The Unexpected Power Your Instructor Has Over Your Body Image
I’m launching this movement and body image series with an article debriefing the hard evidence on WHY I do what I do. I’ve been to too many boutique fitness classes where the instructor uses fat phobia, food fear mongering, and body shaming as “motivation”. Even done in a lighthearted, joking manner to a room full of non disordered eaters and movers, this is a harmful practice.
Research shows that the way teachers speak to students can impact their self perception. If you have a history of disordered eating or exercising (which is most people, to varying degrees) you are especially at risk for diet culture manipulating your self care time.
The science behind how fitness instructors influence body image
This study in The Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology assessed how the language used in fitness cueing affected women’s sense of self. Two different groups of women in 16 minute conditioning classes were studied. Both groups did the same workout, in the same room, to the same music- with one key differentiator. One group was led through a class that focused on function. Cues educated on what muscles were being worked and why in terms of getting and feeling stronger- along the lines of “We’re building strength in the core to support your spine” or “We’re building upper back strength to alleviate back pain and correct posture” or “Connect to the floor and feel grounded” My vibe. The other group - trigger warning- was led by an instructor who used traditional fitness cueing like “Earn your brunch with this HIIT set” or “Say goodbye to your thunder thighs with this move”.
After the workout, both groups of women were interviewed to rate mood and body satisfaction and asked to write 3 words that described how they felt. Unsurprisingly, high in endorphins, all the participants experienced a boost in mood and body satisfaction. However, the group cued functionally chose words that showed a drastically more positive state of mind. This group wrote words like “empowered”, “strong”, and “accomplished”. The other group, spoken to with body shaming language chose words like “disgusted with myself” and “ashamed” to describe their state of mind post class.
Why are the words we use in fitness classes important?
This study proves what my gut has been telling me since I got into this business. Our words matter. The person you trust to lead you through your practice has an even greater influence on your well being than just selecting the programming and music. They shape the way you see yourself. You have to power to choose to show up for or tune into a practitioner who lifts you up, and protect yourself by not engaging in classes that make you feel bad about yourself. Do your homework, before you sign up for a class or patronize a studio, make sure they don’t talk down to you-- why would you pay someone to do that?
Conclusion
Potentially even more importantly, since we are only with our trainers a few hours a week, but in our own minds 24/7, we can infer that the words we speak to ourselves, our internal narratives, have just as much sway, for better or for worse. The words we think while working through something difficult can change how we feel. Beating yourself up and telling yourself you’re weak, lazy, out of shape, “bad” at whatever move when things get tough only makes it feel impossible and joyless.
Choose an elevated experience by demanding body neutrality and shame free inspiration from your practitioners. Then, take responsibility for nurturing yourself with productive language that helps you succeed and feel powerful. In the words of Glennon Doyle, “you can do hard things.” Full stop.
Looking to reframe your relationship to movement?
Check out my free 5 Step Guide To Stop Exercising as Punishment and Learn To Love Your Practice
and incorporate body neutral workouts over on Helen Phelan Studio- with your first 10 days free to get started!