A fitness influencer who leaves her fans “drooling” with her toned physique has revealed the brutal reality of getting a muscular body.
Julia Rene is a professional bodybuilder and weight loss coach.
The 28-year-old is constantly met with adoring fans online who say she is the “perfect combination of beauty and power”.
But looking and feeling this good comes at a cost.
The Texas-based ‘muscle mommy’ says she is often met with an “identity crisis” – a feeling of “Now what?” – after accomplishing a new goal.
“Nobody tells you the hardest part of bodybuilding isn’t the actual prep, it’s what comes after,” said Julia.
“For many (myself included), post-show can feel like an identity crisis.
“You spend months being ‘the competitor,’ ‘the disciplined one,’ ‘the girl chasing the stage’… then suddenly it’s OVER.
“But the TRUTH is you’re so much more than your physique, your conditioning, or your placings.
“You are the woman who already did the impossible.
“And that power doesn’t fade with the tan.
“It grows.”
Julia’s post has resonated with people online, with many sharing their unwavering support for her and her process.
One person said: “God damn, you’re so beautiful and gorgeous, I really love ur muscles.”
“As a nurse, I am literally drooling over your veins. So vascular,” added someone else.
Marin said: “Perfect combination of beauty and power!!!”
Christina said, “I can’t wait to get the outline like yours. I want my waist to be sharp, I already have the round glutes, need to smooth my dips out and pop the quad muscles and my shoulders!!! Ugh, you’re such an inspiration! Not to compare, only motivating me that I got lots more work to do!!!!”
Another fan said, “This is exactly what I needed to read today! I am a week out from the stage, and the struggle is so hard. When that goal is there for the stage, it’s easy to stay disciplined with this freedom. It’s hard to navigate.”
Lily said, “Looks like you have an admirer who left you flowers.”
Someone else added:” The body is tea.”
Another fan simply said: “Dayuuuummmm.”
When asked about some of the extreme reactions her physique gets online, Julia told NeedToKnow: “iI don’t bother me anymore.
“I understand that when you put yourself out there, you also put yourself out there for strange comments.
“In public, I would say I get mixed emotions on my physique.
“Sometimes people will compliment, and it’s very kind.
“Some people will whisper, some people will stare, and even some people will laugh.”
