Getting Fit after Forty
For over 20 years, Frances Shavers’ full-time career was in higher education, but because of her dedication to health and fitness, she taught yoga and barre classes on the side. With a master’s and doctorate from Harvard, she planned to continue her career in a university setting. However in 2010, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and a rare and painful neurological condition called trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Over the next three years, she endured six brain surgeries that offered little relief from the symptoms, and she resigned from her university job in 2013. The combination of lack of sleep, numerous medications, stress, and depression caused Frances to gain weight and feel tired all of the time, making it a real struggle just to make it through the day. Understanding how vital self care is and because of her passion for health and wellness, Frances committed herself to a healthy lifestyle and then became a coach in order to assist others. In the process, she has helped women to reclaim their lives, end yo-yo dieting, gain confidence, and feeling better than ever before. When she isn’t coaching, Frances enjoys cuddling her fur babies, taking walks, and traveling with her husband. www.francesshavers.com
They Might Be Thinking:
- It’s too late for me.
- I don’t feel comfortable in my own body anymore.
- I hate full-length mirrors.
- I don’t want my partner to see me naked.
- I don’t want to shop for new clothes.
- I hate my body.
- I should just give up.
- What I used to do to get in shape doesn’t work anymore.
- Am I too old?
- I don’t want a mom (or dad) body.
- Life is too busy for me to get in shape right now.
- I don’t know where to start.
- I’m so frustrated.
- I’ve tried everything, but nothing’s worked.
- I want my body and my life back.
- I want to feel better.
- I’m tired all of the time and need more energy.
- I don’t want to starve myself.
- Will I have to workout all of the time?
- I want to get healthy, but I’m afraid it will be too expensive.
- I’m too embarrassed to workout.
Words That Might Be Encouraging:
- Why don’t we get healthy together?
- You are amazing, but I understand if you don’t feel like yourself.
- I really admire that you are dedicated to getting healthier.
- Would you like to go for a walk or to a fitness class together?
- You‘ve got this!
- I’m so proud of you.
- Let me know if you want to go shopping for workout clothes together!
- I support you and your goals 100%!
- I can learn a lot from you and get healthier, too.
- I think you look great, but I understand wanting to get healthier.
- I’d like to be healthier too. Let’s commit to holding each other accountable to eating better and working out more.
- Let’s go out for a healthy dinner together.
Words That Might Be Discouraging:
- Let’s go out for drinks and talk about it.
- You’ve said you were going to get healthy before and it never worked.
- But you’re already so skinny!
- Really? At your age? You’re not 20 anymore.
- You look fine. Don’t worry about it.
- You’re not fun to eat with anymore.
- Let’s go get a cheat meal!
- I heard that (insert diet, program, etc.) doesn’t work.
- You should do (insert diet, program, etc.)
- Why? You’re not that fat.
- Maybe it’s just your body type.
- You look better at your current weight.
- Don’t get anorexic!
- I made you your favorite brownies – you can have just one!
- Skipping one workout won’t matter.
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