In today’s digital age, where opinions are freely shared and content spreads at lightning speed, online criticism has become an inevitable part of public life—especially for those in the spotlight. Stephanie Sanzo, the renowned fitness coach, mother, and strength athlete, knows this all too well. With over a million followers on Instagram and a reputation for empowering others through strength training, Stephanie’s journey has been marked not just by personal growth and professional success, but also by dealing with waves of public scrutiny, internet trolls, and negativity.
The Double-Edged Sword of Visibility
Social media has allowed Stephanie to build a massive community. Through her posts, videos, and workout programs, she inspires countless people to become stronger, both physically and mentally. But with great visibility comes vulnerability. No matter how positive or constructive one’s message is, there’s always a corner of the internet ready to criticize—sometimes constructively, but often with malice.
Stephanie has spoken openly in interviews and on her platforms about how, in the early days of her fitness journey, online criticism took a toll on her mental health. Comments about her body, her parenting, or even her appearance in gym attire began to accumulate. What hurt most wasn’t always the comment itself, but the frequency and volume of unsolicited opinions from strangers who didn’t know her story.
Understanding the Source of Negativity
One of the first lessons Stephanie shares when asked how she handles negativity is learning to recognize where criticism comes from—and why. “A lot of the time,” she says, “online criticism is more a reflection of the person writing it than the person it’s aimed at.”
Many people lash out online because they’re frustrated, insecure, or jealous. The anonymity of the internet can give people a false sense of power, allowing them to say things they’d never say in real life. Stephanie believes that once you understand this dynamic, it’s easier to stop taking harsh comments personally.
Instead of reacting with anger, she now often responds with compassion—or not at all.
Filtering Feedback: Constructive vs. Toxic
Not all criticism is harmful. In fact, Stephanie emphasizes the importance of staying open to constructive feedback. “Some people give advice because they genuinely want to help. Maybe they’ve had a similar experience or see something you could improve.”
The key is learning to separate valuable input from toxic negativity. Constructive feedback is usually specific, respectful, and focused on improvement. Toxic comments are vague, insulting, and often target personal attributes rather than behaviors or ideas.
Stephanie has developed a “mental filter” to assess whether a comment is worth considering. If it doesn’t pass that filter, she lets it go.
Setting Boundaries Online
Another strategy Stephanie uses is creating boundaries with her digital presence. This means controlling what she shares, how she responds, and who she engages with.
Over the years, she’s become more selective about the types of content she posts and how she allows others to interact with it. She uses features like comment filters and blocking tools to protect her mental space. “You don’t owe anyone access to your peace,” she often says.
For Stephanie, boundaries aren’t about being closed off—they’re about self-respect and sustainability. By protecting her energy, she’s able to show up more authentically for the people who truly value her work.
Reframing the Narrative
One of the most powerful shifts in Stephanie’s mindset came when she realized she could reframe how she viewed online negativity. Instead of seeing it as a personal attack, she began to see it as part of her growth journey.
“There was a time when I would read a negative comment and let it ruin my day,” she admits. “Now, I see it as a sign that I’m growing. That I’m putting myself out there in a way that not everyone is comfortable with—and that’s okay.”
In fact, she encourages her followers to view criticism as evidence that they’re stepping outside their comfort zone. “If no one is criticizing you, you’re probably not taking big enough steps.”
Leading by Example
Stephanie’s approach to online negativity isn’t just about personal survival—it’s also about leadership. As a role model to many, especially women and mothers, she sees it as her responsibility to model strength, grace, and resilience in the face of adversity.
She often shares her experiences with negativity in her posts, not to seek sympathy, but to show others that it’s normal and manageable. By doing so, she helps demystify the fear of being judged, encouraging others to share their own voices and stories without shame.
In one particularly viral post, Stephanie addressed a wave of criticism she received after sharing a video of herself lifting heavy weights. Some commenters suggested that women shouldn’t “look like that” or accused her of being “too muscular.” Her response was simple and powerful:
“This is my body. My journey. My choice. And if it challenges your idea of what a woman ‘should’ look like, maybe it’s time to challenge that idea.”
That post resonated with thousands of women who had faced similar judgments—and sparked an outpouring of support.
Practicing Self-Care and Mindfulness
No matter how mentally tough someone is, constant exposure to criticism can wear them down. That’s why Stephanie is a strong advocate for self-care and mindfulness practices. These include daily exercise (not just for strength, but for stress relief), journaling, gratitude, and spending time with her family.
She also takes digital detoxes when needed. “Sometimes the best thing you can do for your mental health is log off for a bit,” she says.
Taking time away from the noise of social media allows her to reset, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Empowering Others to Do the Same
Stephanie’s experience with online criticism has turned her into a vocal advocate for kindness and self-empowerment. Whether through her coaching programs, social media content, or speaking engagements, she encourages others to focus on their goals, embrace their individuality, and build resilience.
Her message is clear: Criticism will come, but it doesn’t have to define you. What matters most is how you respond, how you protect your energy, and how you continue to move forward.
Conclusion
Dealing with online criticism is an ongoing challenge for anyone with a public presence. But as Stephanie Sanzo demonstrates, it’s possible to face it with strength, wisdom, and grace. By understanding the roots of negativity, setting healthy boundaries, and staying focused on your purpose, you can turn criticism into a catalyst for growth.
In Stephanie’s words: “You can’t control what people say about you—but you can control what you believe about yourself. And that belief is your greatest power.”
