09/09/2022
The fitness industry needs to change… and yes, I’m a personal trainer. Hear me out.
I love what I do. I love coaching people and helping them reach a healthier and more confident version of themselves. But being a part of the fitness industry, both personally and professionally, I’ve realized that beneath the positive concepts it puts forth, there’s toxicity and confusion. Coupled with social media, it’s a recipe for disaster, leading to self deprecating thoughts and self talk, constant comparison to others, body dysmorphia, and so many other unfortunate and dangerous outcomes.
Lately, this is what the narrative has been for women: Be thin, but shapely. Have a big butt and a small waist. Look “toned” but don’t put on too much muscle or you’ll look “bulky”. Get rid of your cellulite. Get rid of your tummy rolls. Eat cleaner. Look leaner. The list goes on and on.
For men - Be strong. Have big muscles. Lift heavy or you’re doing it wrong. Don’t perform glute isolating exercises, those are for girls. No pain, no gain.
And if you don’t find the time to make all of this happen? Well, you’re just not disciplined enough. …Please, let this sink into your very soul when I say THIS IS NOT TRUTH.
This is not the definition of fitness, health, or beauty. We’ll speak more on this later. Trust me, I have a lot to say.
But what I want to say right now is that the narrative of what fitness is needs to change. We need to focus more on the process and less on the results. More on how it makes us feel and less on how it makes us look. More on becoming the best version of ourselves each and every day and less on chasing an aesthetic that we’ve seen online and have been told is the epitome of health, beauty, and fitness.
It’s good to have goals. If you’re looking to improve a certain muscle group or skill set, or shift your body composition, that’s great too. But let’s celebrate where you’re at today, at this very moment, and recognize that you are worthy, beautiful, strong, and powerful. This fact has nothing to do with your body. Remember that.
It’s time to start using exercise as a tool - for self-empowerment, for better health, and for a longer life. You deserve it.