As I have never been significantly overweight, some of the mental components of obesity are difficult for me to understand. And there are many.
A recent conversation with a good friend, is always enlightening to me, as she was there. She was extremely overweight and addicted to fast food, and has made a complete life change. I would declare her a fitness junkie and foodie, researching and eating healthy food, and happy about it.
During a frustrating week, when the AMA declared obesity as disease, I was feeling less than passionate, as all around me, there are many people who look at me with negative, and make comments that bother me. They are trying to tell me that my fitness world is, in their eyes, wrong.
But they groan, and moan about their weight, their aches and pains, but are not willing to do anything about it.
I don't understand that. Why complain about something you have the power to change? Yes, it's hard, yes, it's going to take effort, but the reward is great, you get to take back control of your life and your body!!
So, she turned my attention to the people I have inspired, and low and behold, I have a list, that is still growing everyday.
I once trained a girl, she was about 10 yrs younger than me, and had had bariatric surgery, and lost 100 lbs, but still had confidence issues, and she was not skinny, and still struggled with food. During our many sessions, we talked about how great she is doing, and I asked her one question, "wouldn't it be great to use this experience to help others"? Well, about 8 yrs later, today, she has her own Bootcamp business and she is doing it!
I started my fitness journey as a member of the gym and took the plunge to instructor. Well as an instructor, I have had the privilege of inspiring others to do the same. Several of my members have moved that direction and are teaching fitness now.
People come to me and ask questions, and they know, I am a straight shooter, I will tell them the way it is. And that it's not easy, but I also tell them how well they are doing and how to continue to improve.
Because I care.
And I do.
It's the inherent trait of a medical professional combined with my teacher instincts. I want people to be successful, no matter what they do. I want them to be healthier, fitter and step outside their comfort zone, because that is where it begins.
So, no matter how someone looks at me, thinking my life and habits are crazy, I will continue to remember the day, when I didn't think I could be the person I am now. And that day was there. I was shy, always in the back of the room and had no confidence in myself. And then I will just tell them, I made a commitment to me, and I have made it happen, are you ready to join me in this??
After all, you just have to be willing to try!
In health,
Barb
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