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The fitness industry is full of misleading messages that keep people stuck in harmful cycles of guilt, shame, and unrealistic expectations. In this episode, we’re breaking down 7 common lies the fitness industry keeps selling you—from “no pain, no gain” to the myth of the “perfect” body. Tune in to learn how to ditch these toxic beliefs and embrace a more sustainable, joyful, and empowering approach to movement.
Have you ever felt like the fitness industry is designed to make you feel like you’re never doing enough? That’s because it often thrives on myths and misinformation that keep people chasing unattainable goals. In this episode of Breaking Body Biases, we’re exposing 7 major lies that the fitness industry keeps pushing—like the idea that more sweat = a better workout, lifting weights makes you bulky, or that fitness is only for a certain body type.
We’ll unpack the harmful effects of these myths, how they contribute to body shame and burnout, and what you can do instead to build a healthy, sustainable relationship with movement. If you’ve ever felt like fitness wasn’t for you, this episode will help you reclaim your power and redefine what health and movement mean on your own terms.
Key Takeaways:
✅ "No Pain, No Gain" is a lie—exercise shouldn’t always hurt to be effective.
✅ Sweating doesn’t equal a better workout—it’s just your body regulating temperature.
✅ Lifting weights won’t make you bulky—but it will make you stronger and more resilient.
✅ You don’t need to earn or burn food—your body deserves nourishment, period.
✅ Fitness isn’t just for thin people—health exists at every size.
✅ More isn’t always better—rest and recovery are essential for progress.
✅ Your body is not a “before and after”—movement is about feeling good, not shrinking.
Resources & References:
- Health at Every Size® (HAES): https://asdah.org/
- The Problem with Weight Cycling (National Eating Disorders Association): https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
- "No Pain, No Gain" Myth—ACE Fitness Research: https://www.acefitness.org/
- Strength Training & Women—Breaking the Bulky Myth: https://www.girlsgonestrong.com/
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