There is an article out right now that says that if you are fat, you should be shamed and then you will lose weight. What the what what? It is supposedly backed by science and research.With links to studies and everything! Until you actually look at the science and research that the author uses...
This article by Josh Hillis does a great job of breaking down just how wrong everything in the fat shaming article is.
I have been training exclusively women for 7 years, so I feel qualified to speak on this subject. I've never met a woman who lost a bunch of weight, got in great shape, and made lasting changes because someone made them feel bad about themselves.
On the other hand, I have helped pick up the pieces from several women who have been shattered by hurtful and insensitive people in their lives. Some of them "professionals" who are in the same field I am in. It's no wonder every trainer on TV and in movies is a caricature of a meathead, goober.
You know what did work? Deciding for themselves to make a change (not anyone else), having a compelling reason/goal, getting in a supportive environment, being around people who challenge and encourage them, and not giving up when the hard times come.
If you've been discouraged because someone made you feel bad when you were trying to exercise and eat right, I'm sorry. You can do this and nobody has the power to stop you. That is the beauty of all this.
You have what it takes right now to get started on the path to success, do not give up. You deserve to be in that gym, in that class, on that bike, in that pool, etc... just as much as anybody.
