A weighty matter…

The famous German fashion designer, Karl Lagerfeld, once said: “Dieting is the only game where you win when you lose…”

It would be awkward for me to never address the topic of weight in this Blog, don’t you think? …When I pursued my passion of becoming a group fitness instructor, it never occurred to me that I would become deeply involved with women who would constantly strive to look and feel better.  And weigh less…

For me, movement to music has never really been about weight management and body fat – I just instantly fell in love with the whole idea of leading a wide variety of unique individuals through movement-based classes and magical music, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all people to come as they are!  

I guess back in the day I had been a bit naïve, but over the years I have learned that the number on the scale matters – to everyone!  Especially women.  I have never ever met any woman who wants to weigh more than what the scale proclaims. 

We always hear the cliché, “The number on the scale does not define you”, but for most women it surely DOES.  It’s just how it is!  We tend to give our bodies value with numbers – when we step on the scale and see a “good” number, we are trained to feel happy, excited, and good about ourselves.  When we step on the scale and see a ”bad” number, we feel upset, discouraged and disappointed in ourselves.  And then?  Then it leads us, precedes us, defines us, and sometimes even controls us.  It becomes much more than our weight.  In our minds, it becomes the sum-total of our worth.

The number on the scale surely has a way of ruling our lives, but isn’t it ironic?  When we are born, it’s an amazing plus point if that first weigh-in is as much as possible, only to find ourselves 20 years later in the absolute opposite scenario – wanting to weigh as less as possible.

I wish we could all manage to believe the fact that the number on the scale is NOT important – that you don’t have to weigh 50 kilograms (okay, unless you want to donate blood), and that you don’t have to weigh 53 kilograms (okay, unless you want to be a professional jockey or compete in the straw weight boxing division).  The question of what your specific weight is, is seldom a crucial question you need to answer to in public (okay, unless you’ve bought a ticket to bungee jump at Bloukrans bridge and the guide needs to know if he needs to apply a stronger chord for your jump!)

…Obviously, the number on the scale always plays a huge part in our Fitness Challenges, simply because it’s a helpful tool in determining progress.  But, in less than 4 weeks we are starting our long 13-week Winter Challenge, and this time it’s my heartfelt wish that every participant would plunge into this journey with a slightly different mindset than expected.

Instead of letting our weight define us this coming winter, may we grow in praise for all the strength our bodies give us.  You and I, we need to remind ourselves that we ARE more than a number on a scale, more than an under 20% body fat number, and so much more than a number 3 on the Visceral fat scale.  Society has a cruel way of constantly reminding us that our bodies aren’t good enough.  But we are more than a category on a chart.  We are more than our body shape.

You may be soft where you’ve been told you ought to be hard and toned, but it’s in your softness that others feel comforted, right there, in the midst of their problems.  You are more than just a body.  You are the smile that radiates out of your eyes when you experience a moment of pure joy, and the serenity that pervades you when you are content.  You are special.  You are needed.  And you are designed for a purpose.

Yes, I know, I AM in the business of motivating people to look slimmer, weigh less and try harder.  But I think I have just as huge a responsibility to encourage everyone to realize that weight is not the sole measure of their progress.

You and I, we are the words we exchange, the words we write down, the words we guard in our minds at all costs.  We are the feelings that pass through us, exhilarate us, drive us, and guide us.  We have value apart from how we look.  We have value apart from the size we are wearing.  We have value apart from whether we have money or have kids or not.  We.  Have.  Value.

You are more than the digits in the back of your jeans, more than the number of calories burned or consumed.  You are more than your failures or mistakes.  You are more than you feel, and there’s no scale that can measure the significance you hold.

I have yet to see a scale that can tell you how enchanting your eyes are. I have yet to see a scale that can show you how wonderful your hair looks when the sun shines its glorious rays on it. I have yet to see a scale that can thank you for your compassion, sense of humour, and contagious smile.  And I have yet to see one that can admire you for your perseverance when challenged in life.

Am I telling you to ditch your scale this winter?  Of course not!  It’s a helpful aid in making sure that weight gain doesn’t slip by unnoticed, it’s always a strong reinforcer that whatever you’re doing is working, and it may always help fight the urge to eat mindlessly.

But, it’s even more important to remember that the scale can only give you a numerical reflection of your relationship with gravity. That’s it. It cannot measure beauty, talent, purpose, life force, possibility, strength, or love. Don’t give the scale more power than it has earned. Take note of the number, then get off the scale and live your life. You are beautiful!

Yours in fitness

Mirna

082 779 0507