This week our ‘F-word’ is fitness; specifically the negative associations many of us have with fitness and dieting. I’ll be sharing some of my experiences growing up, from learning to dislike sports in high school, and always focusing on ‘all or nothing’. You’ll also hear how, despite my lack of athleticism, I decided to pursue a career in fitness and the negative impact this left on my mental and physical health. By reframing our understanding and beliefs about movement, fitness and exercise, we are able to prioritise personal preferences, joy and self-worth rather than applying external expectations.
Questions to help you reframe movement:
Would you still want to achieve those goals if weight loss was not on the table?
Am I inspired to do this or am I trying to motivate myself?
What has happened that's triggered this, this feeling?
Why am I having this thought?
Do I actually want to do this? Is this actually something that I'm choosing to prioritise in my life right now?
What is the bare minimum?
In this episode:
How the diet industry weaponized movement, exercise and fitness
How the lack of support and encouragement for those kids who do not show competitive interest in sports is doing a disservice to them
Why I chose to start a career in the fitness industry
How I’m reframing fitness, and navigating movement moving forward
Takeaways:
Many people's struggles with fitness begin in childhood.
The diet industry heavily influences perceptions of fitness.
It's important to question the motivations behind fitness goals.
The concept of 'bare minimum' can help simplify fitness expectations.
Reframing fitness can reduce the pressure from diet culture.
Everyone is worthy, regardless of their fitness journey.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating the Complex Relationship with Fitness
03:30 Childhood Experiences and Early Influences on Fitness
10:45 The Negativity of the Diet Industry & Fitness
14:43 The Complicated Journey of Becoming A Trainer
19:44 The Shift Away from Traditional Fitness
21:17 Intuitive Eating and Reframing Movement
25:51 Reframing Fitness: Questions to Consider
31:41 The Complications of the Diet Industry and Fitness
🗓️ Next week… Myth Busting Minisode: Priorities, Privilege and Movement!
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