Mindful Movement with
Shannon Grega, MS, RDN, LDN, CPT
- Lyndsay Grega
- One Comment
For the topic of mindful movement, I decided to talk with someone who has experience both in the fitness and nutrition counseling industries. For this reason, I interviewed personal trainer and newest dietitian of Mindful Eating Dietitian, Shannon Grega. Shannon’s lifelong background in sports led her to a passion for exercise and nutrition that has shaped how she counsels her clients today.
When researching mindful movement, the majority of examples included yoga or running. While these exercises are incredibly beneficial and utilize mindfulness, I want to explore the concept of mindful movement in the realm of strength training and weight lifting. Shannon’s background in strength training fused with her knowledge as a registered dietitian make for a great conversation on the topic.
When in your nutrition journey did you realize you wanted to be a personal trainer?
I realised early on in my undergrad studies that I wanted to explore personal training. I enjoyed working out, even while playing sports, and was very comfortable at the gym or in a weight room. I realized others were confused or intimidated by strength training and wanted to be an assistance for them. I worked at the front desk of a gym during undergrad and would talk with members often. Once they learned I was studying nutrition they would also want to discuss what they are or aren’t eating. I wasn’t able to counsel them, but I learned quickly what common mistakes or concerns they had, both in nutrition and in the gym.
What were some of those concerns? Do you see those today with clients?
Members would talk about their intense diets they were on, and be frustrated with how they felt while working out. I heard a lot of crazy diets that I hadn’t previously known that were shocking. Then members would complain about their low energy levels, injuries, or not seeing results. I know they were frustrated with their results, but it wasn’t easy for me to tell them to just look at their diets. I wasn’t a dietitian at the time and had no right to counsel them, but today I would offer it. I do hear from clients that they are frustrated with progress or how they feel in the gym. I’m also happy to look over what they’re eating and see what we can change up to improve performance and overall well being.
Now being a dietitian, how do you bridge nutrition counseling and personal training with clients?
I let the client do the talking in each session, allowing them to tell me what their goals, frustrations, and current regimen are. From there, I try to help them decipher their current routine to their goals both in nutrition and training. The two definitely go hand in hand, and having background in both has allowed me to view different perspectives of concerns the clients have. I try to focus on foods around the workout or activity, ensuring they not only have energy but are also satisfied and hitting all their nutrient goals.
Given your background, what does mindful movement mean to you?
I believe that mindful movement is about moving your body for enjoyment as well as mindfulness. I like to ask clients what their expectations are with starting a workout plan or setting a goal. A goal that is centered around enjoyment and fun can lead to longer sustainability than a goal that is focused on weight loss or looking good. Mindful movement looks like many different forms of activity, but it should be with a goal of enjoying the process and wanting to stay with it.
Do you find it difficult to incorporate mindfulness into your personal training and nutrition counseling techniques?
For the most part, no. Clients are very receptive to the idea of mindfulness and what that can look like in beginning a healthier lifestyle. Sometimes it just takes more educating on our part, because it is a fresh topic that moves away from the old, intense narrative of exercise. I love the idea of educating clients and the community on different health topics, so a client that is interested in hearing about mindfulness is always exciting for me.
"And if you don't enjoy it? You can quit...Saying no is always okay!
What tips would you offer to someone wanting to incorporate mindfulness into their exercise routine?
I would definitely say to determine what your “why” is. This can be related to why you are starting an exercise program, way of eating, or hobby. Why do you want to start doing this? From here, question what your expectations for this new exercise routine are. Do you expect to get stronger or faster, to lose weight, to just enjoy it? I suggest coming up with expectations for beginning it. From clients I’ve worked with and my own experience, expecting to try something new and enjoy it is a great way to begin a program. And if you don’t enjoy? You can quit, it is okay! We aren’t going to like everything we try. If you do enjoy it, determine if you can realistically stick with it long term. If you end each workout angry or unhappy, you most likely won’t want to continue. If you end each time feeling stronger, happier, and fulfilled, that is great!
I think it's great you mentioned that someone can quit if they don't enjoy it. That's often not what we're told.
I agree! But honestly, do you want to continue doing something you don’t enjoy? What are you going to get out of it? If you truly aren’t enjoying it, you can quit and find something else you enjoy. Saying no is always okay!
If you enjoyed hearing Shannon’s perspective on mindful movement, you may enjoy working with her on nutrition counseling! Shannon specializes in sports nutrition, basic nutrition education, and food freedom. Book a session with her today here!
Lyndsay Grega
Dietetic Intern, Rowan University
Itís hard to come by well-informed people in this particular subject, however, you seem like you know what youíre talking about! Thanks