Rethinking Health – Lioness Performance

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In Person
- Group
- 1:1 Personal Training
Online Coaching
Blog
Community
- Mega Retreat
- Run Club

Lioness
Blog
Mindset
Rethinking Health

Lioness
Blog
Mindset

Rethinking Health

“The phobia about fatness, and the preference for thinness, have not principally or historically, been about health.” — Sabrina Strings

Bec Potalej

For too long, society has conditioned us to believe that our health is intrinsically linked to our weight, specifically our thinness. We see it everywhere, in every aspect of our life and it can shape our perceptions and experiences – and no, not in a good way.

The Thinness Myth in Everyday Life

Consider how often you encounter this belief:

At the Doctor’s Office:
The moment you step on the scale, your BMI becomes the focal point. Despite being the dumbest measure of health, it often dictates the conversation, taking over from what’s really important – discussions about overall wellness.
On Social Media:
Scrolling through Instagram, you’re bombarded with “fitspos” accounts promoting green juices and detox diets, with a side of marketing their ideal body which is the root cause of your purchase. Because let’s be real, no one wants to be on a juice diet. I don’t care what you say. NO ONE.
In the Media:
News articles and TV programs often spotlight obesity and scale weight as primary health concerns. Yet, they fail to acknowledge the multitude of other indicators of health, such as mental well-being, emotional resilience, and the quality of our relationships.
In Our Upbringing:
From childhood through adulthood, conversations about health have often centered around the idea that “thin is fit.” We’ve learned to judge food choices, avoid sugar, and focus on weight loss rather than cultivating a holistic approach to health that includes mental and emotional well-being.

The list goes on… Now, if you were to take a moment and write down your vision of the “healthy” version of you, what characteristics would emerge?

Let’s imagine…

(We might be incorrect in assuming these will be on your lists, but we think for the majority of people, they can relate to at least one or two of these things).

Skinny, with ideal body curves you believe to be “sexy”
Skinny, with the ideal scale number
Glowing skin, minimal wrinkles
Flat skin, minus the jiggle dimples
Hair intact, no balding of course

(What did we tell you… Were we wrong?) Anyways, let’s move on but keep that version of you in mind.

Imagining a TRUE Definition of Health

Before we go further, we want you to close your eyes and imagine your healthiest self. What does that look like for you beyond the surface? Throw out the perfect skin, perfect weight, perfect hair, perfect teeth, perfect everything (ugh, B O R I N G )

What are some things you imagine now? (Again, us just taking a stab in the dark)

Energy levels, wouldn’t you rather be full of energy and a bit dimply over being a tired slump all the time with flawless skin?
Having a kind heart, I know I would much rather be a generous, caring friend with a big heart and the biggest bMi NuMbEr there is, instead of the most perfect number and be so mean with no friends.
Body acceptance, loving your body for what it CAN do, rather than how it looks. Wouldn’t you rather obsess over the many different things your body has to offer instead of what size skirt you can fit into?

See how all of these are WAY more important and make you smile, more so than making sure you stay within the “healthy” BMI category (vomit emoji).

Challenge the Narrative

It’s time to challenge the narrative where health = thinness. Instead of being stuck in this brutal way of thinking, let’s redefine what being healthy truly means. Focus on what is on the inside, rather than what you see in the mirror. Focus on what kind thing you can do today to brighten someone else’s day. Think about things you can do to improve your mental health. Do an activity that you genuinely enjoy doing and try to be better than yesterday.

You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Just focus on what you can do on this day to make it better than the last. Most importantly, love yourself for who you are and NEVER compare. Not everything is as it seems.