Episode 28 – Can Weight Lifting be Intuitive Movement?
In the non-diet space there tends to be a misconception that rejecting punitive, transactional exercise means rejecting intense activity and only doing gentle activities like walking or yoga.
While it’s true that fitness culture and diet culture are deeply intertwined and often there’s a belief perpetuated that the only point of exercise is to achieve a certain look or level of fitness; it’s not true that the equipment or the gym environment or the activity itself are inherently toxic. It’s the attitude around it.
In rejecting the gym police and embracing joyful movement, you don’t need to reject gyms or cardio equipment or lifting weights. You just need to reject the RULES and the belief that there’s a right or wrong way to exercise. There’s no good or bad – it’s all about building a movement tool kit full of things that serve your body, mind and spirit so that movement can become a way that you care for yourself as opposed to a “have to” on your to do list.
Can weight lifting be intuitive movement – Absolutely!!
Can it be joyful – you bet it can!
It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s all about challenging yourself on your terms.
Tune in to learn how strength training can be a joyful component of your movement toolkit.
What you’ll learn by listening:
- How weight lifting can be an important part of your movement toolkit
- The weight neutral benefits of strength training on your physical, mental and spiritual health
- Three simple questions you can ask yourself before, during and after each workout to ensure that you’re moving in an intuitive and joyful way
- What it means to challenge yourself on your terms
- How to safely incorporate strength training if you’re a beginner
- How to find a weight-inclusive, non-diet trainer or gym and how to advocate for yourself if you’re confronted by diet culture in your gym.
Studies referenced:
Silveira H, Moraes H, Oliveira N, Coutinho ES, Laks J, Deslandes A. Physical exercise and clinically depressed patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuropsychobiology. 2013;67(2):61-8. doi: 10.1159/000345160. Epub 2013 Jan 4. PMID: 23295766.
Shiroma EJ, Cook NR, Manson JE, et al. Strength Training and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2017;49(1):40-46. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000001063
Mentioned in the show:
Right Body for Me – 16 week transformative coaching program
Virtual Personal Training with Kim
The Motivation Secret – FREE guide to help you get unstuck with movement.
