EP129: The Dark Side of Fitness

There’s a darker, grittier side of fitness that nobody is talking about.

In today’s episode, Christina and Ramzia break down how fitness is not always healthy and there is a dark side to the industry. 

They share their personal experiences with feeling insecure about their bodies and the constant pressure to look a certain way as leaders in the industry.

They also discuss body image, comparing oneself to past versions, and the cycle of “never feeling satisfied” that often leads to unhealthy practices such as extreme dieting and overtraining.

Tune in to discover the importance of finding a sustainable approach to fitness.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Intro

[01:28] - Congrats to Ramzia for finishing her degree

[05:01] - Ramzia’s experience with the pressure to look a certain way

[08:36] - Christina’s struggles with body image issues from a young age

[09:51] - Societal pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards

[14:12] - The challenges of fitness mindset

[15:53] - Common fitness misconceptions

[17:26] - Unsustainable fitness practices

[20:45] - Finding the right approach for you

[23:47] - Christina’s struggles with body image after competing

[25:29] - The ongoing cycle of self-criticism 

[27:21] - Take setbacks as learning experiences and focus on moving forward

[29:31] - Set micro-level milestones

[31:19] - Mental hack for starting an unwanted task

[33:29] - Imposter syndrome and pressure in the coaching industry

[37:38] - Setbacks are actually valuable for growth

[40:13] - Fitness shaming

[43:10] - A funny story about Brendon

[45:38] - Wrap-up

Memorable Quotes:

“Fitness is presented as being healthy and being so constructive...but there’s also some pretty shady shit that happens in this industry.”

“When you don’t feel like doing something, just start doing anything that’s a little bit similar to that thing. And it’s a lot easier to segue into that thing.”

“If you keep waiting for the perfect time, the perfect body, the perfect life, you’re never going to start.”

“One of the most valuable things that can happen in a fitness journey is to have a setback. Because if you never encounter a setback, you have no idea how to deal with it.”

Links Mentioned: 

Christina's Instagram: @knifina

Ramzia's Instagram: @fitwramzia

Coaching Application: https://cutandconquer.typeform.com/CQA-application

Free FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/weightsandwellness/

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