Earlier in 2017, I created a program called “Screw Skinny“. This 8-week in-person program offered through Hot Mama Health & Fitness combines fitness education, workouts and self-love exercises. The goal? Help women learn to love their bodies through fitness and what we call “Love Yourself More” exercises. We’ve recently finished the first 8-week session and to say feedback has been incredible is an understatement. It went far beyond my wildest expectations.
We first launched a trailer video for Screw Skinny that involved interviews with women talking about stepping off the scale, not defining their worth by numbers and, literally, taking sledgehammers to their scale. I must say the day of filming this video was one of the most powerful days I’ve experienced in my life and I am so grateful to everyone who was involved in that very first day of bringing my vision of Screw Skinny to life.
That day of filming culminated in a 9-minute Screw Skinny video. I hope you take the time to watch it because the women in it are PHENOMENAL and have a lot of good things to say.
But, an interesting thing happened after I launched the video. I started getting feedback that I was “skinny-shaming” or “skinny-bashing”. And, while yes, good marketing and programs are supposed to start conversations (which is exactly why I named the program Screw Skinny), I’m also open to conversations and feedback. I truly do listen to people (probably to a fault at this point) who reach out and connect with me. Well, as long as it’s done in a respectful and non-assholey, non-trolly way (know what I mean?!).
Let me be the first to say that I stand by the name “Screw Skinny“. I won’t be removing or editing the video we did, nor will I be changing the graphics on any social media posts we’ve previously posted. I also won’t apologize for a name that I truly believe in. I will, however, listen openly to feedback and consider opinions, options and suggestions. And yes, I have decided to change the name of our Screw Skinny program to Screw the Scale for our ONLINE program.
Why? Because I get it. I understand. And, I appreciate people taking the time to respectfully reach out to me and have an open and honest dialogue with me.
So, what really made me change the name? While I do stand by “Screw Skinny” and I do love the conversations I’ve had with others, the ENTIRE POINT of the name is to stop giving words like “skinny” so much power, it’s really more about stepping off the scale. So, why even bring the word into it.
Why? Because…again…it start conversations and it allows us to have a platform to talk about loving our bodies no matter what. Skinny, fat (yeah, I said it), fit, unfit, wiggly, jiggly, lean, cut…whatever the heck word you choose…I want to take the power away from descriptive and ridiculous words. BUT…I am one person with one small soap box. So, I’ve accepted the fact that I can continue to have conversations with people using different words.
Screw the scale, not screw skinny.
Will it be as impactful? Yeah…friggin’ rights it will. Screw the Scale is just as catchy and I won’t be told that I’m skinny-shaming anyone.
Here’s what actually got me to change the name. I had a woman message me and ask me to reconsider the name. I asked her why and that I think the name started conversations. She agreed. She liked what I was doing. But, she asked me to consider how a knobby-kneed 14-year old would regard the messaging “Screw Skinny”. Is she going to take the time to watch the video and really understand the purpose, or is she going to just see the graphic and think “My body is skinny, so screw me”?
Yikes.
Now that…that didn’t sit well. As I battle for women to love themselves. To accept one another and love one another NO MATTER WHAT. As I try to change the way women look at their bodies and at fitness, that comment stuck with me. I would never, ever in my entire life want someone to be made to feel less than because of a campaign I’m spearheading. I had to sit with it for awhile. I had to ponder and think. But, my gut, my heart, my head all begged me to change the name. So, I have.
I want to empower and inspire and motivate all women, teens and young girls to appreciate and love the vessel they have that takes them through their lives. No matter what the scale says, they have strength, power and beauty within their body. So, “skinny” has nothing to do with it.
I want to have conversations with women about loving and honouring their bodies and I do realize the power and influence I have, so I need to ensure the influence I’m putting out sits well within my own self and is a positive one for all women.
While I want women to step outside their comfort zones and actually talk about their powerful bodies I cannot do it if I have this little niggle in my heart. Knowing that I may affect a young girl in a negative way, that my words could impact someone in the exact opposite of my goal, well now…that’s something to really think about, isn’t it?
There’s really only one way I can continue with this full-on battle against negative self-talk and body-loathing. I must change the words I use. Words have so much power and it’s an uphill battle to convince most women (not all, I know this) that they’re so much more than their stupid morning weigh-ins.
I’m certain I will be throwing out my body-loving sword for years and decades to come, but I’m here and I’m committed to the good fight. I so desperately want you to stop and assess the power and strength of your body. But, it’s about stepping off the scale, not putting down the shape of a body. So y’all…Screw the Scale is the new Screw Skinny.
Same program. Same goals: stop, reflect and love the strength and power you have in your body.Different name.
You’re more than you give yourself credit for. Your body is beautiful and it does amazing things for you every single day of your life. It’s time to learn that, remember that and love yourself. You are not a number. You are strength and power.
Screw the scale.
*Our online version of Screw the Scale in launching May 4th…stay tuned!*