Sohee Carpenter is a personal trainer from California who has turned her life around. In her early days, she was all about extreme routines, pushing her body to the limit with strict diets and endless workouts. Today, at 34, she’s fitter, healthier, and stronger than ever.
With a BA in human biology and an MA in psychology, Sohee brings both experience and expertise to her journey. She used to believe that the leaner you are, the happier and healthier you must be. That mindset led to overexercising and eating as little as possible. But her story shows that real strength comes from a flexible approach. Let’s explore her fresh take on fitness to reshape how we think about health.
The old fitness routine
Back in her teens, Sohee’s exercise routine was all about cardio. She would run and sweat it out, thinking that burning as many calories as possible was the secret to staying lean. As she moved into her 20s, things only got more intense. Working out until exhaustion and following a rigid diet became her norm.
In college, she stuck to strict meal plans, even when the dining hall food couldn’t be measured precisely. There were days when she’d eat 13 hard-boiled egg whites for lunch because she felt that was the only way to track her macros correctly.
Her focus was entirely on being as small and lean as possible. Every workout, every meal, was a calculated move to maintain a physique she thought defined success. This extreme method left little room for flexibility or enjoying life outside the gym.
Her approach was built on the idea that losing weight was the only marker of success. Every client she coached received the same advice that she had followed. It was a mindset that didn’t consider mental well-being or the joy of balanced living.
A new approach: embracing balance and true health
Over time, Sohee’s perspective began to shift. Learning about weight lifting and the importance of macronutrients opened her eyes to a more flexible way of eating. The big change came when she realized that true health isn’t measured solely by weight or body composition.
Now, Sohee focuses on being fitter, faster, and stronger as she ages, not just skinnier. She has reintroduced running into her routine and even enjoys watching herself get faster. Mobility work has become a key part of her training, and she pays closer attention to her sleep and fiber intake.
Her new philosophy is all about body neutrality. Instead of stressing over every inch of her body, Sohee has learned to let go of the pressure to look a certain way. This mindset frees up mental space to enjoy life and focus on self-improvement. She now champions health-promoting behaviors that last, both for herself and her clients. Rather than praising weight loss, she encourages sustainable habits that lead to long-term wellness.
Her journey is a wake-up call for anyone caught in the trap of extreme dieting and overexercising. By shifting away from strict routines and embracing a holistic view, she’s found a way to be fitter and happier without sacrificing her mental health.