If you have ever been fat shamed I wouldn’t read this
So - last Wednesday a new client started Reformer in Galway in Briarhill. Like all new clients she was a bit nervous and also a bit excited. It is actually a big step to take. The class went well - I was doing my thang… With new clients I often observe from afar so as not to swoop in and freak them out - trust first - adjustments second. Clients can feel intimidated by the equipment, the other students- just moving your body can feel daunting if its new. Who hasn’t been the worst in zumba! I usually just check simple alignment stuff.
Near the end I noticed her face getting a bit redder - I am an acapuncturist so we learn a lot about facial colouring as symptoms. I hovered a bit - I immediately sensed she was not ok. Sometimes “SomeBodys” feel so emotional when moving - its complex but not uncommon. For this reason I always have tissues in the studio. We had a moment together where she knew I knew she knew I knew. And its ok…. A simple touch and the right gesture can really support someone feeling huge overwhelm and emotional rollercoaster feelings inside. I put my hand on her and took a bit of it off her. I always say like my mum “ let it out”. Students don’t expect this but I have seen it many times.
After when everyone had gone she told me - this is her words not mine
“ My doctor told me I was fat and my bloods were going to be very bad. And that I should go to the gym. Which I did - and really really hurt my back! So then I couldn’t exercise and meanwhile my bloods are getting worse”
There you go - that sentence has been going around my head since she told me. For lots of reasons. But besides the obvious nastiness of that statement, the pressure and then the injury is just how amazing is this woman to pick herself up with a very sore back and seek another alternative and get herself to the studio to do reformer. I just can’t fathom how cool this is. I mean her whole right side of her body is sore, really sore - I just wanted to put her story here because she is not the first client I have had with serious back issues by going to the gym. Lifting too heavy too fast - not being able to afford a Personal Trainer who might guide her.
She is also not the first client I have had who has been fat shamed by a doctor. We need to change this narrative. People are who they are and are doing their damn best. Shock tactics don’t work. This woman is going to get her body back because she is going to do the work. She is now coming 3 times a week. Why? Because she is not going to hurt herself and she is going to move her body. It’s a long game - its a great game. Its the body game - GAME ON!
The rules of the Body game are -
1 NO BODY SHAMING
2 FEEL YOUR BODY MOVING
3 LOVE THE WAY YOUR BODY MOVES
4 FEEL TALLER STRONGER FITTER MORE EMPOWERED AFTER THE CLASS
It doesn’t matter what state the body is in - it responds to movement - sitting in the chair doesn’t suit a body. Support other people to move even when they feel they can’t. There is always a way. Ok rant over - have a great day.
