Personal Training: From Good Intentions to Better Practice
Blog post by Vic Abate
What Size Inclusion Taught Me
Like many, my relationship with movement began in a gym. It was a space where I often felt alone and, looking back, deeply unaware. I followed what I had been taught without questioning who those teachings were designed for or who they quietly excluded.
As I moved forward and became a fitness professional, I began working with clients in both larger bodies and smaller bodies. That experience shifted everything. I quickly learned that good intentions were not enough. If I truly wanted to support my clients, I had to relearn what it meant to practice size inclusion in a way that was honest and embodied.
Bodies Are Not Problems That Need Fixing
One of the first lessons size inclusion taught me was that bodies are not problems to be fixed. Earning my Personal Training Certification meant I had been trained to look for limitations, compensations, and imbalances. But working with people across a wide range of body sizes showed me that bodies are not wrong or broken. They are adaptive, intelligent, and deserving of care exactly as they are.
That shift changed how I approached movement itself. I began practicing common movement patterns in ways that were informed by the real-world experiences of the people I work with. By intentionally engaging with similar obstacles my clients navigate, I retrained my brain. This helped me describe movements in ways that actually made sense, rather than relying on assumptions shaped by a narrow view of fitness.
Inclusive Cueing Is Crucial
Size inclusion also revealed how powerful language can be. Cueing matters more than we’re often taught, and small changes in wording can completely change how a movement feels. Saying “move toward the ground” instead of “touch the floor” removes a rigid expectation and opens up options. These shifts help more people feel successful by meeting their bodies where they are, encouraging exploration and connection rather than compliance.
Another critical lesson was that safety is both physical and emotional. A workout can be biomechanically sound and still feel unsafe if cues are harsh or unsupportive. When a client feels judged, rushed, or compared, the session is less likely to be successful. When clients feel emotionally safe, they are more willing to explore movement, ask questions, and trust themselves.*
Progress Does Not Need Numbers
This approach also expanded my understanding of progress. Size inclusion taught me that progress does not have to be measured in numbers. Improvements in mental health, confidence, ease in daily movement, and reduced pain are meaningful and often life changing. When success is defined by how someone feels and functions in everyday life, movement becomes more sustainable and more empowering. Also, practicing size inclusion is not about having all the answers. It is an ongoing commitment to listening, learning, and adjusting. It has challenged me to slow down, stay curious, and lead with compassion. In doing so, it has reshaped not only how I train others, but how I relate to my own body as well.
Joining the Current Wellness team has given me a space where this kind of practice is not only supported, but encouraged. Size inclusion, thoughtful cueing, and whole person care are built into the culture rather than treated as add ons. Working at Current allows me to show up fully as a trainer who values listening over fixing and curiosity over control.
Because of this environment, I am able to support clients in ways that feel honest, adaptable, and sustainable. My clients are invited to move in ways that honor their bodies, and I am given the freedom to continue learning alongside them. In this space, my practice is able to grow and thrive for all clients and for myself as well.
About the Trainer:
Vic (he/they) is a NASM certified personal trainer. He was born and raised in High Point NC, where he would develop a passion for mindful movement and sports. Vic holds a Bachelor's of Science degree from NC State in Environmental Sciences and he plans to expand his education in the realm of kinesiology.
You can learn more about him and his work here.
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