Accelerate Health and Performance: Fat Shaming and Skinny Shaming Isn't a Thing... You're Probably Just a Jerk

WARNING: This is a bit of a rant that brewed for a while and reared its ugly head so it was updated accordingly. There are some rude words throughout. I, personally, feel it is warranted. I don’t mean to offend but punches will not be pulled.

Yesterday morning my friend, client and the big cheese of Sunny Coast Health & Fitness, Kylie, witnessed two women behaving absolutely abhorrently, ridiculing another female who was busting her arse climbing Mount Coolum. Suffice to say there was fitness and size differences between the two culprits and their victim.

These two people thought they were within their rights to take photos of this lady and openly laugh at her...because she was out and about doing her best. Trying to better improve her health and fitness, trying to change her circumstance, trying to go about living her life. When Kylie told me what had gone down I saw....whatever colour is beyond red.
I can’t fucking stand this shit and I knew I had to dig out this blog and revive it two years after its original release.

I’m going to throw something out there and it’s going to piss some people off…I don’t care one bit. Sadly, it needs to be said far too often. Here and now, I’m going to be one who says it, again. If you don’t like what I have to say then there’s a good chance that you’re probably guilty of exactly what I’m talking about – have a good hard look at yourself and sort your shit out. I mean no offence I just think what you’re doing is really shit and you’re only bringing more shit upon yourself as a result of your nastiness.

Stop Categorising Being An Arsehole Into Names Like ‘Fat Shaming’ And ‘Skinny Shaming’.

It’ the 21st Century for fucks sake!? It’s not about fat or skinny it’s about people. You’re a person, he’s a person, and she’s a person...not a fat person, not a skinny person...a person.
STOP sharing photos online with sayings like…

“Real men want something to hold onto, not a stick”

“Skinny girls look good in clothes. Curvy girls look better naked.”

“Slim girls look good in clothes. Fit girls look good naked.”

FUCK OFF. It is nobody’s right to ridicule anyone for their appearance. ANYONE!

And the insane thing is that people now think that it’s ok to ‘skinny shame’ people because ‘fat’ people have been the victims for so long.

For FAR too long overweight people were the victims of horrible insensitivity. In TV and Movies they still are. It’s WRONG…but if you think that gives you the right to turn the tables on ‘skinny’ people, I’ve got news for you...Making someone else feel shit about themselves doesn’t undo all the horrible things that have been said to you and it won’t stop the chances of it happening in the future. It just makes you an arsehole too.

Meghan Trainor is a prime example of just how far we’ve gone wrong on this front. Her recorded company should be ashamed of recording her bullshit if they weren’t too bust counting $100 bills.

This is not empowering. This is just as degrading as a slim woman calling you “fat”. Don’t be a hypocrite. Being proud of yourself does not require questioning someone else’s worth. It only shows that you really don’t value yourself all that highly at all.

Is this ok because it’s guy? Fuck no. He’s still a person!

Skinny girls are beautiful too. Beauty is an opinion, not a defined any specific quality. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some men are attracted to curvy women. Some aren’t. That’s ok. Some are attracted to women with no curves. Some aren’t. That’s ok too. What isn’t ok is for you to make someone feel less attractive because they don’t have the same body shape as you. What isn’t ok is when you to imply that someone is less of a man for the woman that he is attracted to
.

And this…when you’re using a horrible disease like Anorexia Nervosa to make yourself feel better…why not go to a kids cancer ward and poke fun at them too?

I’m not defined by my size and shape and I’m not defined by the size and shape of the woman I am attracted to. In part, I am defined by the woman I married. I’m happy to say that she is an incredible woman. Her qualities as a person stretch far beyond her physical appearance. Her size and shape is not the reason I married her…to me she’s a total babe but that is not why I married her. She is a kind, caring, compassionate woman who is an amazing mother. If she was a size 4 or a size 40 she would still be all those things.

But it’s not just Women who need to stop hammering each other in this way. Women need to ease up on Men, Men need to ease up on Women and Men need to ease up on other Men. 

I can’t grow a beard and I don’t want tattoos. I still have a penis though. I’m as much of a man as this guy…

And don’t for one second sit there and say ‘Oh...he’s a Personal Trainer, it’s easy for him.’ You haven’t got a clue! As a Personal Trainer I’m held to the highest and most bullshit of all aesthetic standards!
“When you see a Personal Trainer who needs a Personal Trainer”
Ever heard or read that? I’ve had it said to me and written about me.
My job as a Personal Trainer is to provide that training programs and nutritional guidance to my clients to achieve their goals...nothing more.
I’m not a model, I’m not a body builder, I’m not professional athlete.
I’m a guy with a burning desire to help people live a happy and fulfilling life with the understanding of the human body I was blessed with and worked my arse off to develop.

I could look like this guy...that doesn’t impact my ability to be a great (and modest) trainer with a large client base of very happy, healthy men and women of all ages, shapes, sizes and needs.
It’s 2017. It’s time that we stop defining what a “real man” is and what a “real woman” is and start letting people define themselves by the sort of man and woman they choose to be and the actions they are responsible for.

I truly hope the two arseholes that Kylie encountered read this. I truly hope they feel like jerks. They acted like jerks. But they can change, they can learn and they can never do it again. They can leave that identity behind and bring value to their world in the future.

To the victim of this hideous bullshit...I hope you read this too. MAD PROPS TO YOU SISTER! Congratulations on doing something good for you and your world! You’re welcome in my gym anytime! Hell, I’d love to just buy you a cup of coffee and have a chat...I really like coffee. But please, don’t be disheartened. The arseholes of the world are outnumbered...the majority of us love you and are behind you all the way!

To all men and women…
Our self-worth and character is defined by what we contribute to the lives of the people around us and to the world – not what we look like or the size of our pants. 
So do you contribute puppies, memes and ice cold beers to the lives of the people around you or shins kicked on towballs, bindy eyes and paper cuts?

Mitchell Knight
Accelerate Health and Performance
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acceleratehealthandperformance/
Instagram: @mitchellknightpt @acceleratehealthandperformance

GUEST BLOG: Health Is Your Most Precious Gift

Take a deep breath – fill your lungs with air… breathe out, wiggle your toes, your fingers.. open and close your eyes, speak, stand up, walk to the door… open it…. breathe again, take in that fresh air… take in life, take in your most precious gift – you are alive, you can move and you have your health. A fragile, precious gift that you so very often take for granted, until you don’t have it.

Every day so many less fortunate fight the daily battle to do the things that we take for granted. They battle for their breath, they fight to move their limbs, to open their eyes, to move their body, or to be able to express themselves.

Without our health we have nothing – It really is our true wealth.

You don’t think so? Then try living without it, try living with the daily battles of a terminal illness, or a life adjusting injury or disease, then tell me that it is not important.

My journey to health and fitness gave me a brief glimpse into the world of the loss of health and the threat of not being here to live this journey that I am eternally grateful to be on.

HELLP syndrome was my brush with this feeling. It is a rare complication that occurs in less than 1% of pregnancies. (so I have not given up hope on getting that winning lotto ticket). Broken down this syndrome is:

H – Haemolysis (break down of blood cells)

EL – Elevated Liver Enzymes

LP – Low Platelet count

It is the next step on from preeclampsia – a more common complication. I had a lot of fluid throughout the pregnancy, one hospital admission with a very high blood pressure reading and within 24 hours of being released I woke to pains that I tried to ignore as it was too early for my baby to be out into the world. I have never been a big fan of exaggerating pain so I quietly went about the house trying not to wake anyone.

Then the breathing became irregular and more and more difficult so I calmly suggested to my partner at the time that it may be time to ring the hospital and just check in – my bubs still needed cooking time at 34 weeks and premature lungs I was starting to get worried, and scared as a million possibilities of what was happening ran through my head.

A trip to the hospital followed, with each breath getting more and more difficult I rode the elevator up to the maternity ward and was very quickly attended to by the staff. So with a partially collapsed lung and blood pressure through the roof the whirlwind began – my drug free, natural birth, became an emergency Caesar to save my life – a malfunctioning liver, collapsed lung and extremely low blood count with very few platelets, the faces surrounding me said that things were not looking great for me at this stage. I clearly remember asking the staff to please, no matter what lay ahead for me, save my baby! This was my real first experience of unconditional mothers love and sacrifice as I was wheeled into emergency surgery.

The rest was quite a blur until I heard those lungs let out a cry… Tears of joy streaming down my face as my world was now complete. A scream meant that those tiny lungs were working. It meant life! It meant my precious one had made the very early journey into the world – and at 3 pounds 15 his battle for life had begun.

My journey had just begun too… 24 hour round the clock care, blood tests on the hour, diminished liver function, bruising from lack of platelets from chest to thighs, I lay only thinking of my tiny bubs, and having that first connection of touch. Instead I was forced to focus on building my strength while the angels of nurses in the special care unit took care of my little superhero. Both of our fights to recover had begun, one moment, one hour, one day at a time. 

Lessons in life to not sweat the small stuff and truly be grateful for good health were embedded! Every day I am grateful that my health returned to normal levels in my blood and liver within 6 weeks. The human body can be so amazing in it’s ability to heal and repair. I know how lucky I am to have life, both mine and my beautiful baby boy! I am so grateful to have been given a second chance, when so many others don’t get that opportunity.

Every day there are many others fighting with everything that they have just to make it through the day. I know they would give anything to have the health that so many of us take for granted. You see it in friends, family, loved ones who are currently battling, or have sadly lost their fight – they view life as we all should, with gratitude, hope, love, and courage!

So when people ask why I take on the physical challenges that I do “my why” and answer is simple – I do it for those who can’t. I do it for those that we have lost. I do it to honour them, and for those still fighting! To use every bit of my health for as long as I can to help their battles in any way that I can!

Our Health is our Wealth – so please don’t waste the precious gift that you have been given and take care of yourself, in every way. It can all be gone in an instant so always remember this is not a rehearsal, we only get one chance at this thing called life.

For those superheroes reading that are fighting the toughest of battles. The true warriors! You inspire and amaze all of us daily with your courage, strength and bravery. Although we can not help you physically battle on, please know that we are here for you, we will fight the fight for research, for treatments, for cures, for care, and to support you in any way that we can.

If you are fortunate and blessed enough to have your health, how are you choosing to use it? Comment below or Click to contact us and make the most of this precious gift that we so often take for granted.

Kirsty Levy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mumfitnessadventure

Instagram: @mumfitnessadventure

SCHF TOP 10 WALKING TRACKS AND TRAILS ON THE SUNSHINE COAST

Now that its cooling down a little and we aren’t all sweating in the shade, it’s the perfect time of year to head outdoors and explore some of the treasures in our own backyard. Haven’t tried any yet? A bit unsure where to start? Never fear! We have put the call out to our community to vote for their favourites, and we’ve come up with 10 great adventures to put on your to-do list!

Dularcha Railway Tunnel

10. Dularcha National Park, Landsborough

If you like your exercise with a dose of local history, the Dularcha National Park is a great place to start. The trail includes a heritage listed railway tunnel built in 1891, as a part of the north coast line between Brisbane and Gympie.

The park contains 3 multi-use tracks, suitable for walking, mountain biking and horse riding:

Tunnel Track: 3km each way (Easy, suitable for most)
Tunnel Bypass Track: 220m. This cheeky little extra is designed for horses who don’t want to travel through the tunnel, but is significantly more steep if you are looking to add some intensity to your route.
Roses Circuit: 8.8km (Northern entrance) or 8km (Southern entrance) return. This is recommended for more advanced walkers, due to steep inclines and loose gravel.
It's a perfect place to escape the rat race and doesnt seem to get insanely busy.

Mt Tinbeerwah peak as captured by
@anitaski on Instagram

9. Mount Tinbeerwah Lookout

Mount Tinbeerwah is nestled into the Tewantin National Park. The Mount Tinbeerwah Lookout track is 1km and takes roughly 45 mins for the return trip.

The first lookout is an easy walk with wheelchair and pram access up to 130m above sea level. After this point you can continue to the ‘Fire Tower’ lookout, 265m up. The peak promises 360 degree views, making for magic photos of the Sunshine Coast.
Popular for amazing pics at both sunrise and sunset.

Mt Ngungun peak as captured by
@nicoleedorrett on Instagram

8. Mount Ngungun

The Glasshouse Mountains got a lot of love in our poll for your favourite tracks, Mt Ngungun got singled out by several voters at their favourite.

The Mt Nugungun summit track is just under 3km and takes roughly 2 hours for the return journey to the 253m summit. The trail is great for beginners and those new to the Glasshouse area.

If you decide to take on this trail, be mindful that you will come quite close to cliff edges and you should exercise caution and closely supervise children. The rock surfaces, particularly at the summit do become slippery in the wet and always walk with caution to avoid dislodging rocks.

One of many scenic pitstops
along the way
Photo Credit: Kirsty Levy

7. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk

If you are looking to take your trail adventures to a whole new level, its probably worth checking out The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. A 4 to 6 day 58km walk, spotted with overnight campsites. This trail really is like a ‘Greatest Hits of the Hinterland’ tour.

The Great Walk is divided into 4 main parts stretching from Baroon Pocket Dam to Gheerulla Falls. You can book permits for the campsites on route, or if you are looking for a hot shower and a warm bed after a long day of trails, there are plenty of accommodation options close by (some even offer shuttles to the closest Trail entrance).

Whether its the whole track, a day trip or just a short stroll, The Great Walk has something for everyone.

One of several lookouts along the track
heading towards the Falls.

6. Kondalilla Falls National Park

Kondalilla Falls National Park is a hidden piece of paradise on the Blackall Range in the Hinterland. The tracks in this national park are argueably the most popular portion of The Great Walk, rating a big mention with the SCHF Community.

Luckily, you don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy a short day walk in this utopian paradise. There are two main tracks on site:

Picnic Creek Circuit: 1.7km return trip (class 2), allow 45 mins – 1hr.

Kondalilla Falls Circuit: 4.7kms (class 3), allow 2-3hrs.

A totally tranquil environment to soak up some fresh air and sunshine, a plenty of stairs to get the blood pumping!

Boardwalk at Mary Cairncross
Scenic Reserve

5. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Maleny

If you are looking for a drive up and range and an easy stretch of the legs, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is perfect for you. The reserve covers 55 hectares of natural sub-tropical rainforest overlooking the Glasshouse Mountains and wider Sunshine Coast.

This one is perfect for beginners and very kid friendly. The terrain is easy and the track is less than 3km long, including several lookouts and boardwalks throughout.

In February this year, the Rainforest Discovery Centre was opened making it an educational and informative experience for the whole family.

Sunrise on the Coastal Pathway,
Mooloolaba Beach

4. The Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway

The ‘Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway’ is the longest shared pathway in the Sunshine Coast Region. It stretches from Bells Creek to Tewantin. The pathway hugging the coastline is divided into 11 sections, including the hugely popular 4.4km stretch between Cotton Tree Park and The Esplanade in Mooloolaba.

As far as views go, you’d be pushed to find a more picturesque outlook while you are working up a sweat. We recommend heading out early, this path gets busy and stays busy all day long. Plus, nothing beats watching sunrise over Alex Headland!

We also love the 9km stretch between Bells Creek and Point Cartwright.

Lookout at the base trail, Mt Tibrogargan

3. Glasshouse Mountains National Park

For those that enjoy the birds eye view of the Sunshine Coast, it is certainly hard to beat the Glasshouse Mountains.

This region hosts 8 mountains, including popular summit tracks like Mount Beerwah (556m), Mount Ngungun (253m), and Mount Tibrogargan (362m).  For some more details about the Glasshouse Mountains, check out this blog from our SCHF Contributor Mel from MAB Personal Training and Adventures for difficulty ratings and advice for attacking each summit peak: http://sunnycoasthealthandfitness.blogspot.com.au/2016/03/mab-personal-training-and-adventures.html

It is really important to be experienced and prepared before attempting the more difficult climbs. To find your feet, it’s best to do your first attempt with an experienced guide to help you get acquainted with these surroundings. Safety first!

Sitting at the peak of Mt Coolum

2. Mt Coolum National Park

For anyone that has lived on the coast for longer than 5 minutes, you will have heard of (maybe even seen) one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular landmarks; Mount Coolum. Let’s face it if you haven’t got at least one selfie up the top of this 26 million year old, 208m high volcanic peak, are you even allowed to call yourself a local?

Jokes aside, the Mount Coolum climb is a must-do for locals and tourists alike. The walking track is classified as a ‘Grade 4’ track, with a steep 1.6km return journey. It does require a moderate level of fitness, but it’s suitable for the whole family.

1. Noosa National Park

Sunrise along the Coastal Track,
Noosa National Park

If mountains aren’t really your thing and you’d rather a slightly less challenging track, the Coastal Track in the Noosa National Park is our communities favourite. The track takes you from the park entrance at Hastings Street, along the coastline with a couple of great beaches and some rock pools along the way. If you travel a little further you’ll find Hell's Gates, one of the most photographed destinations on the Sunshine Coast.
The return trip takes 1.5-2hrs depending how leisurely a pace you set. It does get hot out there, so make sure you’ve got sun protection and water. Better yet, head down early and watch the sunrise where the forest meets the sea.

What do you think guys? Have we nailed it? What do you think we’ve missed? Share your feedback and help other locals get exploring!

For more information or to plan your next Sunshine Coast adventure, we recommend the Queensland Government Department of National Parks, Sports and Racing: https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/

Kylie

Sunny Coast Health and Fitness

Email: kylie@sunnycoasthealthandfitness.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alifestyleproject

Instagram: @alifestyleproject