In the mainstream fitness world, ‘strength’ has one meaning: to be able to lift heavy things and put them back down. A lot of movement is centered around getting physically stronger - programs are geared toward it and workouts have it as a goal in mind.
Don’t get us wrong - we LOVE building physical strength. When done correctly and safely, it helps with stability. It helps us remember we can do difficult things. It makes us feel badass. It gives us a real boost.
However, the definition of ‘strong’ in the fitness world needs to be expanded.
You see, not everyone has the same definition of ‘strong.’ Not everyone NEEDS the same definition of strong. Strength can come in many forms - physically, mentally, emotionally, and more - and exercise can help foster ALL of these forms of strength if facilitated in a mindful, trauma-informed manner.
For example, ‘strong’ for one person may mean lifting the heaviest thing they can lift in a safe way. For another person, strength could lie in skipping a planned workout on a day when the body is not feeling up to it. For another, strength could mean dealing with difficult emotional situations in a mindful way. Or being able to walk up a staircase without knee pain. Or being able to get off the floor with no hands. Or lifting up a child or grandchild. Or having more patience. Or being more kind.
Mindfulness in movement has been proven to be able to help us expand our emotional windows of capacity in order to be able to productively handle difficult situations. Challenging yourself physically has been proven to instill more confidence in other areas of life. The catharsis of physically building strength can give us new perspectives. The ability to listen to our bodies and act accordingly, going against diet culture, is a strength not many in today’s society have yet mastered.
All in all, we challenge you to find your own definition of strong. And to remember that movement, or the lack of movement, has the ability to build strength in different ways apart from the physical body. Even if you aren’t lifting the heaviest or doing the hardest version of every exercise. Even if someone close to you has a different definition of strong. You deserve your own Period.