Fit Pro Ick’s
springtime = group fitness’ yuckiest season
Spring is here, and with it comes longer days, warmer weather, and an influx of icky fitness messaging centered around prepping "summer bodies.”
My (seemingly unpopular) opinion? Every body is a summer body.
The Pressures of Spring Fitness Messaging
You’ve probably heard it before—phrases like "bikini season is right around the corner!" or "time to shed that winter layer!" While these messages might seem harmless on the surface, they can actually contribute to a culture of body shame rather than empowerment.
Reframing Fitness as Empowerment
When fitness is framed as a way to "fix" our bodies in preparation for summer, it reinforces the idea that certain body types are more acceptable for warm-weather clothing or the beach. This can make our clients see movement as a punishment rather than an opportunity to feel strong, energized, and confident. Exercise should be about what our bodies can do, not about shrinking them to meet an arbitrary seasonal standard.
A New Perspective on Spring Training
Instead of focusing on aesthetics, spring can be a great time to encourage clients to embrace movement for how it makes them feel. Consider speaking to these benefits of training beyond appearance:
Improved strength and endurance
Enhanced mood and reduced stress
Increased energy levels
Better mobility and flexibility
A greater sense of accomplishment and confidence
Instructors and fitness professionals have a responsibility to foster an environment that encourages clients to train for their well-being, not just for how they look in a swimsuit.
Shifting the Conversation
This spring, let’s shift the conversation. Instead of talking about “getting summer-ready,” let’s celebrate consistency, progress, and the joy of movement. After all, confidence doesn’t come from fitting into a specific mold—it comes from feeling good in your own skin, all year round.
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