For decades, fitness was portrayed as a punishment—a penalty for indulgence. Many of us grew up watching our parents, particularly our mothers, fall victim to the myths of diet culture. Fitness wasn’t about strength, joy, or vitality. It was about burning off last night’s dessert or chasing an unrealistic ideal promoted by glossy magazine covers and gimmicky marketing.

Our parents’ generation subscribed to a fitness philosophy rooted in restriction and deprivation. They sipped SlimFast shakes, lived off Jenny Craig meals, and believed non-fat foods were the key to weight loss—even as those foods were packed with preservatives and sugar. The "Special K diet" convinced countless women that a bowl of cereal could unlock the body of their dreams. They were taught to clean their plates instead of listening to their bodies. And weightlifting? That was reserved for men. Women were cardio queens, fearing that touching a dumbbell would transform them into bodybuilders overnight.

Now, many of these women are facing the consequences of these outdated practices. Low bone density, osteoporosis, and overall physical weakness are common issues stemming from years of avoiding strength training and proper nutrition. These outcomes remind us of the importance of redefining fitness to prioritize long-term health over fleeting trends. But today, we know better. Science and experience have dismantled these misconceptions, and it’s time to redefine fitness—not just for ourselves, but for the next generation.

I am extremely fortunate. While my mom fell victim to many of the things I’ve mentioned above, there is something I deeply admired her for: she never talked about her weight or her looks. As a mom of three girls, I imagine this was intentional and not always easy. We had a scale in our house, but I never saw her use it or complain about the number it showed. Now, as a mom myself, I plan on doing the same. In fact, I don’t weigh myself ever. Ditch the scales! They do us no good, ladies.

Today, we are breaking these generational cycles and teaching our kids that exercise and eating well helps us feel good! We have energy, our clothes feel good on our bodies (and if they don’t, go buy new ones that do!). My mom had bad asthma, so I didn’t see her working out a ton besides walking, but she did do Jazzercise in the ‘80s, and that memory makes me smile. I wanted to be just like her! And guess what? Are kids want to be just like us too.

Today, we’re rewriting the story. We’re lifting weights because we love our bodies, not because we want to shrink them. Strength training improves bone density, boosts metabolism, and builds confidence. Women’s bodies need muscle to thrive, and strength training is a powerful way to achieve that. We’re eating to fuel ourselves, not to deprive ourselves. We recognize that protein fuels our muscles, stabilizes our energy, and supports recovery. And we’re seeking out fitness communities that inspire, encourage, and remind us why we started. A supportive environment can shift the narrative around exercise from one of punishment to one of joy and connection. These classes aren’t about competition or comparison; they’re about celebrating every individual’s journey and showing up for yourself and your community.

Let’s break the generational cycle together and teach the next generation that fitness is not a burden—it’s a gift. While our parent battled their own set of misconceptions, our kids are facing a whole new set of challenges. According to the CDC, 9.4% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 5.8 million) have diagnosed anxiety, and the numbers are rising. In today’s screen-based society (which isn't going to change anytime soon), movement is more critical than ever. Exercise is a proven way to reduce anxiety and improve mental health.

So when we model these values for our children, we set them up to have a healthier relationship with their bodies and with movement. Instead of running to burn off calories, they’ll run because it feels good. Instead of avoiding weights, they’ll embrace strength. And instead of focusing on how they look, they’ll celebrate what they can do.

Breaking the cycle starts with what we teach our kids. If you don't know where to begin or need accountability and support, reach out and join us for a Body Well session and a group fitness class!