35 paradoxical truths in the fitness industry.
The world of health and fitness is full of conflictual paradoxes, except when you look out upon the landscape of social media that’s not what is presented. Instead we have individuals soap boxing polarizing view points, devoid of any nuance, selling magic bullets to a vulnerable population desperate to solve the problem of themselves. It doesn’t matter how many good coaches scream “there are no quick fixes!” The quick fix is an alluring prospect.
On the other end of the spectrum we have the ‘dieting is toxic’ crowd, shouting out feminist slogans & accusing others of patriarchal standards, telling you to “just love your body”, as if it was that simple.
We humans love to put people in boxes and slap on neat little labels but rarely do people live up to those labels. Being human is complicated and each individual comes with their own unique history that requires time and care. This is the coaching model I am interested in. Teaching people how to think and not what to think.
In that spirit, I’m building a list, (we all love a list). Seemingly contradictory paradoxical and straightforward ‘truths’ in the fitness industry that speak to the idea that two or even three opposing ideas can be true at the same time, for different reasons.
We live in polarized times, where divisive issues are used to create tribal groups that weaken us as a result. It’s true of our political landscapes and it’s true in my field too. I believe it is important we all challenge ourselves to see beyond our own biases to comprehend the fact that we can be right and wrong at the same time.
You can be fit and unhealthy at the same time.
Exercise is unequivocally good for you.
Losing weight is unequivocally good for your physical health if you’re over weight with health problems. The route you choose to go down will determine if it is also good for your mental health.
Being overly thin without muscle isn’t good for you
Being overly fat without muscle isn’t good for you. There will be people at both ends of this spectrum who do appear to be healthy but as they get older this will diminish.
Dieting in and of itself isn’t toxic, what is toxic is the self hatred that is the catalyst for wanting to diet in the first place.
A lot of diet programs are toxic and prey on people’s vulnerability and self hatred.
Dieting with high self worth from a place of self kindness is not toxic.
You can love your body and want to change it.
Changing your body won’t make you love yourself more.
Self kindness gets shit done. (An idea that conflicts with our cure shame based cultural model.)
Having aesthetic goals can be very healthy.
Having aesthetic goals can be very unhealthy.
Being muscular and lean won’t make you happy with your body if you are full of self loathing.
You probably won’t ever love your body 100% but you can accept it.
Having a body you perceive as beautiful improves self confidence.
Comparison is the thief of joy for many and for others it is joyful, where you sit on this is determined by your own self image, and this can fluctuate.
All bodies are not beautiful, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, beauty isn’t the most important thing about you even if you are stunning.
Having positive social interactions is better for you than going to the gym everyday of your life.
Exercise is still one of the most important things you can ever do for yourself.
The poison is in the dose but that dose is different for everyone.
Copying someone else (who you deem fit and attractive) won’t make you look like them.
Emulating the habits of someone fitter than you can help you reach your goals.
Most women won’t be able to be build muscle and have a flat stomach at the same time. Some women genetically have that advantage.
Abs are not a sign of physical fitness, or strength.
Some people are physically fit and have abs.
Most women are not meant to have shredded abs year round.
Most people are not having enough protein.
Some people are over doing the protein.
Because it worked for you does not mean it will work for everyone.
The only thing that will really work for your health and fitness over time is an individualized approach but cookie cutter programs have their place.
Coaching is never a waste of money. Even bad coaches will teach you something.
A bad coach could cost you a lot in terms of your health.
Polarized voices in the fitness industry are a red flag.
Somebody’s polarized position might be right for you.
A holistic approach to health is the future. (That’s my bias, but hey I’m human.)
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