Client Quote #57: joints

The pressure and discomfort on our joints could be attributed to the weight, sure. And why must this automatically mean weight loss is the only essential step in getting what we desire? 

Many of my clients in lower weight also complain of having joint pain, back pain, chronic fatigue, and they can barely catch their breath going up the stairs. 

Is it absolutely true that in order to be more active, you must lose weight? Is it absolutely true that you can’t engage in fun and joyful movements somehow with the body we have, right now? 

If you notice resistance to these ideas, that’s okay. It’s very understandable that challenging this notion is very risky. If you give it a try, you could risk physical discomfort, you could risk judgment, you could risk not being very good at the activity you wish to be good at, you could risk feeling your body more and that could be triggering, you could risk a lot of emotional pain from the harm of weight stigma etc. 

Take a moment to be gentle with ourselves, there isn’t a right or wrong answer. It’s up to you to consider whether weight loss is the answer for inactivity. Or can we entertain other more empowering possibilities here? If joint pain is a barrier, consider what actions you would take if you were already at a lower weight? Would you get support from a physio? Would you start training your muscles around that area to support it? Would you consider added support like supplements or medication management ? None of these require you to change your body drastically but by engaging in these options, it could help you get closer to your goal all the same.