You don't need supreme athleticism to play at a top level though. You need less than Tennis or Basketball for example. It's just that a lot of people invest their ego into being an athlete, which becomes a factor in their choice of play style. Choosing an extremely physically demanding style of play isn't really necessary (or wise), especially if you want to be competitive past the age of 30.
If you want, you can adopt a style similar to He Zhi Wen, those Indian LP / Anti players, or even something that is just closer to the table and more controlled. That is easily playable at a high level, long into your middle and older life. But you need to enjoy it.
I think the main factor in people's choice of play style is (and should be) enjoyment and passion. If you want to emulate and feel like a CNT player, then go for it - just be realistic that if you're not of the right age, physical composition, and embedded within the CNT machine, you won't necessarily be the best you can be, as there will be physical, environmental and time limitations at play. If you can find enjoyment with a different style that is more suitable to your individual situation, you will have the opportunity to reach a higher level.