ACE: How do you personally see the obesity epidemic affecting our society and how we, as professionals, create and deliver fitness programs, and interact with clients?
Dr. MJ: I have a great deal of concern that the impact of the obesity epidemic is not fully understood. As a society, obesity not only affects the cost of health care, it also influences the focus of health care toward treating obesity related illness as opposed to disease prevention and wellness. Furthermore the prevalence of obesity has far reaching economic consequences and impacts the cost of doing business through areas such as worker’s compensation and the cost to provide service, as in the transportation industry. Societally, these costs trickle down to the consumer. Another major concern, and one we should be acutely aware of in our industry, is the long-term consequences of childhood obesity. As professionals we know the health consequences of obesity. I believe the prevalence of childhood obesity is a call to action. We can only imagine what lies ahead when our nation’s children become obese adults who may already be suffering with Type II Diabetes, Heart Disease, Cancer, and Psychological issues. How will this impact their lives and what will be the economic consequences to our society?
As health and fitness professionals we play a key role in helping reverse this trend. We must get involved in, or create, programs in our communities that educate and promote healthful eating and exercise habits. This can range from working with parents, children schools, and community organizations to getting involved in local and state politics to help improve school nutrition and increase physical education.
Working with clients on and individual level, we need to empathetic and sincere. We need to remember that an obese client who comes to us for help has most likely overcome many obstacles in simply making the decision to come to our door. Also, bearing in mind that health and wellness is a lifetime endeavor, we must put clients as ease by creating an atmosphere that is welcoming and reassuring. We can do that with the words we choose, the clothes we wear, and sensitivity to the fact that our fitness environments can be intimidating to those not like ourselves.
ACE: How do you feel mind-body fitness practices can specifically help overweight or obese clients who may be beginning their journey to health and fitness?
Dr. MJ: I struggle with the idea that all mind-body fitness practices can specifically help overweight or obese clients. As with any fitness modality, I think the key is in how the method is approached, rather than the method itself. There are many programs now being offered under the mind-body flag that may not be best suited for an overweight beginner. Having said that, traditional mind-body practices have focused on areas that can be incredibly beneficial to a beginner; especially one who is new to movement and who may also be overweight. Some of these include mindful breathing techniques, moving from one’s center (core), balance, postural adjustments, self-awareness and self-acceptance.
ACE: What misconceptions – if any – do you believe health and fitness professionals have about people who may be struggling with their weight or adopting healthy habits? Why is it important for them to overcome those misconceptions before they can truly help people?
Dr. MJ: Unfortunately, overweight and obese individuals are often stereotyped as being lazy, unkempt, and sometimes even lacking in intelligence. I hope that this is not the case with certified fitness professionals. I do think one misconception is that those who are overweight/obese are not very strong or limited in capabilities. As fitness professionals we need to recognize that we have the knowledge and tools to work with this populations safely in order to affect positive change.
ACE: How do you feel Pilates, yoga and other mind-body disciples can help health and fitness professionals meet the needs of their overweight or obese clients?
Dr.MJ: Traditionally the mind-body disciplines have evolved, in some cases, over thousands of years. As a result, they are enriched with body wisdom in the same way that we as human grow wiser as we age. When we approach mind-body movement with a beginner’s mind, we have the opportunity to absorb that wisdom and use it with our clients to enhance their experience with us.
ACE: What advice would you give to health and fitness professionals who may be having trouble engaging with their overweight or obese clients?
Dr. MJ: Be sincere. Have empathy. Listen well. Respond with authenticity and compassion. Enjoy what you are doing. You are making a difference.
