Transform Your Fitness Journey with Sophie Gervais
Episode Overview
Strength training is crucial for both physical and mental resilience. Avoiding calorie deficits can lead to better long-term health outcomes. Lifting weights does not make women bulky; it enhances body composition. Building a positive relationship with food is key to overcoming disordered eating. Exercise should be enjoyable and tailored to individual preferences.
"Fitness is meant to give us more life, not less."
Gain insights from experts and survivors on building a healthy relationship with fitness and nutrition in this engaging episode of the Sun & Moon Sober Living Podcast. Host Mary Tilson welcomes her personal trainer, Sophie Gervais, a gut and hormone health specialist, to share her journey from battling disordered eating to empowering women in their fitness journeys. Sophie discusses the impact of diet culture, the misconceptions around exercise, and the importance of evidence-based training and nutrition.
Her approach centres on helping women escape the cycle of under-fuelling and over-training, and instead, fostering a positive relationship with food and their bodies. Sophie shares her personal experiences growing up in a household influenced by diet culture, leading to her own struggles with an eating disorder. She emphasises the importance of moving beyond calorie deficits and embracing strength training for both physical and mental resilience.
The episode highlights the significance of lifting weights, not just for aesthetics but for long-term health benefits such as improved bone density and metabolic health. Mary and Sophie explore the emotional and mental aspects of fitness, touching on how exercise can be a powerful tool for building confidence and overcoming internalised negative beliefs about body image.
They also address common fears, such as the myth that lifting weights will make women bulky, and provide reassurance that strength training is beneficial for everyone. With humour and honesty, this conversation offers valuable insights into transforming one's relationship with fitness and nutrition. Whether you're a seasoned gym-goer or new to exercise, this episode provides practical advice and encouragement to help you thrive in your sober journey.
What changes can you make today to start nurturing a healthier relationship with your body?