And its not just about the participants, either.
Just look at all the social media memes, quotes, and GIFs that get posted and reposted.
Thats why, as instructors, being mindful of what we say and how we say it is imperative.
Mike Powell / Getty Images
We need to do better, and to do better some of these sayings need to go.
Below is not an exhaustive list, but rather a starting point.
We all can continue to do better.
No pain, no gain.
The intention might be there, but this verbal relic misses the mark.
And this growth can be challenging, andmaynot always feel great.
Being specific teaches people the signals to look for in their bodies.
No gain will come from continuing movement with a pain that is injurious.
2. you might do anything for 30 seconds.
First of all, this is hyperbole.
What to say instead:Thirty seconds left, we got this!
or anything along those lines.
If your form starts to falter, stop, reset, then take another crack.
If I can do it, you could do it!
Unequivocally, categorically not true.
Yet you got there, and they can too!
Heres the catch: Human variation is super real.
What to say instead:Give your class your experience, and what youve learned.
Your experience does have value to your clients and participants.
Just acknowledge that it is thatyour experience.
Let your participants know that their experience might be different.
If you hear this:Remember that you are the only one living in your body.
Its implying that how someone else looks is because of their instructor.
or how you added in the class favorite (or most hated!)
moves (I know youlovemy mountain climber variationsIll do them with you!)
can help participants bond over something that is not related to you stamping your signature on their body.
If you hear this:Dont allow someone to take any credit for your body.
You do it for you, by you.
Burn off that [insert meal, celebration, holiday, Friday/Saturday night]!
(Same applies to closely related phrases like Earn that cookie!)
Both food and movement are nourishment, and should be appreciated and respected that way.
The easiest way is to leave food and diet out of the class entirely.
Think: Thank you for showing up today for this full-body workout ahead of this [long weekend]!
This move will get you tank top arms!
See also: bikini body, six-pack abs, peach-perfect booty, etc.
Tank top arms are arms that are in tank tops.
A bikini body is a body that puts on a bikini.
For instance: This row will help you work to build the back strength to work toward that pull-up!
You dont need permission to wear your clothes, nor should you be shamed for it.
Also remember that the moves you do in class have a purpose beyond changing how your body looks.
They will change how your body moves and functions in your daily life.
Sweat is fat crying.
Its fatphobic andfat-shamingand also incredibly useless.
What to say instead:Nothing.
Just remove this one from your lexicon.
If you hear this:Know that this is just harmful hyperbole.
