard work underscores how true confidence stems from both perseverance and self-acceptance.

Maintaining kindness towards oneself while working on fitness goals is another area where Apolonia excels. She emphasizes the importance of balance: “With all the hard work, I do my best to still treat myself.” Her approach is grounded in the belief that enjoying life’s pleasures while striving toward fitness is key to long-term satisfaction. “Work hard for a short time to enjoy the life you want without being miserable!” She advises finding harmony between diligence and enjoyment, listening to your body, and savoring the journey.

Apples' final piece of advice for women who feel shy about showing their bodies is both empowering and practical: “Work hard! You know what is good and bad for you. Stop comparing yourself to others and love on yourself!” She encourages focusing on personal progress and trusting in one’s own efforts. “If you are doing all the things that serve you, you will eventually find the self-love and confidence to be happy and proud to show off your beautiful body!” Her message is clear: embrace your individuality and celebrate the unique beauty that comes from being true to yourself.

Apples' journey is powerful and reminds us all that self-love, confidence, and a healthy lifestyle are deeply interconnected. Her insights inspire us to embrace our bodies with pride, find joy in our fitness journeys, and always be kind to ourselves along the way. As Apples vividly demonstrates, loving and celebrating our bodies is the ultimate act of self-respect and joy.

For our first shoot with Apples, click [here]. And if you haven’t already, follow here for more inspirational content: @apoloniacalleja