Lewis Cracknell

How Letting Go Transformed My Fitness Journey

As most people gear up to share their new years resolutions, here is an unplanned approach that served me well late in 2024.

For years, I was a dedicated data tracker. Sleep cycles, calorie intake, protein macros, workout intensities—you name it, I tracked it. I wore my Whoop religiously, analysed my sleep scores, logged every calorie in an app, and fueled my workouts with carefully measured protein shakes. It worked—to an extent. But it also left me feeling overwhelmed, hyper-focused on numbers, and perpetually tied to a regimen that began to feel like a chore.

Then, I stopped.

It was Sept 2024, when I decided to use a holiday to challenge the status quo of my modern day culture toward Technology and Fitness. I stopped wearing my Whoop. I stopped tracking my sleep data. I stopped logging every calorie. I even stopped drinking protein shakes.

The Results

I simplified my approach. I lost weight without trying to “cut” or meticulously monitor calorie intake. I was no longer a slave to data. I used my holiday to unplug from social media and technology. I walked more, ate more whole foods and natural protein sources and even relaxed with a beverage (or several) most evenings – something I would not have done back home in my old regime as I’d have the dread of logging my alcoholic drinks on an app, watching the calories mount.

Insights

This simplified approach was so effective, that I simply carried it on when I returned home from my holiday. Now at the start of 2025 I’m still going strong with no data tracking, detaching from Technology and using a simplified approach; walking more, eating high protein meals, not getting caught up with data and tracking everything.

Surprisingly, letting go led to greater success. My workouts felt more enjoyable, not like a numbers game. Most importantly, I felt lighter—not just physically, but mentally. Simplifying my approach allowed me to focus on what truly mattered: feeling good and living a balanced life.

Why Simplicity Works

Simplicity breeds sustainability. When fitness isn’t wrapped in layers of complexity, it becomes easier to stick with. It’s freeing to move away from rigid structures and instead adopt habits that feel natural and fulfilling.

For anyone who feels stuck in a cycle of over-optimization, my advice is this: trust yourself. Tools and data can be helpful, but they’re not the be-all and end-all. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is step back, simplify, and focus on what feels right for you

Looking Ahead

I’m not anti-tech or anti-tracking—those tools can be valuable for many people. But for me, letting go of them was a game-changer. It’s a reminder that health isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress, balance, and finding joy in the process.

If you’ve been caught in the trap of overcomplication, maybe it’s time to try something different. Simplify. Trust your instincts.