The fitness industry exists to supposedly support you in becoming a healthier version of yourself, however there exists a lot of “fitness experts” overdoing a good thing. Is your current program doing more harm than good? Let’s have a look at all the different components that can make up a healthy versus unhealthy fitness industry.
What is optimal health?
Optimal health hinges on achieving a delicate balance and maintaining the body in a state of homeostasis, which is continually in flux. Health is dynamic, marked by fluctuations where experiencing the occasional setback, like the flu, can serve as a valuable reminder to slow down and recalibrate. However, amidst the pursuit of wellness, a significant challenge arises from the varying quality of nutrition and fitness guidance available. From sound advice to outright misinformation, the spectrum is vast.
Regrettably, many fitness professionals and fitness programs adopt a one-size-fits-all approach to exercise and diet, failing to account for individual differences. Whether advocating for low-carb or high-carb diets, or promoting extreme training regimes, the risk of imbalance looms large. For instance, overemphasis on certain types of strength training can strain tendons, excessive cardio can pose cardiac risks, and intense yoga sessions may compromise joint stability. In essence, moderation is key, as excess and deficiency are equally detrimental. Too much of anything is not good, and too little is not good either – balance is probably one of the most inescapable universal laws.
Key focus areas of the Unhealthy Fitness Industry
Bones / Joints
The optimal movement of bones at joints, ensuring smooth range of motion and full joint mobility, holds greater significance than the amount of muscle mass atop them. A flawed framework leads to pain and injury. For instance, during exercises like bench presses or dips, if a client’s shoulder capsule is excessively loose at the front and tight at the back, it can result in rotator cuff tears, biceps tendonitis, and shoulder impingements. Many individuals tend to live with limited thoracic spine mobility, which, when coupled with overhead weight lifting, can cause compensatory issues in the shoulders, neck, and lower back. Pressing a client with poor thoracic mobility into an overhead squat can lead to over-stretching of the anterior shoulder capsule and misalignment of the knees.
Muscle Length / Stretching
Stretching tissues to their end range without developing the necessary strength and motor control can lead to joint discomfort. While yoga instructors often advocate for stretching, it can be counterproductive if done excessively without consideration of individual limitations. Limited range of motion may indicate issues with muscles, joints, or nerves, and forcibly pushing into a stretch can have both short-term and long-term repercussions.
Muscle / Strength
An obsession with gaining excessive muscle mass, often seen in men, mirrors the unhealthy fixation on losing too much body fat, more common among women. This phenomenon, known as muscle dysmorphia or bigorexia, overlooks the importance of balance in strength and physique. Instead of fixating on muscle size and shape, focusing on relative strength, tailored to individual body weight and athletic pursuits, is more sustainable and beneficial.
Power / High-Intensity
Engaging in high-intensity training without allowing for sufficient rest and recovery can lead to burnout and injury. The trend of high-intensity, power-based workouts, including boxing, kickboxing, and CrossFit, has surged in popularity, often at the expense of proper rest and recovery. Group training, while popular, may lack the specificity needed to address individual movement limitations, leading to overtraining and increased risk of injury.
Rehab Exercises
Transitioning from isolation to integration exercises and effectively communicating with physical therapists is crucial for injury recovery and prevention. However, outdated and ineffective sports rehabilitation exercises are still being prescribed, highlighting inconsistencies within the industry. Coaches who actively experiment with various techniques and listen to their bodies are better equipped to guide clients effectively.
Diet and Nutrition
The realm of diet and nutrition is fraught with controversy and individual variability. What works for one person may not work for another. Experimentation and tuning into one’s body signals are essential for finding the right dietary approach. Opting for whole, unprocessed foods and paying attention to how different foods affect energy levels and overall well-being is key. Flexibility is paramount, as dietary needs may evolve over time.
Body Image
In the seemingly picture-perfect world of fitness influencers, there exists a dark underbelly that often goes unnoticed: the detrimental impact on body image. While these influencers may portray an image of health and vitality, the reality is often far from it. Their meticulously curated feeds, adorned with flawless physiques and unattainable standards, can wreak havoc on the self-esteem and mental well-being of their followers. Constant comparison to these idealised bodies can breed feelings of inadequacy, fuelling unhealthy habits and disordered eating patterns in pursuit of an unattainable ideal. Moreover, the pressure to conform to these unrealistic standards can overshadow the true essence of fitness – self-care, strength, and overall well-being. It’s crucial to recognise the facade behind the filters and remember that true health and happiness come in all shapes and sizes, free from the constraints of societal expectations perpetuated by these influencers.
A word on Fitness (& Health) Expo’s
Fitness (& Health) Expos are arguably one of the most artificial and energized environments you’ll ever experience. However, having a lean, fit body doesn’t require expensive equipment, clothing, supplements, or gym memberships. There’s plenty you can do with just your bodyweight, some good music, enjoying nature, being with friends, eating pure healthy foods, donning an old ripped t-shirt, and going barefoot.
While we all aspire to be healthy, few of us truly excel at it. Some may have a clearer understanding, but there’s no foolproof solution to avoid diseases, cancer, or the effects of aging. Often, the mental and spiritual aspects of health are overlooked in favor of physical pursuits. Perhaps letting go of the quest for perfection, embracing enjoyment, and allowing for natural fluctuations and balance is the key to genuine well-being.
To find my online coaching library, which offers a diverse menu of sports rehab, posture correction, bodyweight strength, free-weight strength, traditional lifts and mobility exercises, visit michelledrielsma.com.
If you’d like to connect and see me in person (Sydney, Australia), feel free to fill out the contact form here.