Support, Not Shame: Changing the Narrative in Fitness
We all want to be healthy. And we all know exercise is important. Yet for many people, the prospect of starting from square one isn't even a consideration—not because we don't know it's important, but because we've been conditioned to think it's not possible. Unfortunately, the fitness industry's common response to this struggle isn't always helpful; in fact, it's often the root cause of what keeps so many from getting started in the first place.
There's a concerning trend in the fitness world where legitimate reservations of well-meaning people are dismissed as "excuses," resulting in these same people, who are looking for guidance, being shamed for not immediately dismissing their true feelings or concerns. Even more troubling is how this "excuse shaming" has evolved into a marketing tactic for some gyms and fitness influencers. While dentists aren't shaming non-flossers to build their practices and financial advisors aren't publicly targeting people struggling to make ends meet, somehow the fitness industry has normalized this approach.
You've probably seen the social media posts: "The only bad workout is the one that didn't happen," "What's your excuse today?" or "Stop making excuses, start making changes."
Recently, I even saw an ad with the rallying cry of "Change or Die" as some sort of message to inspire people to start working out.
I can't imagine many 70-year-old women scrolling through Facebook feeling inspired by such a message.
People just need help. Most Americans don't work out. Many are obese. The reasons why are unique to each person. I personally know and love many people who don't work out at all. They are members of my family and my closest friends.
Not exercising or being overweight aren't character flaws.
The flaw, in fact, lies with those who believe this to be true.
While this type of messaging might motivate some, it likely does more harm than good.
Why? Because the most vocal and influential voices fundamentally misunderstand something crucial:
People's reasons for not exercising aren't excuses—they're real challenges that deserve real solutions.
Fear of injury, feeling embarrassed or out of place, past negative experiences, limited time due to work or family responsibilities, financial constraints, health concerns, and anxiety about failing—these aren't excuses. They're valid concerns that require understanding, empathy, and practical solutions.
When someone expresses worry about getting hurt, they don't need to hear "stop making excuses." They need proper guidance on form and technique. When someone feels embarrassed about their current fitness level, they don't need shame—they need a supportive environment where they can feel comfortable taking those first steps.
True professionals—the ones who make lasting impacts on the lives of others—understand this deeply. They know that the people who need the most help often feel the most hesitant to seek it, that everyone starts from a different place in their fitness journey, and that real change comes from support, not shame.
Great coaches and trainers live for these challenges. They see someone who's struggling and think, "How can I help?" The worse shape someone is in, the more excited these professionals become about the potential for transformation.
Sustainable change rarely comes from shame or external pressure. While some people might be motivated by tough love or extreme approaches (yes, the David Goggins method works for some), many others need a welcoming, judgment-free environment, clear, achievable goals, positive reinforcement, understanding of their individual challenges, flexible solutions that fit their life, and patient, knowledgeable guidance.
The journey to better health isn't a sprint—it's a marathon that each person needs to start when they're truly ready. And that's okay. What matters isn't when you start, but that you have the right support when you do. At Gym Force, we believe in:
- Meeting you where you are
- Understanding your unique challenges
- Creating personalized solutions
- Celebrating every step forward
- Building lasting, sustainable habits
- Supporting you through setbacks
If you're not exercising right now, we don't assume you're lazy or undisciplined. We understand you have real reasons, and we're here to help you find real solutions—when you're ready. Because true fitness professionals don't shame people into health—we support them on their journey to it.
Remember: The best time to start isn't when someone shames you into it. It's when you feel supported and empowered to take that first step. And when that time comes, we'll be here to help.
