One of the main things that keeps me motivated in life is being around people who are also passionate about what they do – my husband, family members, friends, & co-workers. Jodi Rubin was a dedicated member in one of my willPower & grace® classes in New York City. Her commitment to the method kept me motivated to teach her. She’s one of those students who just feeds you, as an instructor, with passion & vigor, because she has so much of it. When Jodi wasn’t in class I missed her motivating presence and energy. Needless to say, we eventually became friends outside of class as well, and even though I am no longer living in NYC, Jodi and I keep in touch. As a guest blogger, Jodi has shared what her passion in work and life is, something that I believe all of us (especially those of us working in the fitness industry) should be more aware of.
Eating disorders have always been my passion. They have been my specialty since I began my LCSW private practice over a decade ago. Over the years I directed a program for eating disorders, currently teach a curriculum I created on eating disorders at NYU’s Graduate School of Social Work, and have done a few other things. Yet, I have not found a way to connect my love of healthy fitness and honoring one’s body with my passion for working with those struggling with eating disorders.
The issue of eating disorders within fitness centers is a ubiquitous one that I have noticed ever since I can remember. I’ve seen people spending hours on the treadmill, heard countless patients recounting their obsessiveness with the gym, and others seeming as though their self-esteem became immediately deflated if they couldn’t work out hard enough, fast enough or long enough. The research I have done has revealed that the presence of eating disorders within fitness centers is “sticky” and “complicated” and gets very little attention. Through no fault of anyone in particular, if people aren’t given the education and tools, then how can anyone feel knowledgable and confident to address this sensitive issue?
I went directly to fitness professionals to see what they thought about eating disorders within the fitness industry. As I suspected, it was clear that there is not a lack of interest in this issue. Quite to the contrary. Most, if not all, of those with whom I spoke were eager and excited to finally have a forum in which they could learn about eating disorders and how to approach the issue.
That’s when DESTRUCTIVELY FIT: demystifying eating disorders for fitness professionals was born. I created this 3-hour training with the goal of educating those within the fitness industry about what eating disorders are and what to do if they notice someone may be struggling. It has since been endorsed for continuing education by both the NASM and ACE and has sparked the interest of variety of fitness clubs.
Some stats for you…
- 10 million American women are struggling with eating disorders
- 1 million American men are struggling with eating disorders
- 81% of 10 year old girls are afraid of being fat
- 51% of 9-10 year old girls feel better about themselves when they are dieting
- 45% of boys are unhappy with their bodies
- 67% of women 15-64 withdraw from life-engaging activities, like giving an opinion and going to the
- doctor, because they feel badly about their looks
- 90-95% of those diagnosed with eating disorders are members of fitness centers
I am grateful for your time and interest in this critical issue. Please visit my website for more information about my training, my blog for more relevant goodies, and feel free contact me directly with any questions or training requests.
ABOUT JODI RUBIN
Jodi graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from SUNY at New Paltz and earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University. In addition to over a decade of work as an LCSW with individuals, families and groups in her private practice, Jodi is a former director of Day Treatment at The Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders and a founding member of Metropolitan Psychotherapy and Family Counseling Practice. She is the creator of a curriculum on eating disorders for the Graduate School of Social Work at New York University and has been teaching this course, as well as guest lecturing in the NYU Post-Master’s Program, for the past many years. Jodi is a contributor to We Are The Real Deal and actively lectures and teaches students, families and professionals throughout the metropolitan area about the etiology, prevention, treatment, assessment and work with eating disorders. Through psychotherapy and supportive work with adolescents, adults and families, Jodi works to create a secure sense of self, increased self-esteem and a healthy relationship with self and others. She works with an eclectic person-centered approach and tailors her practice techniques to the unique needs of each individual.