As a trainer, I sit down with every new client and talk about goals. Most of the time, losing weight is included in that initial set of goals. From experience, I have found that once we start working out and begin to integrate mind, body, and spirit, the goal of losing weight begins to take a back seat. Somewhere between being able to get through a great workout while connecting mind and body, along with eating a healthy menu of high energy foods every day, something greater happens. Empowerment sets in. For some clients it may take a bit of time, but for others, it happens rather quickly.
Empowerment is a huge, meaningful word. The definition of empowerment is, "the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights."
As we progress, the scale becomes less significant. The mind begins to accept the scale as just another piece of metal. Empowerment makes weight loss take a backseat to other goals. As that feeling of empowerment strengthens, the scale loses its power over the client.
That empowerment causes us to share a lot of high fives. Strength and determination exudes from their body and their mind; qualities they didn't even know they possessed. They release their fear just by breaking out of their comfort zones. Empowerment has taken a hold.
There is nothing wrong with having weight loss as a goal, but I have found that empowerment comes before weight loss. Without that process of becoming stronger in mind body and spirit, weight loss won't be a long term achievement. It will only be a quick fix.
As empowerment sets in, the weight loss may come, but so does something else. Her happiness with her own body as it is becomes stronger than what any height/weight chart could even attempt to dictate. Instead, a strong, confident, healthy woman emerges. The weight falls off because she shifts her focus to the strength of her body. The power the scale once had is no match for her now.
So, as a trainer, I think a healthy client is a client that finally acknowledges that being healthy is not only that number on the scale, but is, in fact, something much greater in the grand scheme of things. It is connecting body to mind; it is showing up; it is eating high energy food mindfully; it is being kind to oneself; it is giving your best effort in the gym and in life; it is believing in yourself; it is loving yourself; and, when you mess up, it is picking yourself and starting again, because it's a new dawn for you!
Empower yourself, and you can conquer the world!
In good health ... always,
Len
