I have been working in fitness since 1988, and have spent quite alot of time working specifically with women as either a fitness instructor or a personal training/strength coach. I have many success stories to tell, and won’t bore you with those, because what I really want to discuss are the stories which did not result in success. What determines who succeeds in their fitness goals and who does not?
Well, one very clear characteristic of someone who sees a lack of progress and success, is the client who comes to me with the difficult challenges of being both obese and depressed. Women who come to me ( and some men as well- but this does not seem to be as great a problem with men) who are very obese, and have emotional issues such as depression, rarely are successful at losing weight through personal training alone. I often wondered- is it me? What am I doing wrong?
Well, recently I have come to the conclusion it is NOT me. In fact, in speaking to other trainers, some of whom are THE BEST in the industry, we all agree, the combination of depression and obesity is rampant and debilitating. So- what is the answer for the client and the trainer? How do we solve this problem?
I believe that to be successful at weight loss, the client must address the depression/emotional issues first, and a personal trainer is NOT the right person to address emotional trauma or depression. Many clients come to me thinking that if they fix the outside first, the inside will fix itself. BUT, this rarely happens, as the inside is what is prohibiting success and progress! In order to lose weight and get healthy, one must be upbeat, resilient, patient, and never give up. Clients with a history of emotional issues or depression may not have these instrinsic characteristics. They do not YET believe in themselves, and thus, can not invision THEIR success. A therapist or psychologist is the best equipped person to deal with the pain of depression or past trauma and current emotional issues and, until the client agrees to see a therapist to deal with the emotional issues, they may never unlock the “key” to their success.
So- which came first- obesity or depression? Well, it certainly makes sense that if you are very obese, and you can not walk, or exercise or find clothes that fit you and are judged unfairly by others, you will be depressed about it. But not all of these people are “clinically” depressed. There are some people who were average weight, but because of illness, or injury or lack of education, gained weight over the years and are depressed about it. This is often an easier case for a trainer than a client who always has been depressed or who has had emotional trauma issues, and thus has always been obese BECAUSE they eat for comfort and coping. Either way- it is essential that these types of clients seek professional therapy when necessary in addition to “exercise therapy” through a personal trainer.
The final word:
Clients- get therapy for emotional issues that are holding you back from your own success and do not expect a personal trainer and exercise to be a cure all.
Trainers- take a detailed health history specifically noting any psychological issues or history of depression, and refer these clients out to an expert as soon necessary.