Bonus Episode: Observations as an ex-dancer competing in HYROX

Episode summary

In this bonus episode, Lily reflects on competing in her first HYROX event and shares the unexpected parallels and differences she noticed as an ex-professional dancer stepping into a functional fitness race. From pre event food anxiety and body image triggers, to warm-up rooms that felt eerily familiar, this episode explores how old identities can resurface in new environments and how awareness, fuel, and self-trust can change the experience completely.

This is an honest, behind-the-scenes reflection on growth, mindset shifts, and what it really means to move for performance rather than appearance.

What you’ll hear in this episode

• Why HYROX unexpectedly reminded Lily of audition days as a dancer
• How food anxiety showed up the night before and how she handled it differently
• The shift from eating to look a certain way to eating to perform better
• How old body image thoughts can resurface in new, high-pressure environments
• Walking into the warm-up area and instinctively moving like a dancer again
• The contrast between tense audition rooms and the supportive HYROX atmosphere
• Letting go of “does this look good?” and focusing on “does this work?”
• Moving from aesthetic-driven movement to functional, performance-based effort
• Why this kind of environment can be healing (and fun) for ex-dancers

Key reflections

• Growth doesn’t mean old thoughts never show up it means you respond differently when they do.
• Fuel is not something to earn or restrict; it’s what allows you to perform and enjoy the experience.
• Shifting focus from appearance to capability can completely change how you feel in your body.
• Old identities can resurface in familiar environments awareness is what stops them running the show.

Who this episode is for

This episode is especially for:

• ex-dancers or ex-athletes navigating life after performance
• anyone stepping into a competitive or unfamiliar fitness environment
• women working to untangle body image from performance
• anyone curious about HYROX from a non-hype, non-ego perspective

Join the conversation

If you’ve moved from dance, sport, or another performance world into fitness or if you’ve noticed old habits show up in new environments Lily would love to hear from you. DM her on Instagram: @lilyrosecooper21

Follow / subscribe

This was a bonus, off-the-cuff reflection. Follow the show for more episodes on training, mindset, body confidence, and navigating fitness in a way that supports both mental and physical health.