Why I Train: My Fitness Journey From Aesthetics to Purpose
The Past: Why I Started👌
Growing up in Brazil, I lived in a culture that celebrated thick, curvy legs as the beauty standard. Being naturally skinny with long legs, I constantly battled against my
## Why I Train: My Fitness Journey From Aesthetics to Purpose
## The Past: Why I Started 👌
Growing up in Brazil, I lived in a culture that celebrated thick, curvy legs as the beauty standard. Being naturally skinny with long legs, I constantly battled against my genetics and my own self-image. My mom's well-intentioned but hurtful comments about how "only jeans look good on you because they hide your skinny legs" deeply affected my confidence.
In my senior year of high school, I finally took action. My mission? Transform my legs at any cost. I joined a gym with a singular focus—leg day, every day. Looking back, I laugh at how I completely ignored every other muscle group. I was determined, though misguided, taking everything from weight gainers to protein shakes and even growth hormones, all in pursuit of that "ideal" body type. That lasted until college, and I did grow my legs.
Post-college life brought dramatic changes. Between launching a startup and working full-time as an engineer, the gym fell off my priority list. After a year-long break, my hard-earned leg muscles disappeared—but surprisingly, so did my obsession with them.
My mindset shifted completely. Instead of focusing on appearance, I craved personal growth and pushing boundaries—the same mentality I was applying to my startup. Running became my new outlet, but soon I wanted more than just physical activity—I wanted to learn.
That's when I decided to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Despite the toll it took on my joints and constant injuries, the challenge, skill development, and incredible community made it one of the most enriching experiences of my life. During this time, I met Mike, who would become my husband.
Then came a transformative moment. One day, Mike told me what he loved most about my body was my legs and their shape—the very thing I'd spent years being insecure about. Here I was, the girl who'd avoided short dresses and skirts, discovering that my biggest perceived flaw was perfect in the eyes of the person who mattered most. It was like a weight lifted from my shoulders. Years of self-consciousness dissolved in that single moment of genuine appreciation and love.
## The Present: Why I Train Now
Today, our relationship with fitness has evolved into something far deeper than aesthetics or skill-building. After moving cities and leaving my beloved BJJ community behind, I discovered a new rhythm alongside Mike, whose lifelong athletic background has positively influenced my approach to fitness.
As co-founders of socra, we've found that consistent training has become our anchor in the startup storm. Here's why we maintain our dedication to training five days a week:
1. **Our Constant in Chaos**: Startup life is an emotional rollercoaster, but our commitment to fitness remains consistent. Whether it's hitting the gym or hiking trails with our dog, these activities ground us, reminding us there's life beyond our startup bubble and that self-care isn't negotiable.
2. **Peak Performance Philosophy**: We approach entrepreneurship like athletes. To operate at our mental peak, our bodies need to be operating at their peak too. Physical wellness prevents the domino effect of sedentary habits that can compromise our effectiveness as founders.
3. **Partnership in Practice**: We're each other's accountability partners. This isn't just about motivation—it's about showing up for each other, even on the tough days. Having a committed workout partner transforms "I should go" into "we're going."
4. **Our Daily Sanctuary**: The gym isn't just for exercise—it's our innovation hub. Those 2–3 hours daily (including cardio, lifting, stretching, sauna, and cold plunge) create a vital break in our intense work schedule. It's where we reset, recharge, and often find our best ideas. This routine enables us to maintain our intense Sunday-to-Sunday work schedule while staying energized and creative.
## The Future: What Drives Me Forward
Looking ahead, my motivation has transformed into something much more profound—longevity and quality of life.
We're playing the ultimate long game with socra. Being in our 20s now, we envision ourselves actively leading and improving socra well into our 80s. Imagine the impact of consistently enhancing something you love for over 50 years! But this vision requires more than just mental commitment—it demands physical preparation today.
Bone density is particularly crucial for me. With my naturally lean build comes smaller bones, making me potentially more vulnerable as I age. That's why I lift weights consistently—it's not just about muscle anymore; it's about building a strong skeletal foundation that will support me for decades to come.
My future motivation is crystal clear: I'm training today so I can remain active, independent, and capable tomorrow. I want to be that energetic 80-year-old who's still traveling the world, running a company, and living life without physical limitations. Every rep, every workout is an investment in that future.
This isn't about the next summer body or the next fitness goal—it's about building and maintaining a body that will serve me for a lifetime.
What about you? Share your Why :)By Eduarda Ferreira