The fitness industry can definitely foster unhealthy relationships with body image, food and eating. From someone who has battled eating disorders from age 17, it’s filled with triggers – yet I’m still involved with an industry whose noxious breadcrumbs led me down a very dangerous path. So why am I still here? I’m in love with movement and I’ve learned some valuable lessons on how to tune into my own internal GPS instead of chasing hazardous ideals. This defiance has become part of my mission and why I choose to be here in this industry and why I fight for it to be more welcoming. But honestly with a history of toxic thoughts and unhealthy patterns, I have to be proactive about how I navigate and exist in the fitness space. Here’s some things we promote at the studio to help: 1. I do not participate in weight loss or body shaming conversations. 2. I don’t talk about an exercise being good for a better looking body part or looking good for bikini season etc. 3. I avoid labeling food and exercise as good or bad. 4. I check myself regularly. I can’t exist in a hole where eating disorder triggers are banished. So at times I need to reframe my thoughts from what my body looks like to what my body can do. 5. I listen intently to my body. For example if my body needs fuel, I give it fuel instead of overthinking what I should or should not be eating. ❤️ we are here to help protect your mental and physical well being at PDXSTRENGTH. There is a thin line between the healing power of movement and the detrimental impacts of the fitness culture and every day I try to stay sharp enough not to cross it. Xoxo Jossy ❤️
