I’m going to offer some insight into the psychology of fitness today….. I hope you find it interesting!
The fitness industry could be rebranded as the “weight loss industry”. (in people’s minds at least). Fitness, the gym, classes, the entire industry is viewed as a tool to become lighter on a scale.
But we know (because I’ve pushed this message continually) that being ‘fit’ is much more than losing weight. It’s improved energy, mood, sleep, relationships, productivity, positivity, ambition, confidence – **ok, I’m going to stop there!!**
Yet, 100% of people that we speak to for the first time, always have a numerical scale they’d love to see on a scale. Example: “I’m currently 16 stone and I’ve had enough! I’d like to get down to 14st.”
Whilst that person associates happiness with being lighter – they’re actually misinterpreting emotions deep down within them, believe it or not.
You see, that person can feel and imagines that being 14 stone will make them happier, more attractive, more confident. They know that social events will be more care free. they’ll feel more attractive to their partner, they’ll enjoy more what they see in the mirror. These are all EMOTIONS spurring them on to take action (not the 14 stone).
Remarkably, (and we see this a lot) – people feel these emotions long before they even reach their imagined target of 14 stone! If you can imagine this:
Janet, 55, hasn’t exercised in years, is carrying some extra weight, which is making her bones and joints ache, she can’t even think about exercising, her sleep is terrible, as is her food (she just can’t be bothered). But she’s so fed up, she needs help to get going – and gets in touch.
Within days/weeks, Janet has more energy, is mentally feeling YES!!!! as she’s now taking care of herself, she’s got a little spring in her step, she’s EXCITED about going to her sessions, she’s thinking about eating a bit better, going for a walk sometimes, it’s like the world has turned on it’s axis! (Even though she is far from her imagined goal of 14 stone).
So emotion is a powerful tool that we must harness to be successful with our fitness. A sign reading “14 stone” is no match for thinking and understanding the emotions around health and fitness and what really spurs you on, deep down.
I hope we’ve cracked this process at our facility in Ely. Rather than hand out a meal plan and offer exercise, we try to make people FEEL BETTER. Trying to build their confidence, creating a warm, welcoming environment where they feel accepted, so they turn up more, and take control of their health.
Now you know our secret! 🙂
Kevin.
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