summary

In this episode of The Weekly Riff, Louise Green discusses the groundbreaking achievements of Ilona Maher, a two-time Olympian and rugby powerhouse, who is redefining visibility and power in sports. Mayer's journey highlights the importance of representation for larger-bodied women in athletics and challenges societal norms around body image and femininity. Green emphasizes that Mayer's success is not just personal but a cultural win for all women, encouraging them to embrace their strength and visibility.

takeaways

• Ilona Maher is a two-time Olympian and rugby powerhouse.
• Visibility in sports is crucial for representation.
• Maher's success challenges traditional beauty norms in athletics.
• The majority of American women are considered plus size, yet underrepresented in fitness marketing.
• Maher's journey reflects years of hard work and perseverance.
• Cultural visibility can change perceptions of strength and femininity.
• Confidence is built through practice and consistency.
• Women should take up space and embrace their visibility.
• Maher's story is a win for all women facing societal barriers.
• Success is a daily practice, not an overnight achievement.

Louise Green is an award-winning coach with 20 years invested in working with women of all body sizes. She has coached thousands of women from all over the world, if you're ready take the next step in your strength, check out her coaching program: https://www.louisegreeninc.com/size-strong

Summary

In this conversation, Louise Green discusses the cultural implications of Barbie's representation, particularly in relation to weight stigma and health conditions. She highlights the importance of representation while critiquing the selective nature of it, especially concerning body size and health. Green provides a framework for managing internalized weight stigma and emphasizes the need for empowerment and self-acceptance.

Takeaways

• Barbie has historically represented an idealistic beauty standard.
• The new Barbie with type 1 diabetes is a step towards representation.
• Weight stigma is prevalent in healthcare and fitness industries.
• Internalized weight stigma affects self-perception and confidence.
• Challenging weight stigma requires awareness and inquiry.
• Language plays a crucial role in shaping our beliefs about bodies.
• Affirmations and diverse role models can aid in combating stigma.
• Taking up space and advocating for oneself is essential.
• Weight stigma is not permanent; we can challenge and change it.
• Your worth is not defined by your body size or shape.

Interested in the Size Strong Strength Training Membership? Check it out here. 

Louise Green is an award-winning coach with 20 years invested in working with women of all body sizes. She has coached thousands of women from all over the world, if you're ready take the next step in your strength, check out her coaching program: https://www.louisegreeninc.com/size-strong

Summary
In this conversation, Louise Green shares seven tips for size inclusive weight training, emphasizing the importance of respecting one's body, understanding personal fitness levels, and the non-linear nature of progress. She discusses the significance of rest, the drawbacks of using a scale as a progress tracker, and the emotional labor often faced by women. The conversation concludes with a focus on setting boundaries to prioritize personal well-being and fitness goals.

Takeaways

• It's okay to take a break from your routine.
• Honor your current fitness level, not where you think you should be.
• Respect your body and listen to its needs.
• Ditch the scale; it can be misleading.
• Progress in fitness is not always linear.
• Rest days are essential for recovery and strength.
• Emotional labor can impact your fitness journey.
• Setting boundaries is crucial for personal well-being.
• Focus on strength and energy, not just weight loss.
• Create space for yourself to prioritize fitness.

Interested in joining the Size Strong Strength Training Membership? Check it out here. 

Louise Green is an award-winning coach with 20 years invested in working with women of all body sizes. She has coached thousands of women from all over the world, if you're ready take the next step in your strength, check out her coaching program: https://www.louisegreeninc.com/size-strong

In this episode, Louise Green discusses the importance of understanding your fitness personality type and how it influences motivation. She introduces six distinct fitness archetypes: the Soloist, Socializer, Adventurer, Joyful Mover, Routine Relisher, and Giver. Each archetype has unique characteristics and motivational drivers, emphasizing that fitness is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Louise encourages listeners to reflect on their current archetype and how it aligns with their movement practices, promoting self-awareness and sustainable fitness habits.

If you're interested in taking the Quiz to find your archetype, check it out here.

takeaways

• Understanding your fitness personality type is crucial for motivation.
• Fitness is not a one-size-fits-all approach.
• The Soloist thrives in solitude and autonomy.
• Socializers need community and connection to stay motivated.
• Adventurers seek novelty and variety in their workouts.
• Joyful Movers focus on self-compassion and gentle movement.
• Routine Relishers benefit from structured plans and metrics.
• Givers must prioritize their own self-care and time.
• Recognizing your current archetype can enhance your fitness journey.
• Embrace the uniqueness of your fitness journey and motivations.

Louise Green is an award-winning coach with 20 years invested in working with women of all body sizes. She has coached thousands of women from all over the world, if you're ready take the next step in your strength, check out her coaching program: https://www.louisegreeninc.com/size-strong

Summary

In this episode of The Weekly Riff, Louise Green discusses the failures of major brands in supporting size inclusivity in fitness culture. She highlights the emotional toll of shopping for plus-size clothing, the inconsistency of brand commitments, and the economic implications of size inclusivity. Green emphasizes the need for genuine inclusion in retail and calls for support of brands that truly cater to diverse body types.

Takeaways

• The fitness culture often excludes larger bodies.
• Many brands have failed to maintain their size-inclusive promises.
• Shopping for plus-size clothing can be an emotional experience.
• There is a significant economic market for plus-size clothing.
• Fat phobia is prevalent in the fashion industry.
• Brands often prioritize aesthetics over inclusivity.
• Consumer trust is eroded when brands pull back on inclusivity.
• The need for genuine representation in retail is critical.
• Smaller brands are often more committed to size inclusivity.
• Support for inclusive brands is essential for change.

Louise Green is an award-winning coach with 20 years invested in working with women of all body sizes. She has coached thousands of women from all over the world, if you're ready take the next step in your strength, check out her coaching program: https://www.louisegreeninc.com/size-strong

In this episode, Louise Green discusses the importance of lifting heavy weights for everyone, emphasizing that heavy lifting is relative and beneficial for all body types, especially women over forty. She debunks myths surrounding women and weightlifting, highlights the science behind muscle fibers, and encourages listeners to embrace strength training as a means of empowerment and self-acceptance. The conversation aims to inspire individuals to challenge their limits and recognize the mental and physical benefits of lifting heavy.

Takeaways

• Lifting heavy is adaptable to each individual's journey.
• Comparison in fitness can detract from personal progress.
• Lifting heavy is essential for maintaining muscle and bone health, especially in women.
• Type two muscle fibers are crucial for strength and power.
• Women often fear becoming bulky, but this is a misconception.
• Strength training can lead to improved mental and emotional well-being.
• Lifting heavy can help combat the effects of aging on muscle and bone density.
• Empowerment through strength training can shift focus from appearance to capability.
• It's never too late to start lifting heavy weights.
• Every rep counts at every stage of life.

Louise Green is an award-winning coach with 20 years invested in working with women of all body sizes. She has coached thousands of women from all over the world, if you're ready take the next step in your strength, check out her coaching program: https://www.louisegreeninc.com/size-strong

In this episode, Louise Green discusses the importance of silencing the inner mean girl and how self-talk shapes our lives, particularly in the context of fitness and mental health. She explores the detrimental effects of negative self-talk, the significance of self-compassion, and practical strategies to interrupt negative thought patterns. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness, kindness towards oneself, and recognizing small wins as essential components of personal growth and resilience.

Takeaways

• The inner mean girl is a critical voice shaped by cultural conditioning.
• 80% of women experience harsh negative self-talk daily.
• Self-criticism is linked to anxiety, depression, and low motivation.
• Failure can be viewed positively as a learning opportunity.
• Self-compassion is essential for personal growth and resilience.
• Naming the inner critic helps in recognizing its impact.
• Positive self-talk activates the task positive network in the brain.
• Self-compassion leads to better emotional health and motivation.
• Recognizing small wins boosts self-esteem and motivation.
• Building strength takes time and patience; everyone starts as a beginner.

Louise Green is an award-winning coach with 20 years invested in working with women of all body sizes. She has coached thousands of women from all over the world, if you're ready take the next step in your strength, check out her coaching program: https://www.louisegreeninc.com/size-strong

In this episode of The Weekly Riff, Louise Green delves into the complexities of motivation, particularly in the context of health and fitness. She challenges the common misconceptions surrounding motivation, emphasizing that it is not merely a matter of willpower or discipline. Instead, motivation is influenced by various factors, including brain chemistry, environmental conditions, and personal experiences. Green explores Maslow's hierarchy of needs to illustrate how unmet needs can hinder motivation, and she discusses the importance of small wins and intrinsic motivation in fostering a sustainable fitness journey. Ultimately, she advocates for a more inclusive and supportive fitness culture that recognizes the diverse needs of individuals.

takeaways

• Motivation is influenced by brain chemistry and environment.
• It's a misconception that motivation is solely about willpower.
• Many people feel unmotivated due to unmet needs.
• Maslow's hierarchy of needs provides a framework for understanding motivation.
• Safety and belonging are crucial for motivation in fitness.
• Small wins can significantly boost motivation.
• Intrinsic motivation is more sustainable than extrinsic motivation.
• Fitness culture often overlooks the needs of larger bodies.
• Community and connection enhance motivation.
• Rewriting the fitness narrative is essential for inclusivity.

Louise Green is an award-winning coach with 20 years invested in working with women of all body sizes. She has coached thousands of women from all over the world, if you're ready take the next step in your strength, check out her coaching program: https://www.louisegreeninc.com/size-strong

In this conversation, Louise Green discusses the significance of mental health awareness, particularly in the context of exercise and movement. She emphasizes that mental health conditions are prevalent and often stigmatized, and highlights the importance of open conversations about mental health. Green explores how exercise, particularly strength training, can positively impact mental health by improving mood, reducing stress, and aiding emotional processing. She also delves into the concept of sweating as a healing practice, drawing connections to various cultural traditions that utilize heat and movement for emotional and physical purification. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their own mental health practices and the role of movement in their lives.

Takeaways

• Exercise can significantly improve mental health.
• Mental health awareness has evolved since 1949.
• Strength training enhances mood and reduces stress.
• Sweating is a powerful healing practice.
• Movement helps process emotions and trauma.
• Cultural practices around sweating offer insights into healing.
• Mental health conditions are on the rise globally.
• Open conversations about mental health are essential.
• Multiple coping tools are necessary for mental well-being.
• Strength training can be a form of sacred sweat.

Louise Green is an award-winning coach with 20 years invested in working with women of all body sizes. She has coached thousands of women from all over the world, if you're ready take the next step in your strength, check out her coaching program: https://www.louisegreeninc.com/size-strong

In this episode, Louise Green discusses the importance of trusting your body and balancing workouts with rest. She explores the detrimental effects of diet culture, the all or nothing mindset, and the mental health consequences associated with rigid fitness strategies. Louise provides practical strategies for rebuilding body trust, embracing intuitive practices, and replacing self-criticism with kindness. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of rest for sustainable fitness and the importance of a balanced approach to movement.

takeaways

• Trusting your body is essential for a sustainable fitness journey.
• The all or nothing mindset can lead to burnout and quitting.
• Rest is a vital component of any effective fitness routine.
• Building body trust requires listening to your body's needs.
• Diet culture fosters an unhealthy relationship with fitness and food.
• Practicing body scans can enhance body awareness and trust.
• Replacing self-criticism with kindness is crucial for mental health.
• Scheduling workouts with flexibility can reduce guilt around rest.
• Intuitive practices help in recognizing when to exercise or rest.
• Without rest, there won't be strength gains.

Louise Green is an award-winning coach with 20 years invested in working with women of all body sizes. She has coached thousands of women from all over the world, if you're ready take the next step in your strength, check out her coaching program: https://www.louisegreeninc.com/size-strong