Episode 15: Patience in the Process

Join us on Training Age for an engaging and heartfelt exploration into the intricacies of long-term fitness and health journeys. Listen in as our clients, Kari Bristow and Sara Wutzke, open up about their personal experiences with setting and striving for goals that span years, not just months. Both mothers of four, Kari shares her evolution from fitness competition to finding a sustainable lifestyle, while Sara discusses her shift from athlete to yarn shop owner and how therapy has redefined her approach to health. Their stories are a testament to the power of patience, the significance of daily habits, and the joy found in the process of maintaining a healthy lifestyle over time.

This conversation further unwraps the layers of transformation that come with unlearning detrimental habits and embracing flexibility. Kari and Sara candidly address the challenges they faced in relinquishing control and trusting their coaches to guide them towards healthier nutritional and fitness choices. They discuss the mental battles that come with body image issues, the impact of external perceptions, and the strength found in owning their decisions. It's a revealing look at the mental and emotional aspects of health and fitness, highlighting the necessity of self-forgiveness and the freedom that comes with flexible thinking.

Rounding out our discussion, we also examine the role of health choices in personal growth and the positive changes that ripple into family life. Learn how we've encouraged our children to appreciate food for its nutritional value and the joy of shared meals, countering negative societal messages. Finally, we delve into the concept of 'peaceful striving' and how to balance the drive for improvement with contentment in the present. Through personal anecdotes and shared wisdom, our guests illuminate the profound impact that health decisions can have not just on our bodies, but on our overall fulfillment in life.

Episode Summary

(0:00:13) - Long-Term Fitness Journey (12 Minutes)

This chapter features our clients Kari Bristow and Sarah Wutzke, who join us to share their fitness journeys and the importance of setting long-term goals. We explore how patience and daily habits, like tracking macros and scheduling workouts as non-negotiable appointments, contribute to success in health and fitness. Kari, a mother of four with a background in fitness competition and a passion for stand-up comedy, talks about finding a sustainable approach to fitness with her coach Val. Sara, also a mother of four, discusses her transition from athlete to yarn shop owner, her struggles with consistency in workouts and diets, and how therapy helped shift her mindset from minimizing herself to embracing her presence. Both guests embody the spirit of embracing the process, demonstrating that persistence and enjoyment in one's fitness routine are key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle over time.

(0:12:31) - Transformation Through Unlearning and Flexibility (12 Minutes)

This chapter tackles the difficult journey of unlearning harmful habits and the liberation that comes with entrusting a coach to guide one's fitness and nutritional choices. We explore the struggle of overcoming the rigid thinking that leads to self-destructive behaviors and the importance of flexibility, forgiveness, and cutting oneself some slack. The conversation reveals how working with a professional can help identify and correct patterns that don't serve us, emphasizing the necessity of trusting someone else's perspective to break free from the cycle of self-punishment. Additionally, we touch on the personal battles of getting out of one's own way, confronting body image issues, and the challenge of owning one's decisions without being swayed by others' perceptions, particularly in public settings like the gym.

(0:24:29) - Embracing Slow, Sustainable Fat Loss (10 Minutes)

This chapter explores the personal journey of transitioning from a history of binge eating and yo-yo dieting to a more sustainable, enjoyable approach to fat loss. I discuss the importance of a tailored approach to dieting that suits an individual's needs, the concept of shifting one's identity around food, and the value of patience and habit-building in achieving long-term health goals. We also talk about the mindset shift from deprivation to abundance, focusing on vitality and strength. Sara shares her current goals, which include a long-term, health-focused fat loss phase, overcoming self-imposed limitations, and pursuing a life of more options and fewer restrictions, like comfortably enjoying water parks and travel. The conversation highlights the importance of aligning one's actions with personal values and the desire for a life filled with joy and free from the constraints of weight-related anxieties.

(0:34:27) - Personal Growth Through Health Choices (5 Minutes)

This chapter explores the personal journey of weight loss and the internal conflicts that come with it. We examine the decision-making process around the use of weight loss medications like Wegovy, the emotional rollercoaster of receiving praise for weight loss, and the fear of regaining weight. Acknowledging the struggle with self-acceptance and the resentment of having to make an effort to change, we discuss the importance of aligning habits with one's future self and the realization that while making harder choices can be challenging, they often lead to a more fulfilling and easier life. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the transformative power of taking ownership of one's health decisions and the positive, holistic changes that can follow.

(0:39:25) - Positive Changes in Health and Family (14 Minutes)

This chapter we explore the importance of educating children on the positive aspects of food and exercise, focusing on the benefits for their health rather than aesthetics. I share how I've worked to instill in my kids an understanding of why we eat certain nutrients, like protein for muscle strength, carbohydrates for energy, and fats for brain health, while also addressing the challenges of body image issues. We also touch on the significance of demonstrating healthy eating habits, such as using a food scale to ensure proper nutrient intake, and the joy of preparing and enjoying nutritious meals together. Through personal anecdotes, I emphasize the role of parents in counteracting negative messages from society and fostering a healthy, pleasurable approach to food and physical activity in their families.

(0:53:08) - Finding Peace and Joy in Life (2 Minutes)

This chapter focuses on the concept of 'peaceful striving' as a means to maintain happiness, vitality, energy, and excitement in life. We explore the importance of finding peace in the journey of personal progress and how to embrace the joy within that process. The insights shared by our guests are aimed at inspiring and providing valuable advice for women on their paths to personal fulfillment. We discuss the challenges of maintenance in life and how it intertwines with our desires for a fulfilling existence, touching upon the balance between striving for improvement and finding contentment in the present. We conclude by expressing gratitude for the experiences and perspectives shared, which we believe will resonate with and benefit many listeners.