In the anti-diet world, it seems that things like going to the gym and following a training program often get a bad rap. I get it. There are a lot of problems with the way the fitness industry promotes its services. When you’ve had a compensatory or punishing relationship with exercise in the past, the advice is often to rest & take a break from working out altogether. Or to trade structured exercise for “joyful movement”. To be clear, I agree with this. . .to an extent. Sometimes you do need a clean break in order to see clearly what’s really right for you.

“Joyful movement” looks different for everyone though.

The common assumption is that walking and practicing gentle yoga are the only ways to have a chill relationship with exercise, and I don’t know where this idea came from. It’s as if the most popular person in the anti-diet community decided that this is what they liked, and everyone else agreed that it must be true. To that I say false. Especially considering the growing number of Health At Every Size aligned fitness professionals with a variety of specialties around the world.

Joyful movement can look a whole lot of ways. And depending on your values as a whole person, and what your previous exercise & athletic background is, you might actually really enjoy something a little grittier, like strength training. For awhile it might be fun to even “play around” with lifting weights in a less structured way.

But eventually you might find that you’re having a hard time getting stronger, feeling fatigued, or getting injured. Maybe you see something really badass that you’d like to be able to do one day too? If you’re someone who appreciates consistency, guidance, and working through things in a step-by-step way, you might also really enjoy following a training program.

What do you think of when you hear someone say “I’m following a training program”?

Some of the responses I’ve heard from others in regard to “training” were that it has to be rigid. Punishing. For bodybuilders and bikini competitors and professional athletes. Has to be accompanied with a side of grilled chicken, steamed broccoli, and white rice. NOT TRUE. In the past I’ve spoken to the differences between “movement” and “training”. Both are valid and have a place, but there are many great reasons to consider following a training program.

Before we go any further, here’s how to know if it might be right for you:

1. You’ve already done the work to untangle the relationship between using exercise as a method to make up for what you ate.

2. You’re ready to get started working towards a new fitness goal and don’t know where to start.

3. You’re more likely to take action towards your goal it if it’s spelled out for you step by step.

4. You do well with structure and routine.

5. You find joy in setting out to accomplish a challenge.

Sound like you? Keep reading!

1. It helps you avoid overtraining.

Believe it or not, following a program can help you avoid overdoing it, especially if that’s your natural tendency. When an experienced coach designs a program for you, we purposely help you work through different phases of intensity so that you’re not always going longer, harder, or heavier. We also build in & encourage rest days. All of this helps you minimize the likelihood of injury and helps you prevent burnout.

2. It can help you find balance.

Whether it’s due to another activity you do or simply your day-to-day life, repetitive movements can wear on your body. When you’re following a program that’s designed with intention it can help you work all of your muscles in a more balanced way so that you’re not doing the same 3 things (elliptical, bicep curls, abs?) every time you go to the gym.

3. It helps you discover new exercises AND new ways to do the basics.

When another coach designs a program for you it’s a great opportunity to learn new skills and keep things fresh. It’s also a chance to fine tune the basics, and learn different ways to do exercises you’re already familiar with.

4. It’s A Big Step Up from Random online workouts.

When you’re following a program created by a good coach, it was likely designed with a lot of thought and care. It will progress in a sequential way from one workout to the next and from phase to phase. Meaning that even if you’re following a DIY program, it’s gonna be a better bet than piecing together random workouts you found online.

5. IT’S GREAT TO HAVE someone WHO HAS YOUR BACK.

If you’re working with the coach who designed your program directly, whether it’s in person or online, 1:1 or in a group, you have someone looking out for you. This means that you have the opportunity to ask questions, get form checks, and even pep talks. You have someone in your corner who wants you to succeed. And if you’re someone who needs a little external accountability, it’s already built in.

6. It takes the guesswork out of what to do.

Uncertainty can often keep us from taking action. We often spend so much time trying to decide what days to work out and when, whether to go to the gym, what to do when you get there, etc. This way you don’t have to overthink it. You can just do it!

7. It can save you time.

When you’re following a program, it helps you get into a routine, waste less time planning, and save space in your schedule. You delegate the time into your week in a way that works for your life. Then you don’t have to second guess yourself wondering if you “should” be doing more. Nope! It’s already done.

8. Following a program can help you build Competence, which builds confidence.

One of the biggest barriers many people face when it comes to working out is feelings of gym-timidation. There are many reasons you might feel out of place in the fitness world, but one small way to combat that is to know what you’re doing and why. When you follow a program you get better at things (competence!) and that can help you feel more confident & more like fitness is for YOU.

9. It will help you progress towards your goals (which don’t have to be aesthetic, btw!)

Weight loss is often assumed to be the default goal when it comes to working out. But there are SO many great reasons to work out beyond that . Following a program, especially one designed by a body positive fitness professional can help you tap into new ways to look at fitness. Especially if you’re a goal-oriented person. AND you’re more likely to reach your goals when you have someone with experience to guide you through the process.

Wanna get better at push-ups? Whether you’re trying to get your first one without using your knees, training to beat the entire patriarchy in a push-up contest, or just create better memories around push-ups than 5th grade gym class gave you, this program will help get you there.