You have to imagine the incredulous look on their faces when they say that. And not everyone says it with words, but this is definitely the message I have received from many people since I began my journey as a personal trainer. Even at job interviews for a personal trainer position. One trainer told me that I'd better have some special skills and certifications to offer, since I don't have that certain "look."
You will never see me post a picture of myself on Facebook or Twitter, scantily clad in a workout bra, showing off my body. For one thing, it's true that I don't have a body like Jillian Michaels. And even with exercising every day and eating healthier than I ever have in my entire life, I have gained back a few of the pounds I had worked so hard to lose a couple of years ago. But more than that (and even if I did have a perfectly toned body with no visible fat), who says that a body like Jillian Michaels' is what we women should all be striving for? (No offense to Jillian, I'm just using her as an example because she's well-known). Everybody and every body is different. Although most trainers who share pictures like that are aiming to motivate and inspire people, I feel that many of us onlookers end up looking more negatively at our own bodies as a result.
For me, as a Christ following trainer, I am much more concerned with the spiritual fitness of myself and my clients, than I am about our physical fitness. The Bible tells us that beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised (Proverbs 31:30). Of course, I firmly believe that we are charged to be good stewards of the bodies that the Lord has given us, and we should strive for optimum physical health. However, there are two different kinds of heart health, and they are both equally important. In fact, I would dare say that our spiritual heart health is more important than our physical heart health. Because you can train and discipline your body to melt away as much fat as possible ... but what happens when you stumble or fail? When you binge on sweets and have a bad day? Or when you get sick or injured? Will your identity and confidence be crushed? If it is, then I would beg you to pause and ponder -- what are you truly worshiping? The God of the universe who loves you fiercely no matter what your body looks like? Or are you idolizing that perfect body and the affirmation of others?
Remember those pounds I mentioned gaining recently? When I started to feel down about it, the Lord challenged me to take a long, hard look at the truth about my life. Sure, I gained a little bit of fat back. But what else had I gained recently? I have grown closer to the Lord, I have matured in my faith, I have memorized some scriptures and written them on my heart. These spiritual growths are infinitely more valuable than the unwanted physical growths are disappointing. And with my achievement of becoming a certified personal trainer, I have now gained the skills to help others make healthier choices, achieve their fitness goals, and live healthier lives. And I am certain that my own "imperfections" will actually realistically inspire my clients and students.
So just a little note to all the judges and critics out there ... Here's what I know to be true ... I am in the best health of my life. I am in great shape. God is working in my life, He is growing me, and He has called me to inspire others to live healthier lives. And He loves me unconditionally, and will use me no matter what this old jar of clay looks like. Glory to God!
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things–and the things that are not–to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:27-31
