Adaptations Needed in the Fitness Industry

Posted On September 30, 2019

It is always a joy to work with interested and motivated people. It is also a challenge knowing the Fitness Industry still has a body ‘ideal’, which many instructors I know are continually striving for – and that is ‘fitness perfection’. Which may be quite easy and healthy for some, but also an ongoing obsessive mindset that can consume a person’s life.

My background in dance growing up made becoming an ‘aerobic instructor‘ back in 1985 an easy fit. It also fit nicely into sometimes obsessive and not so healthy patterns of behavior. Well, the world of group exercise and fitness has evolved and morphed over all these years and is now a Giant of an Industry. I love leading and teaching people to move their bodies — bodies of all sizes, shapes, colours, genders, sexuality, ethnicities, and ages. I have however, reached a point in my career where I have had ENOUGH of the Industry perpetuating an expectation that you will only be successful if you look a certain way.

I have big boobs, I have thick thighs and not a slender waistline. I am happy to be alive and well in this body. My weight has fluctuated over the years based on so many factors some healthy, some not. At the end of the day, my ability to lead, to teach, to be a role model, and to excel, is not based on my body fat percentage. I have known this for YEARS now, but have been quiet in sharing my opinions.

Not any more. I want to be a part of the change I see necessary. Of course for students, class members and the greater community, most fitness professionals that I know and work with have a terrific ability to show inclusion. This particular commentary is however for all the group fitness instructors, personal trainers, health coaches, studio owners, club managers, directors, fitness conference owners, and global leaders. You are enough! Please, let’s be progressive and move ON from the traditional images of what it ‘looks like’ to be a fitness professional. Too many eating disorders, too many body dysmorphia issues. Too much pressure, too much self-criticism. I have had enough of all that. I believe change is possible.

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