Not gonna lie y'all. This has been a bad week for Colleen being bombarded by perfect examples of what NOT to say in a group fitness class, and what NOT to say about mine. I present the following Facebook post:
Now, here's the deal. I LOVE Spotted at UNC - I think it's hilarious. And when I heard I was on it, I was kind of excited! It's kind of a weird UNC honor to be featured on Spotted at UNC. But when I saw the post, I felt disappointed. "spring break abs.."
I felt I clearly wasn't doing my job as an instructor. My job is to inspire, educate, motivate, and make people feel accomplished. My job is to push people, and help them reach their health and fitness goals. If all I'm doing is helping people look cute in their target bikinis for a week, I'm doing it wrong.
I'm gonna tell it like it is: those perfect bikini bodies you see all over the media are not only unrealistic, they're unimportant. If you are healthy and love yourself why bust your butt and stop eating the things you love (and need) for ONE WEEK OF YOUR LIFE!? I don't understand it.
I have been to three fitness classes over the course of the past month in which the instructor said something extraordinarily problematic. Talking about "Christmas bellies," "big bellies," food, and calories have NOTHING to do with what I'm trying to accomplish as a participant. I come to classes to relieve stress, to honor my body, and to preserve my health. It makes me sad and uncomfortable as an instructor to hear people talking about physical appearance as the pinnacle of success.
Drawing attention to peoples' insecurities isn't motivating. Reminding participants (people) that they are strong, and powerful, and can do great things? Yeah. I'm a fan.
My core is strong. My core values are stronger. I am strong in body, but I am also strong in mind, spirit, and in compassion (to others and to my body). I will not succumb to the popular notion that appearance and fitness are related and neither should you.
Prepare for spring break by purchasing plane tickets, packing your bags, indulge in an awesomely fruity drink, and having a blast.
I felt I clearly wasn't doing my job as an instructor. My job is to inspire, educate, motivate, and make people feel accomplished. My job is to push people, and help them reach their health and fitness goals. If all I'm doing is helping people look cute in their target bikinis for a week, I'm doing it wrong.
I'm gonna tell it like it is: those perfect bikini bodies you see all over the media are not only unrealistic, they're unimportant. If you are healthy and love yourself why bust your butt and stop eating the things you love (and need) for ONE WEEK OF YOUR LIFE!? I don't understand it.
I have been to three fitness classes over the course of the past month in which the instructor said something extraordinarily problematic. Talking about "Christmas bellies," "big bellies," food, and calories have NOTHING to do with what I'm trying to accomplish as a participant. I come to classes to relieve stress, to honor my body, and to preserve my health. It makes me sad and uncomfortable as an instructor to hear people talking about physical appearance as the pinnacle of success.
Drawing attention to peoples' insecurities isn't motivating. Reminding participants (people) that they are strong, and powerful, and can do great things? Yeah. I'm a fan.
My core is strong. My core values are stronger. I am strong in body, but I am also strong in mind, spirit, and in compassion (to others and to my body). I will not succumb to the popular notion that appearance and fitness are related and neither should you.
Prepare for spring break by purchasing plane tickets, packing your bags, indulge in an awesomely fruity drink, and having a blast.