Can you be Body positive in the Fitness Industry?

August 25, 2016 12:07 pm

Being body positive is hard.

Being positive in the fitness industry is even harder.

If you work in the fitness industry you are constantly under a microscope. There’s pressure to look a certain way, eat a certain way, be a certain way and its tiring. Not only are trainers and group fitness instructors held at a pedestal in comparison to non trainers, but we also tend to hold ourselves to a high standard as well. And it can be very nitpicky. We could have abs for days, and STILL be self critical.

I myself have battled with body issues. While everyone else thought I looked great, I only saw a cow,whale, etc. It hasn’t been until recently where I’ve actually sort of felt happy with my body. This kind of scrutiny isn’t uncommon for women in general, particularly women in the fitness industry. The standard and the bar is raised for trainers, fitness competitors and anyone working in the fitness industry. But, the body is an unpredictable machine. You can follow a diet to a T, kick ass in the gym but still have some bloating or soft areas. It can really kill your vibe : /

I’m very opinionated of health related topics, but can also be very realistic. The recent body positive phenomena is great for several reasons, since women and girls are not socialized to like their bodies. Representation is extremely important, and if what you see in mass media isn’t relatable, you aren’t going to celebrate or love yourself if you look different. I’m all for girls loving their bodies and being positive but I do feel that sometimes people use this body positive space to just eat crappy and not care to exercise, while stating “ I love myself and I think I look hot”. Self confidence is totally fine! I’m good with that 🙂 But, if your body fat and blood tests dictate otherwise than you need to make a change.

Representation is extremely important, and if what you see in mass media isn’t relatable, you aren’t going to celebrate or love yourself if you look different.

I’ve previously discussed that if you solely have extrinsic goals when it comes to working out you are less likely to reach your goals. When I meet with a client I try not to ask if there are any body parts that they want to change. It’s not good to assume that people want to lose weight or shed fat to fit into a bikini when they seek my training advice. Instead, I ask what their hobbies are, what makes them happy, and what their goals are in life. Why? Because its important, and health isn’t just about what’s in the gym. Maybe someone who trains with me will eventually have more energy, resulting in the ability to spend more time with their partner or play with their child more. Sure they want to get rid of the flab under their arms. But you know what? That’s gonna happen regardless if they keep training hard and eating well.

My main concern lately is trying to combine body positivity with health.

My main concern lately is trying to combine body positivity with health.When I scroll down my social media feeds I notice that a lot of health and fitness articles don’t really help with achieving that. It’s “6 Moves to nicer abs”, “Tummy shred workout” etc. Is that considered body positive? Should the fitness industry move away from using these tag lines to grab the attention of readers?

Instead of selling workouts sold as ” 30 days to fit into your bikini” should they be “30 Days to feel Great about yourself”? Quite frankly most people do not fit in the current molds and sizes the industry creates. (check out my post on How Women’s Clothing Sizes are BS)

But by promoting a healthy lifestyle am I shunning the body positive movement?

I’m in the business of making people feel happy, achieve their goals, live fulfilling lives as a result of a well rounded fitness program. I don’t train people to be a size two or look a certain way. I’m realistic AF. Having a nice body is aesthetically pleasing but its not for everyone. It’s hard to maintain. I should know. The way I live my life or how other fitness professionals do is not for everyone. That’s why I HATE when trainers try and introduce fitness competitor diets to clients that are seeking general fitness. But let’s save that for another post.

Being body positive should NOT be an excuse to let yourself be unhealthy.

You can embrace your curves and be self confident. I’m going to be the first person to tell you go ahead girl. Slay. BUT….if your curves and your Body is OBESE you need to adjust your lifestyle. You SHOULD NOT embrace unhealthiness and obesity, because its neither a positive nor a long term solution. The health risks associated with obesity will KILL you and affect the quality of your life immensely.

Instead , see fitness as an opportunity to find some intrinsic health goals, realize and work towards them, instead of focusing on what’s on the outside.

So I’m asking all those girls who are body positive please DON’T be stupid, yes embrace yourself and be confident, but do not be childish and neglect your health. Rather, see fitness as an opportunity to find some intrinsic health goals, realize and work towards them, instead of focusing on what’s on the outside. If you like being a big girl, I’m cool with that, but you shouldn’t like it because its “cool” right now. Being sick isn’t cool.

I’m in the business of making people feel happy, achieve their goals, live fulfilling lives as a result of a well rounded fitness program.