19/08/2023
Iām going to be real with you. I havenāt been feeling myself recently.
Although I constantly encourage and promote body positivity and self-love, this does not mean that I have mastered it personally.
Being a female is CHALLENGING, and being a female personal trainer can be even more CHALLENGING.
Unfortunately, the fitness industry still places a lot of focus on aesthetic goals and appearance, which can put a lot of pressure on fitness professionals to maintain a certain image.
The phrase, "You wouldn't hire a PT who was fat and weak," has always bothered me. It makes me feel very uneasy to think that someone is investing in my body and physical well-being, almost as though it's an object by which they can assess my professional worth and value.
Just like a lot of other people, I have STRUGGLED. There have been times when it came to exercising and staying active, that I felt incredibly demotivated. I've struggled with food and the want to binge because I used food as comfort. Am I a bad person because of this? NO. Does this mean I'm a bad PT? NO.
When in fact, do you know what makes me a fantastic PT? I've been there... I can relate to your hardships because I experience them myself. I struggle with body issues, worries about my appearance, and self-deprecating moments, but that's why I became a personal trainer.
Your fitness journey should be about you as a whole person, not simply about appearances. I want to be able to support others in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, finding a passion for exercise, and developing self-confidence in their own skin. They want to FEEL good about themselves, not because they want to appear a specific way.
I have been debating for awhile about posting these progress photos because I was worried that it might discourage people from my PT services. I know how crazy this sounds and I realise how much pressure Iām putting on myself.
I wanted to post these progress photos today as a reminder. Not only for my clients, but also to remind myself that our physical appearances does not define who we are as people, and it CERTAINLY does not prevent you from being an amazing coach!