The #1 Reason I Won’t Take Your Class Again

I’ve been to a lot of fitness classes in my life; in person and now virtual.

I enjoy it and, as an instructor, it helps keep my moves fresh and my passion alive.

Lord knows I’m not perfect (what does counting correctly mean?) so when I take a class I try my best to be absolutely engaged, enthused, and make sure my normal RBF stays away.

However, the #1 reason I won’t take your class again?

Shaming me into movement.

We are bombard with messages all the time that we are not good enough and the fitness industry is no different. 

If I don’t work on my “tank top arms,” does that mean I’m not allowed to wear tank tops?

So, Mr. Fitness Guru or Mrs. Instagram Fitspo model stop it with your loaded language.

Stop trying to get me to hold that plank longer, do one more push up, or use heavier weights with the threat that how I look might not be acceptable to the world.

Stop trying to motivate me through shame.

I can guarantee you that I think about how my body isn’t “good enough” regularly.

I don’t need you to remind me.

Your space should be a place of comfort, a source of pride, and a respite from a world that regularly tells us we aren’t enough.

Oh, and also?

How my body looks is none of your business.

What is your business?

My safety. My alignment. My breath to movement pattern. My balance.  My spinal length. My form.

If you cue based on judgement:  it’s time to get more creative.

If you cue based on shame: it’s time for you to explore other reasons why people love fitness.

You want me to work on my summer body?

Well, spoiler alert: it’s summer and I have a body. My summer body is happening whether we like it or not.

Thank you for attending my Ted Talk.