They're watching and listening to all the messages you give.
I took a hike with my daughter and her friend recently.
And yup, we talked about fitness, food, and some of the misinformation about both out there (obvi).
They asked me about some of the stuff they see on social- ‘can you get rid of hip dips?’- to the consistent talk about calories in calories out.
When we came across a group of older woman having a snack break- who commented about hiking SO they could eat- we talked about never needing to earn your food.
And because they got weighed in gym class and sent home with a BMI report card last year, I know what messages they’re getting there (my son is currently watching ’Super Size Me’ in health class and every day is a debrief of that bullshit. If you don’t know how harmful that movie is @maintenancephase) has a fantastic episode that breaks it all down).
Your children, your nieces and nephews, your friends kids- they are paying attention.
Not just to how you talk about food, but what YOUR relationship with movement looks like.
They’re listening when you ate a large-for-you meal, and then talk about the run you NEED to do tomorrow.
They’re listening when you complain about having to get serious about your workouts now that all that holiday food is coming.
They’re watching when you never take a rest day, and talk proudly about how sore you are as the sign of a good workout, confirming to them that no pain equals no gain.
You have an opportunity to possibly be the only adult in their life that shows them a better relationship with exercise. One that lies outside of body change or earning food, and inside a means of self care and enjoyment.
To be the example YOU needed when you were a kid.
Don’t waste it.
Author
Gretchen
Coach
Growing up I was a half-hearted athlete who struggled with my relationship with both food and exercise. I smoked for over a decade and spent much of my youth either binging or not eating at all. But after breaking my leg in a car accident, months of physical rehab and years of psychological counseling lead me to a renewed appreciation for my health and my ability to just move-something I'll never take for granted again. I overcame a lot and have spent much of my life sharing what I've learned. I became a NASM personal trainer over 16 years ago. The type of clients I've trained and my own personal interests lead me to attain many other certifications. These include Sports Specific and Orthopedic exercise specializations, Pre and Post Natal exercise, MMA conditioning, and ACE Mind Body Specializations. I've taken 2 TRX qualifying courses in general and functional fitness. I am Kettlebell certified through both NETA and Kettlebell Kings, also completing an independent study facilitated by Steve Cotter, founder of the International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation. I am also a certified Animal Flow Instructor. In the fall of 2021, I became a Certified Intuitive Eating Facilitator, as IE was integral to my own ability to divest from diet culture. I think this was the missing piece to be able to put together a holistic, meaningful training program for all my clients.
