I'm going to take it one step further and say that there are far too many people in the fitness industry that are always negative about their bodies or preaching about perfectionism and that is a terrible message to send to clients.
People have much bigger problems than six pack abs and butts. They have family troubles, stressful jobs, relationship issues, financial issues, stress, and yet the industry continues to market magic beans, workouts, and meal plans as the answer to real problems.
At this moment I am reading a book by Zig Ziglar where he says selling is the transference of feeling. He goes on to talk about how if you're going to be convincing to people then you need to BE CONVINCED of what you're saying.
I had an a-ha moment
It's about The "Why"
It's not about resisting cookies, candy, and french fries and white knuckling it. It's about "WHY". Why do people eat when they are stressed, lonely, or bored? It isn't because they are physically hungry. What ARE they hungry for? Why are people punishing themselves with 2-3 hours of exercise every day and annihilating their muscles in pursuit of a "perfect" that doesn't exist. Why do people need to CONSTANTLY post selfies every single day?
Why?
My Why
I've shared my own WHY: It was because I was afraid of getting fat, ruining my life, and I was also seeking validation. I could do every meal plan and workout until the cows came home but until I actually addressed the REAL issues which were fear of weight gain and the need to seek validation, there would be no resolve. It would be around the same mountain over and over again.
Why it's Important for me to Speak Out
It's important for me to speak out because I can guarantee you there are many women AND men who are caught up just like I was. They are caught up in trying to find solace, validation, and affirmation in the physical and torturing themselves about food and exercise. It's something we don't talk about but it needs to be addressed.
People are suffering in silence and they are inundated on social media daily with memes, videos, advertisements and soapbox coaches that tell them all they need is discipline and this amazing program that they are selling.
Sidenote: There was a GREAT article on T-Nation last week where the blogger called out all these coaches who preach to followers about discipline and posting their nearly naked shredded to the bone pictures. These people fail to add that they have chemical aid to look the way they do.
It's important for me to speak out about this because people will continue to suffer with eating disorders and body dysmorphia and think it is the norm. I believe that the Fitness Industry is beginning to normalize disordered eating and obsessive exercise practices. None of it is healthy.
It goes back to my A-ha Moment
It's the Blind Leading the Blind
What would happen if we let current alcoholics lead AA meetings? How about current drug users leading recovery meetings? We wouldn't let that happen because people who have not recovered themselves have no business leading others who are still in the midst and so fragile.
In the fitness industry we have too many people who are suffering from body dysmorphia and disordered eating patterns with platforms and it's doing a real disservice to clients. People think they need these complicated meal plans, magic supplements, and exercise routines in order to improve their health.
How about eating fresh foods, drinking water, and moving on a more consistent basis? How about if you are an avid exerciser that we focus on making sure you are stimulating your muscles properly with a training program suited for YOUR needs and body type. How about we work on improving YOUR nutrition not with complicated meal plans but with a CONSISTENT meal plan that you can sustain.
When you have people who are consumed with having the "perfect" body, disordered eating patterns, and body dysmorphia issues, teaching people what do you THINK is going to happen? When the Blind are leading the Blind they will BOTH fall into a ditch!
That's why I am going to continue on preaching that there is no perfect body. There is no ONE STANDARD of beauty and we need to accept ourselves no matter what!
That is why I am feeling so STRONGLY about speaking out against this pervasive nonsense and getting people to focus on REAL LIFE IN THE REAL WORLD. Focusing on cosmetics when the rest of your life is in free fall is putting a band aid on a gunshot wound.
83% of people are not active. That's a lot of people. Even more do not eat fresh foods and more people than ever are suffering from stress related issues. Those of us in this industry need to get REAL and we need to show more empathy to clients so that we can meet people where they are.
Second Week with No Scale
I have to say in many ways it was easier this past week not to get on the scale but I did have times where I just wanted to see what I weighed. Is there ANY progress? Why is it taking so long? I have to remind myself that I was in a deficit for a year and it will take some time to get things "turned up" again.
I am FEELING a difference so whether there is or not....I'm just gonna roll with it.
Diet
My diet now is something that I can sustain for the rest of my life. It's real food and on Sundays I eat what I would like. I no longer have food obsessions or have anxiety about foods. I eat food and move on with my life.
Workout
Going well. Love the stimulate don't annihilate philosophy! I really FEEL what I am working and boy do I sweat! It's not about how much you lift but HOW you're lifting. This past Saturday I did the Abel 30 from Scott Abel and Boy was it tough. 50 pounds on the leg press isn't impressive but when you slow it down and go full range of motion it's TOUGH.
Here's the Abel Challenge if you would like to try it.
30 Leg Presses
30 Front Squats (Butt to Heel)
30 Barbell Walking Lunges
30 Ball Bridges (any hamstring exercise works
When I finished I was super sweaty and I felt so ALIVE! It was awesome and it will help me get my endurance back to where it needs to be.
Until the Next Time!
Thank you all so much for reading, reaching out, and commenting. I really appreciate it!
Leg 30's are no joke. I think I will do a round today at the end of my workout! Great blog!!!!
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