A popular influencer recently stirred up quite a storm with a simple piece of advice aimed at women everywhere. Valeria Lipovetsky, a 35-year-old Russian-Israeli model and mother of three boys, posted an Instagram video showing her intense gym workout while delivering a direct message to her 2.5 million followers. She urged women to prioritize self-care so they do not end up resenting those who manage to do it. The clip featured her saying something along the lines of girl to girl, take care of yourself to avoid becoming bitter toward women who actually do. Many viewers quickly interpreted the words as coming from a place of extreme privilege.
Valeria, who is married to Gary Lipovetsky, a man 18 years her senior and notably wealthy, has built a public persona around her lifestyle and views on relationships. She has openly discussed how her marriage filled certain emotional gaps from her past and emphasized traditional dynamics where men seek to build families while women look for security and protection. In the controversial video, filmed amid a demanding exercise session, she presented her routine as an example of essential self-maintenance. The implication was that investing in oneself prevents envy or resentment toward others who appear to have it together.
The backlash came fast and fierce from commenters who felt the advice overlooked everyday realities. Several pointed out that maintaining such a fitness regimen requires not just motivation but significant resources, including time, money, and support systems that most working mothers simply do not have. One critic reframed the message bluntly by calling it pure privilege tied to health, time, financial backing, and overall support. Without marrying into wealth, they argued, the luxury of uninterrupted gym time vanishes, leaving many women exhausted from balancing jobs, childcare, and recovery from childbirth. Another commenter stressed that while the idea sounds appealing, it ultimately boils down to having enough money and free hours rather than mere survival.
Not everyone disagreed with Valeria though. Some followers jumped to her defense by noting that self-care does not always demand fancy gyms or expensive equipment. They suggested practical alternatives like home workouts with kids around or free outdoor runs, insisting that everyone can carve out small ways to prioritize themselves. Others shared how exercise boosts energy and mental well-being even when life feels overwhelming, viewing her words as motivational rather than judgmental. A few encouraged her directly with positive remarks about pushing forward and finding inspiration in her dedication.
The debate highlights a broader tension in online spaces where influencers share personal habits that feel aspirational to some and out of touch to others. Valeria’s video gained thousands of views and ignited divided opinions, reflecting how quickly wellness advice can turn into discussions about class, access, and fairness. Her past comments on relationships added fuel for those who saw the self-care message as part of a larger privileged narrative.
What do you think about this kind of advice from influencers in privileged positions, share your thoughts in the comments.
