What is your weakness…?

The English saying goes: “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” After abundantly conducting 66 InBody assessments in only two weeks, the above topic has indeed consumed my thoughts…

66 assessments – 66 moments I really don’t take for granted. I have the greatest admiration and appreciation for everyone who trusts me with their journey. It takes real guts to set foot on that scale and face the numbers. The moment our members step into my corner office, my world narrows down just to them – their numbers, their goals, their fears, their hopes, their struggles, their wins…

An InBody assessment is indeed so much more than data; it’s a snapshot of your journey. And during those few precious minutes, I become more than a fitness instructor – I’m a coach, a friend, a motivator, a shoulder, and sometimes even a therapist. You would think that the sheer volume of assessments could easily blur together, but believe me, each one reminds me how deeply personal this journey is for everyone who steps into our studio…

For the first time in months, the topic of personal weaknesses has found its way into some of our conversations. Why? Because I have realized all over again that awareness is the first step to lasting progress. To be honest with yourself and admitting your weaknesses, open the door for self-improvement. You can’t fix what you don’t acknowledge…

This reminds me of Olivia…And, before you think I am blurting out secrets and confidentialities of my members, Olivia has long since left Ermelo, and if you ask me, I’m sure she won’t even recall this incident…It was a Friday morning in March 2018, that Olivia arrived for a second body assessment. Frustration was written all over her face. With a sigh she declared, “I just don’t understand why I’m not losing weight! I don’t eat sugar or starch at all!” I nodded, listening carefully, knowing that sometimes what we think we do, and what we actually do, don’t always line up…

Fast forward two hours later, and I happened to be at the showground when I spotted a familiar figure. There was Olivia, mid-bite, sinking her teeth into a massive, juicy burger – bun, sauce, and all. Her eyes met mine, wide with shock. In a split second she panicked, ducking behind the nearest tree like a guilty child caught with their hand in the cookie jar.

I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing. The tree, bless its soul, was far too skinny to fully conceal her. But the message stuck with me – loud and clear – some truths are harder to swallow than a mouthful of burger…To this day I’m sure Olivia didn’t lie on purpose – I think she was simply caught up in what I like to call “The Great Denial.”

Now, let me be clear – I’m no saint when it comes to weaknesses. Some people have a weakness for luxury handbags, others can’t resist a good shoe sale. Me? My downfall is Sweatgear, and it also comes in a crinkly, oversized packet of tomato-flavoured Big Korn Bites. That crispy, salty, perfectly seasoned delight calls my name louder than my alarm clock on a Monday morning. Then, of course, there’s the sight of a glass of red wine, especially on a Friday evening – It winks at me! It whispers sweet nothings, promising relaxation, and sophistication. “Just one sip,” it coos, like a smooth-talking villain in a movie.

The famous American professor, Dr Michael Springer, recently said: “Sometimes the biggest strength can be found in how you understand, and confront, your greatest weaknesses.”

The point is, we all have our weak spots, especially when it comes to food. The trick isn’t pretending they don’t exist – it’s recognizing them, admitting them in all honesty to yourself, and then figuring out how to manage them.

I am convinced that knowing your weaknesses is a game-changer in your fat-loss journey. It can help you avoid traps, make realistic plans, and set goals that align with your struggles. Because if you want to beat food temptations, you first have to be familiar with your triggers! Then you can plan ahead; you can’t eat a whole slab at midnight if it’s not there!

A weight-loss journey is a lot like a road trip. If you know there’s a pothole ahead, you can slow down, steer around it, or prepare for impact. But if you ignore it, you’ll hit it, every time. We all slip up! The key is not to let one indulgence turns into a week of bad choices

What is YOUR weakness? Emotional eating, making excuses, skipping workouts, saying no to a second helping, or struggling with consistency? Whatever it is, remember, it’s not a flaw – it’s just an area to manage.

And managing it, means moderation, not deprivation. Don’t say, “I will never again…”. It’s unrealistic and unnecessary. Instead of banning chocolate forever, say, “I’ll enjoy a piece of good-quality chocolate when I really want it, and I won’t let it control me.” That way, you stay in charge without feeling like you’re missing out. So, what I’ve been doing with those dear Big Korn Bites, is a flawless side-step past the snack shelves, eyes forward, pretending they don’t exist! 🕵️‍♀️😂 Most of the time…😆 Other times, they are right there, on our shopping list. But then I try to make sure the packet lasts till Sunday! (If you are part of our New Year Challenge, be so brave as to send me a WhatsApp with one of YOUR weaknesses before tonight 20.00 – you’ll earn an extra point!)

True strength isn’t about pretending to have it all together—it’s about having the courage to be honest with yourself. Acknowledging your weaknesses isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a step toward growth. When you recognize where you struggle, you gain the power to improve, to adapt, and to turn those weak spots into opportunities for resilience. No one is perfect, and no one has to be. The real victory lies in owning your journey, embracing your imperfections, and showing up for yourself every single day. Because the moment you stop hiding from your weaknesses, you start rising above them.

Managing your weaknesses is about knowing when to rein yourself in, and when to give yourself a little grace. Some days you’ll conquer your cravings, and other days the cake will win. The trick is to keep showing up, keep laughing at yourself, and never let a bad moment turn into a bad mindset. So, embrace the journey, celebrate the small wins, and remember—progress always beats perfection!

As the American poet, Criss Jami, wrote: “To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength.”

Yours in fitness

Mirna
082 779 0507