December is often a time for reflection right? So before we all head off for what (to me at least!) feels like a much needed Christmas break, I wanted to share a little bit about how I have over the years come to view my training, as well as my body's response to it.
I want to share it, as I know for many women it is a relationship that is complex, ever-changing and incredibly challenging (thank you, years of societal pressure and conditioning. Not.)
So here goes.
Am I the smallest version of myself I have ever been? No. Like most women, my body has changed and fluctuated over the years. And that's okay!
In fact now right now, the scales suggest I am a fair bit heavier than I have been before.
Explaining why to the the nurse when weighed at a smear test appointment - "its because I strength train!" - actually took some doing đ¤Śâ
But I know that my mind and body is healthier now than it was before I started this training.
We are too often taught that any kind of sizing up is always bad, and that only sizing down is good. And exercise is only a way to a smaller version of ourselves.
It isn't easy to shift this mindset - so deeply ingrained for us from an early age to think that if we are smaller we will be 'better' and 'happier'.
BUT it gets to point - even more as we reach our 40s and beyond - that this is TOO IMPORTANT to be just about minimising our size or weight.
Am I stronger than I've ever been? YES
Is my body composition healthy? YES - I have a healthy waist to hip ratio and lean muscle.
Do I get the benefit of routine and structure every week? YES
Am I looking after my bone density for the future (so important for women from age 35 onwards)? YES
Am I ensuring my body and mind will have an easier time when I reach the perimenopause years? YES. I am 40 next year so it's be coming for me soon.
Am I building strong muscles and ligaments to protect my joints against injury when running and playing netball? ABSOLUTELY! I want to keep it up as long as I can.
Do I get a BUZZ when hitting a PB on my swings, deadlifts, squats or pull ups - whatever I am working on? YAASSS!!!
It is so hard when we have for generations been taught the goal is only to be skinny. But before the inevitable new year pressure from the old school diet and fitness industry finds us (it's only a matter of time) please consider that training for health is so much more important.
In training - and in life - some numbers matter, and some need to be better understood. Train smart. Train for health. And do it for you đ
And if you need a bit of support, we're here đ
Merry Christmas. And thanks to everyone who has moved with us or being part of and supporting our community and business in some way.
See you on the other side
N x