28/06/2024
This past week while presenting at the International Aquatic Fitness & Therapy Conference, there certainly was a whirlwind of emotions, but one moment stood out to me in a profound way. After my lecture and master class on Lower Intensity Interval Training and Zone Based Training, a student approached me with tears in their eyes. They confessed to judging me solely based on my appearance as a plus-sized instructor before attending my sessions. They confessed that their initial thought was , “There is no way a woman who looks like this, understands anything about the fitness industry.”
It was a heart-wrenching moment. Despite pouring my heart out about my fitness journey and the obstacles I’ve overcome, I felt the sting of judgment once again. It’s a reminder of the harsh reality that many face in the fitness industry – being judged for our bodies rather than our expertise.
But in that same moment, there was a glimmer of hope. This student, who initially judged me, was now in awe of my presentation and dynamic ability as a presenter. This student looked me in the eye and said,” You were by far the most powerful and engaging presenter I have ever learned from and I just need you to know I am sorry.” This was a testament to the age-old saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
While I proved this student wrong, it still broke me. It reaffirmed my greatest fear – that people often overlook my education and presenting skills because of my body. It’s a struggle I’ve faced for years, but one I refuse to let define me.
As I reflect on this experience, the lyrics to Sia’s “Never Give Up” ring in my ears:
“I’ve battled demons that won’t let me sleep
Called to the sea but she abandoned me
But I won’t never give up, no, never give up, no, no. And I won’t let you get me down
I’ll keep gettin’ up when I hit the ground”
These words resonate deeply with me as I continue to share my journey. They remind me of the resilience within all of us, the strength to keep pushing forward despite the challenges we face.
So here's to breaking stereotypes and challenging perceptions. Here's to focusing on what truly matters – passion, knowledge, and dedication. And here's to never underestimating the power of empathy and understanding.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support me on this journey. I continue to share my journey in hopes that it will inspire others, and also shatter some preconceived notions of what Healthy Looks like. 💪🏼✨