There are a bunch of reasons why the fitness industry is doing such an excellent job of alienating people, especially women, from fitness. But none more effective than the pervasive message that the entry point into fitness is about losing weight.
All we have to do is look at most of the mainstream fitness marketing. We see images of people, most of them genetically predisposed to a leaner physique*, perspiring their way toward glory.
Maybe you see these glistening photos and think, “Not for me.” You believe you don’t belong here because weight loss isn’t your goal.
Just because the fitness industry seems to think your goal should be to lose weight, it doesn’t have to be your goal.
Being fit is about having the strength, stamina, and energy to live life to the fullest. It’s about navigating through challenges and getting the most out of the stuff that brings you joy and meaning.
And you can achieve it all without ever having to step on a scale.
-J
*A group of which I am a part. Although, you won’t find glistening photos of me online. And yes, in 2018, I put two slim, “fit” looking people on my book cover. But hey. Live and learn.