Tips to enhance your practice
First question your own default beliefs as a practitioner. What comes to mind
when you hear the words ‘overweight’, ‘fat’ or ‘obese’? How does it make you
feel?
Not every overweight person wants to lose weight, some just want to get fitter
or improve functionality – you start where they start!
Talk about weight and obesity without being offensive. To do this, focus on the
singular – on your client. Don’t generalise, as it is easy to bring up stereotypes.
Avoid making assumptions or over-sympathising.
Use behavioural change tools. Success will not be sustained if it does not come
from the client.
Set goals and take small steps.
Use your client’s culture as a reference, not your own.
Enable empowerment and encourage body positivity.
Assess over more than one session – get them moving.
Eating habits Equipment
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Consider culture – food rituals,
portion size, myths about
food, lifestyle.
Consider alternatives rather
than exclusions.
Minimise processed food.
Discuss portion control.
Monitor water intake, clients are
often dehydrated.
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Consider the maximum load weight
of the equipment, including scales.
Consider your client getting on and
off equipment – I have got stuck!
Use chairs, bands, Swiss balls,
yoga blocks, or double-up mats
for support.
Exercise
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Challenging but achievable.
Build in modifications – think about
transitioning from each move.
Extended warm up.
Use multi-plain exercises.
Laurett
Make it fun.
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