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Connect & Grow Magazine: Edition 13 September - October 2024
As a personal trainer, I am lucky enough to witness the physical transformation my
clients undergo first-hand. It’s a rewarding experience, seeing them grow stronger,
more flexible, and more confident in their bodies, which is rewarding, but why is it
some people succeed with their goals and others don’t?
Well, the 30 years I’ve had the privilege of being in this industry gives me
insight into why this works for some and not for others. In the early years, I used to
blame myself and feel so bad that whatever I was doing wasn’t working the right
way for my clients to achieve the goals they had set for themselves.
It was probably about five years in which I had the epiphany that helped me become a
better trainer but, more importantly, a more compassionate human being with a
greater understanding of our human condition.
You see, it doesn’t matter if I know all the exercises in the world, have countless
qualifications after my name, and know this business inside and out, there are some
clients I can’t get through to, no matter how much I turn myself inside out to try and
help them.
Someone wise once said (and I’m paraphrasing).”If you can’t let go of your
preconceived ideas, and be prepared for change and embrace new ideas; how is it
possible to learn anything new?”
You see, the most important work in the transformation of the body, mind or spirit is that
space between the ears! It comes down to personal experience, i.e. conditioning,
and willingness to take on something new, a way of exercising or eating that may be
outside of your comfort zone, you see, the true magic happens beyond the gym
walls in the realm of personal self-acceptance and self-awareness.
Fitness is far more than having sculpted muscles and toned physiques; it’s about
building a relationship with your own body and mind, a relationship built on respect,
understanding, and self-love.
Exercise with others can be great for your overall health and fitness.
Many clients come to me with a preconceived idea of their ‘ideal’ body. They compare themselves to fitness influencers, unrealistic magazine
covers societal expectations, fueling a cycle of self-criticism and dissatisfaction.
But true strength lies not in achieving an arbitrary goal, but in accepting yourself
exactly where you are.
The journey of self-acceptance begins with self-awareness, understanding your
unique body, it’s limitations and capabilities, and celebrating its strengths. It’s about
acknowledging your empowering beliefs, both negative and positive, and learning to
navigate them with compassion.
For me, this process involves a lot of honest conversations with my clients. We
delve into their motivation, their fears, their past experiences with fitness, and their
relationship with their bodies. We unpack their limiting beliefs and challenge
their self-sabotaging thoughts.
The gym becomes a safe space for exploration, where vulnerability is
encouraged, and judgement is left at the door. Through mindful movement, they learn
to connect with their bodies on a deeper level, noticing sensations, respecting their
limitations, and celebrating their progress.
The truth is everyone’s journey is uniquely their own. What works for one person
may not work for another. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach to self-acceptance.
The key is listening to your body, honouring its needs, and celebrating its individuality.
Ultimately, achieving self-acceptance is a lifelong journey, not a destination. It’s
about embracing your imperfections, recognising your strengths, and developing a
loving and compassionate relationship with yourself. It’s about understanding that
your worth isn’t tied to your size, shape or fitness level but to the unique individual
that you are!
As a trainer, my role is not just to help people achieve their physical goals but to
empower them to embrace their whole selves.
To guide them on this journey of
self-discovery to help them build a strong foundation of self-love and
self-acceptance that will support them long after they step out of my gym or anyone else’s!
Remember, true strength comes from within, it’s not about achieving a perfect
physique but about loving and accepting yourself, perceived warts and all. It’s about
recognising that you are enough, just as you are, perfect, unique and
gorgeous!
And that, my friends, is a powerful journey worth taking. Are you ready to take that
first step?
Written by
Vivienne Derwent
B. HSC, ANTA
Founder
Personal Trainer & Clinical Nutritionist
Email: viv@vnutri.com.au
(C) Break Free Consultancy 2024
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at the time of publication and subject to change
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