Advantages of a Weight-Neutral Approach to Fitness

Sarah Cottrell’s journey to a healthy relationship with movement and her body is a powerful example of the transformative impact of a weight-neutral approach to personal training. After battling an undiagnosed eating disorder in high school and struggling with toxic exercise practices, therapy helped her understand the gravity of her situation. Now, at age 30, she is working with Barb Puzanovova, a certified personal trainer in Nashville who emphasizes a non-diet, health-at-any-size approach.

Their virtual training sessions focus on strength training, form correction, and modifications as needed. Over the past year and a half, they have tracked Cottrell’s progress based on her performance, stamina, and overall well-being, without ever referencing weight loss as a measure of success. This weight-neutral approach is part of a growing movement among personal trainers to prioritize holistic well-being over the number on the scale.

For Cottrell, this shift in focus has been life-changing. She no longer views exercise as a means to survive shame but as something she does for herself. The weight-neutral approach has allowed her to focus on what truly matters to her, without the pressure of conforming to societal standards or chasing arbitrary weight loss goals.

Barb Puzanovova and other trainers like her believe that weight is not the only indicator of health and that a weight-neutral approach can promote a sustainable relationship with exercise. By centering training programs around enhancing daily function, improving health metrics, and boosting overall well-being, clients can achieve long-term success without the pressure of weight loss as the primary goal.

This approach is not about glorifying obesity or ignoring health concerns but about affirming and empowering individuals to move their bodies in a way that feels joyful and sustainable. By shifting the focus away from weight loss and aesthetic goals, clients can experience greater confidence, improved performance, and a more positive relationship with movement.

Research supports the effectiveness of a weight-neutral approach, showing that it can lead to improvements in various health metrics and overall well-being. By taking weight off the main priority and focusing on enhancing quality of life, individuals can achieve long-term health benefits without the pressure of achieving a specific number on the scale.

Ultimately, a weight-neutral approach to personal training is accessible and beneficial for individuals of all body sizes and abilities. By emphasizing joyful movement and empowering clients to achieve real-life goals, trainers like Barb Puzanovova are helping individuals build a foundation of fitness that supports their overall well-being and quality of life.