Positive Self-Talk: Advice from a Certified Personal Trainer in Blackfalds

I am a pretty positive person, and I’ll bet that a lot of people think such positivity comes naturally to me. In reality, this mindset is the result of a lot of positive self-talk, an attitude of “fake it ‘til I make it”, and at different points in my life, therapy!  

Neuroplasticity, also known as brain plasticity, is a process that involves adaptive structural and functional changes to the brain. In laymen’s terms, this means that we have specific informational networks and pathways in our brains based on our life experiences. Some of these are useful, and others can be less so. The great news is we can create new pathways to serve us better!  

Think about it this way: If I am going to the grocery store, I am going to take the shortest route possible. The same is true for our thoughts. The more repetitive a thought, the stronger that neural pathway becomes. Our mindset then, can be thought of as a freeway to a certain way of thinking. If we practice positive thinking, it becomes the most frequently used neural pathway in our brains. 

Neuroplasticity: Building New Neuro Pathways in Your Brain 

You can become a more positive, healthier and happier person! This requires work and patience and self-kindness. Creating new pathways that are stronger than your old ones will be hard work, but it’s worth it. Once you have worn in the path, so to speak, there’s a tipping point when it becomes easier.  

Manifestation, visualization and affirmation are important items in your new toolbox. Use them to build your new thought pathways. It might feel like nothing is happening at first, but one day you will suddenly think, “oh, this is working!” Every time you think a positive thought, the process becomes easier. Your brain is wired to use the least amount of energy possible to come to a conclusion, so until our positive self-talk becomes the bigger, stronger track, it’s constant self-work.  

We are essentially overwriting the wiring, according to Dr. Tara Swart, a neuroscientist and former psychiatric doctor. You cannot undo old pathways; you must build new, stronger ones. It takes a lot of practice and emotional intensity, but the result is an energy-efficient pathway for your brain that will take the place of the old one.  

Positive affirmations work to create a new mantra that overwrites the existing negative thought pathway. As you practice, you’ll get to a point where you think you are nailing it—then, something will come up, old thought tracks will take over, and you have to deep dive into where your wiring went off track.  

I will give you an example; I was interviewing potential mentors for launching my wellness business full time. I guess it’s the new thing to do. Ultimately, I decided that I am going to launch on my own, but not before taking a trip on old negative neural tracks that were laid in unhealthy times. In short, in conversations over the phone with not one but two different mentors, I was told that I shouldn’t work with overfat people as they would not make good long-term customers as they will not stay committed and therefore become short term customers. Their advice for me was to serve clients who are already “into fitness”. I heartily disagreed. 

Navigating setbacks and challenges in my wellness journey has been a profound experience. It's been a relentless pursuit of overcoming negative self-talk. I've had to confront and counteract the doubts and criticisms from other professionals, as well as the doubts that surfaced in my own mind. Yes, I am larger than most fitness professionals, but that doesn't define my capability or knowledge. Instead, it enriches my ability to connect with others who face similar struggles with weight.  

Weight Loss Support from a Personal Trainer Who Understands 

My journey includes successfully maintaining a weight loss of over 100 pounds for more than 15 years. This longevity speaks to the sustainability and effectiveness of the methods I advocate. My lived experiences have equipped me with invaluable insights, and I intimately understand the challenges of living in a heavy body. I know how it feels to be judged by others, and to face the physical realities of everyday tasks like climbing stairs. I also understand the necessity of modifying exercises to accommodate a larger body.  

These experiences make me a relatable and honest peer in the wellness community. Furthermore, I am not just someone with a personal journey; I am a certified personal trainer. I am qualified to guide others on their paths to wellness in terms of physical training and nutrition. My credentials include extensive training in fitness and nutrition, ensuring that I can provide evidence-based guidance and support.  

It's disheartening that some mentors perpetuate stereotypes about overfat populations being lazy or uncommitted. This narrow mindset underscores the need for inclusive and understanding professionals in the wellness industry – individuals who can offer compassionate support and tailored guidance. I am proud to fill this crucial role, providing a safe and supportive space for individuals of all sizes to embark on their wellness journeys with confidence and empowerment. 

Start Your Wellness Journey Today! 

Ultimately, my own journey has empowered me to embrace my unique perspective and qualifications. I am dedicated to challenging misconceptions and advocating for a more inclusive approach to wellness. My goal is to inspire and support others with empathy, knowledge, and a steadfast commitment to their health and happiness. It is a lot of work, but I promise it’s worth it. 

As I am writing this blog for my new website, I am also writing my resignation for a job that is no longer serving me. I am rejoining the fitness realm full-time! I will no longer be concerned with outside noise or negative thought tracks. I am going to create a positive, safe space for woman who are becoming their best selves. We are a force to be reckoned with! 

If you are ready to start your wellness journey with a personal fitness coach in Blackfalds, let’s talk!