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Linguistics of Being LEAN

By Robert DeWees

Wikipedia describes the definition of LINGUISTICS as the scientific study of language. Now of course there are several sub categories but for this article we will use the broad definition. Many fitness coaches relate to people by reflecting particular speech patterns. Take for example, "I would love to see myself, in my blue two-piece bathing suit this summer; I want to tighten up and not be so jiggly in my arms, and want to shrink my stomach area.... this right here, has got to go!" This person is very visual and would respond to visual cues. It would be wise to demonstrate new exercises first before having her practice them. Positive feedback should be given using strong visual language. The fitness coach might say things like "These lunges look great! Try keeping your back perpendicular to the floor, like a telephone pole..." or "make sure you bring your arms down to 90 degree angles... here watch in the mirror.... you should look like a field-goal post in football..."

How would you interpret this statement?

I don't have the best eating habits... I guess I eat o.k. --- I just eat lots of sweets sometimes and have to snack on bad stuff like chips and candy throughout the day. I can't stand doing cardio because it's so boring; I don't like to sweat and I hate being sore. I just need you to tell me an easy program I can do to get rid of this gut.

Now I'm not an FBI Profiler but, I think this person might have a few challenges ahead. And for the record, they don't teach you this stuff in Personal Training School! What I am getting at is that how we speak about ourselves is a great indication of our minds 'internal programming'. More like a self-fulfilling prophecy... say that you'll never be able to look like you did when you were in you 20's then guess what - you probably won't.

But what if you said something like "I want to be in better shape than I was in my 20's" WOW! How empowering is that? What if I told you as a Fitness Expert that you CAN be in better shape than you were in your 20's!

IS IT REALLY TRUE?

Try this exercise excerpted and developed from Byron Katie (www.thework.com).

First choose a thought or belief that is opposing your intention of living healthier.

"I don't have time to exercise for myself."

Now ask yourself this first question:
  1. Is this thought true?
    Answer with yes or no. Then answer the second question if you answered YES.
  2. Can you absolutely know it's true?
    Answer with yes or no. Then answer the third question.
  3. How do you react when you think that thought?
    List all of the things you do (or not do), other thoughts and feelings you have when you think the thought you are working on. Then answer the fourth question.
  4. Who would you be without that thought? If that thought was impossible for you to think, how would things be different?
  5. Now turn the thought around to it's opposite.
    "I do have time to exercise for myself!" And then ask if the turnaround is as true as or truer than the original thought.
That's it. Now you are looking at the original thought in a whole new way. You will find you are less attached or identified with this thought and have new options. This thought lessens its grip. The thought is no longer "thinking you." You have the choice of what thought would serve you better to achieve your goal. PROCLAIM YOUR NEW TRUTH

I remember what it feels like to be made fun of; I identified myself with what people were calling me - I was called a pip-squeak, a walking-stick, a nerd and a chinc. I couldn't help the fact I was a late-bloomer and lived most my high school years at 5'10 125 pounds. I also remember reading Life 101 - Everything We Wished We Learned About Life In School - But Didn't by Peter McWilliams. I began focusing on my potential and saying out loud my own daily affirmation. Here's one that I give to clients to practice (adopted from Dr. John Berardi's 'No Nonsense Nutrition' presentation):

"I am the type of person who....."

Prepares meals in advance

Thinks about each day and realizes where the challenges will be

Faces challenges without lowering my standards


Come up with your own morning mantra - live no more in the limitations of your own language. Choose your words carefully and many paths will open up for you to explore. Change your mind to match your heart - choose your words to color your world.

About the Author:

Robert DeWees is an ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) certified Health & Fitness instructor and a NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Corrective Exercise Specialist with a B.S. in Exercise & Sports Medicine. You may contact him here.