Today, we’re celebrating a milestone together. This is episode 400! While this podcast has taken on several different forms over years, it has stayed true to its mission — how to help you get strong. So let’s take a look back on where we’ve been, while also looking forward to what’s to come. To improve the narrative around fitness we need to: Educate clients that fitness is not an aesthetic goal Acknowledge those who have been positive influences Understand that points of view can change Incorporate new research while acknowledging the existing gaps in knowledge Gauging Strength and Fitness Outside of Weight-Loss Longtime listeners know that I want to shift the conversation away from simply weight loss and towards other markers for fitness and health. Changing the culture around this is not a simple task. I still don’t think I have the answer. However, I feel that if coaches focus on educating their clients on why this is important to expand the conversation, changes for the better will come. I also know it’s tempting to speak the industry lingo. That’s what many clients expect to hear. Yet, if we don’t speak the truth about this, the culture and narrative will never change. Changing the Culture Moving Forward As you can see, there are some things that I really wish would change in the fitness industry. I’d like to see women included more in exercise science and sports research. And I have seen this shift lately. This is a good thing, but there are caveats. Since much of the research is still new, it’s important to really understand the data and its limitations to make an informed decision. How can you help shift and improve the conversation around strength? What changes do you see happening in this industry? Leave a comment on the episode page! In This Episode Educating clients on the importance of different approaches to nutrition and strength [4:30] Some of the most influential women who have inspired me [18:40] Recognizing and embracing change [23:00] Looking ahead at the changing landscape of nutrition and strength [28:15] Quotes “We as coaches have to be willing to do the education piece and constantly talk about why we’re not going to do things in this other way and why we’re doing things in this different way.” [4:50]  “Fitness is not a specific look. Fitness is how well you can perform a task; how well-suited to the task are you.” [12:08] “If you need to make adjustments to your training because you’re not feeling it, that’s okay. But a lot of the things that we hear people talking about are just not grounded in what the collective body of research says.” [32:17] Featured on the Show Apply for Strength Nutrition Unlocked Here Find the full show notes here Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative Support the Podcast Get 20% off Legion Supplements with code STEPH Get 10% off GORUCK with code FYS10 Follow Steph on Instagram Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Related Episodes FYS 399: Are You Overtraining? FYS 380: From Endurance To Lifting: Top Sports Nutrition & Training Lessons FYS 3771: Why The Fitness Industry Needs Quality Coaches