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The Elephant in the Gym
Everywhere you look, the messages are there. 10 days to drop 20 pounds. Gluten is making you fat. 12 minutes a day can get you a bikini-ready body by summer. It sounds exciting, but the real message you're getting is this: your body doesn't measure up - in fact, you don't either - so you better do something about it...and quick!
What if the solution isn't a new diet or another fitness program?
In The Elephant in the Gym, award-winning Personal Trainer and Health Coach Gillian Goerzen gives you a healthy and kind way to approach your fitness and well-being. Grounded in science, self-compassion and Goerzen's personal journey through the 'body hatred battleground, ' you'll learn to ditch the diet, reclaim an empowered relationship with your body, and become healthier as a result.
With The Elephant in the Gym, you'll discover:
- No gym membership is required to be fit.
- Why traditional goal-setting is tripping you up.
- The one thing you need to set the foundation for success.
- What you can do to get started today.
- Practical strategies, tools and tips to help you be fit and healthy - for life!
Deeply personal, backed by detailed studies and real-life stories, you'll design a lifestyle fit for you and no one else (it's not one size fits all - and it never should be). The Elephant in the Gym takes your eyes off of the scale and puts the power of creating a healthy life in your hands.
What if the solution isn't a new diet or another fitness program?
In The Elephant in the Gym, award-winning Personal Trainer and Health Coach Gillian Goerzen gives you a healthy and kind way to approach your fitness and well-being. Grounded in science, self-compassion and Goerzen's personal journey through the 'body hatred battleground, ' you'll learn to ditch the diet, reclaim an empowered relationship with your body, and become healthier as a result.
With The Elephant in the Gym, you'll discover:
- No gym membership is required to be fit.
- Why traditional goal-setting is tripping you up.
- The one thing you need to set the foundation for success.
- What you can do to get started today.
- Practical strategies, tools and tips to help you be fit and healthy - for life!
Deeply personal, backed by detailed studies and real-life stories, you'll design a lifestyle fit for you and no one else (it's not one size fits all - and it never should be). The Elephant in the Gym takes your eyes off of the scale and puts the power of creating a healthy life in your hands.
202 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2018
15 people are currently reading
675 people want to read
About the author
Gillian Goerzen
1 book17 followersHealth and Fitness Coach Gillian Goerzen wants you to ditch your diet and quit doing workouts you dread. With a degree in Kinesiology and over 20 years of health coaching experience, Gillian's personalized lifestyle strategies have helped hundreds of clients redefine what fitness means to them, and get lasting results they never dreamed possible - free from diets, programs, systems, pills and products. From hating her body at the age of 5, it took more than 20 years, an eating disorder, an Ironman, and becoming a mom to finally uncover the kinder, more compassionate approach to health and fitness that she teaches today.
Gillian lives on Vancouver Island with her husband Mike and two children Connor and Chase. She teaches running clinics, fitness and yoga locally in her hometown of Nanaimo, BC and coaches clients from all over North America through her business Super You.
Gillian lives on Vancouver Island with her husband Mike and two children Connor and Chase. She teaches running clinics, fitness and yoga locally in her hometown of Nanaimo, BC and coaches clients from all over North America through her business Super You.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 17, 2020
The Elephant In The Gym is a gift for those of us who never seemed to find a diet and fitness program that worked. This book teaches you a new way of thinking and setting goals based on what works for you. But even as I write this, I feel I’m not doing it justice. I was enlightened by this book. It gave me my AHA moment. THERE IS NO WAGON to fall from. I get to decide my diet. I get to decide my fitness activities based on what works for me and what goals I’m willing to set. I don’t have to try and go from couch potato to working out 30 minutes a day. I can take smaller steps than that. I don’t have to promise I’ll never eat another piece of bread or another donut. It doesn’t have to be that way.
I encourage anyone who has struggled to meet unrealistic diet and fitness goals to read this book.
I received a free copy of this book from Booksirens. My review is voluntary.
I encourage anyone who has struggled to meet unrealistic diet and fitness goals to read this book.
I received a free copy of this book from Booksirens. My review is voluntary.
November 8, 2018
There are whistle blower books but Gillian has busted into the fitness industry with a full on marching band. This book is based on research and science AND love and support. It creates space for a long overdue conversation about creating personalized health goals and fitness journeys. The writing is accessible and the advice liveable. You won’t get a buffet sized serving of guilt and shame you might be used to from other health books but you will get practical strategies and bite sized wisdom from a professional with many years of practical experience. Love it!
November 3, 2018
This book was exactly what I needed! It opened my eyes to the thoughts and behaviour patterns that I wasn’t aware I was struggling with when it came to my health and fitness and presented me with a new way of framing my mindset about health and fitness that fits with my real life and my goals and values. Then it presented me with some actions and strategies to get going. I had several “Aha!” moments while reading it, and am now working though the helpful resources included. Written in an honest, kind, witty and motivating tone, reading it felt like having a really good conversation with a trusted friend over coffee, which was very refreshing. I like that the author has over 20 years experience in the industry and the credentials to back her up (it’s hard to know who to trust sometimes in the fitness industry!), but was also willing to share her own personal story. This is one of those books that will stay with me long after I’ve read it, and one that I’ll probably revisit when I need to refocus and recentre.
August 14, 2019
Full disclosure I know the author so you can assume my bias. However this is the book I would gift anyone that has bounced on and off every fitness and diet trend and failed. It is well written, makes sense, tells the truth about a healthy life and doesn’t up sell you crazy diet and fitness fads. It’s a clear recipe for a healthy habit, not a flash in the pan. And it’s going to create a life that’s enjoyable not a chore. This book wasn’t written for me. I’m on the end of the spectrum where I exercise frequently and eat well, but I still learned some things here. For the person that’s tried and failed several times, they finally see the elephant in their gym.
February 16, 2020
If you are just starting out on your health or fitness journey or if you feel frustrated about "falling off the wagon" time and again, this book is definitely for you. Gillian Goerzen has an exceptionally friendly and accessible writing style and her fairly short book was chock full of wisdom to help people be more successful in their health/fitness aspirations.
Two of my favourite concepts Gillian introduces is the idea of a "health zone" and fixed versus growth mindsets. These gave me the "a-ha!" moment I am always looking for in books like this. Her discussion of why goal-setting might be part of the problem also resonated with me.
Overall, a solid book that I would recommend to anyone just starting out or needing a bit of guidance/inspiration.
Disclaimer: I received a copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Two of my favourite concepts Gillian introduces is the idea of a "health zone" and fixed versus growth mindsets. These gave me the "a-ha!" moment I am always looking for in books like this. Her discussion of why goal-setting might be part of the problem also resonated with me.
Overall, a solid book that I would recommend to anyone just starting out or needing a bit of guidance/inspiration.
Disclaimer: I received a copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
November 8, 2019
I have read too many books on heath and fitness to name, but I was really drawn to this book . I was even more surprised to find out that the author is a local girl!!
WO-HOO!! Go Gillian!!
I love this book. Gillian is funny, smart and so relate able. I would suggest this book to anyone who has struggled with their own body image (everyone!) and anyone who is trying to become more active and conscious of their health and wellness.
WO-HOO!! Go Gillian!!
I love this book. Gillian is funny, smart and so relate able. I would suggest this book to anyone who has struggled with their own body image (everyone!) and anyone who is trying to become more active and conscious of their health and wellness.
February 24, 2019
I love Gillian Goerzen's approach to developing a healthy lifestyle that is geared to YOU. Unique as you are. By taking the time to look at the priorities in your life, you are able to make ways to incorporate healthy ways into your life. A healthy lifestyle looks at three areas - movement, nutrition and sleep. All are important when considering a healthy lifestyle. She is all about the combining the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of your life.
Goals trip you up. They are an end result that often derails us. Gillian doesn't say NO Goals, but she does advocate for having a healthier view of them - assessing and reflecting on how they are going and looking for next steps as it relates to the changing nature of your life.
She also advocates for self compassion and mindfulness as it relates to our healthy steps. We all have moments of being human and we need to see those with a more open mindset that allows us to face that moment and refocus ourselves so that our healthy lifestyle does not become all or nothing.
Gillian also proposes non-negotiable aspects - things we do regardless of what kind of stress hits our life. A health zone that is a range from these non-negotiables (unique to you) to the ideal. For me I want to increase my water intake - my range is between 1500 to 2000 ml a day. I should be able to get 1500 ml (my non-negotiable) to 2000 ml or above (as my ideal).
I will definitely be keeping this book on my reference shelf... but only after I take the time to consider what my healthy lifestyle will be... for me.
Goals trip you up. They are an end result that often derails us. Gillian doesn't say NO Goals, but she does advocate for having a healthier view of them - assessing and reflecting on how they are going and looking for next steps as it relates to the changing nature of your life.
She also advocates for self compassion and mindfulness as it relates to our healthy steps. We all have moments of being human and we need to see those with a more open mindset that allows us to face that moment and refocus ourselves so that our healthy lifestyle does not become all or nothing.
Gillian also proposes non-negotiable aspects - things we do regardless of what kind of stress hits our life. A health zone that is a range from these non-negotiables (unique to you) to the ideal. For me I want to increase my water intake - my range is between 1500 to 2000 ml a day. I should be able to get 1500 ml (my non-negotiable) to 2000 ml or above (as my ideal).
I will definitely be keeping this book on my reference shelf... but only after I take the time to consider what my healthy lifestyle will be... for me.
February 19, 2020
This book explores behaviors and influences that you may or may not be aware are affecting your progress. As a woman who is currently, has been and has not been trying to find a way to lose weight, get healthy, and exercise this book rang a lot of bells for me. It tackled social influence, it was interactive so I could take my time and really give pause to questions that were asked. If you are struggling or if you are just trying to maintain your current success this is a good one to pick up. I liked that the author called out some of my thoughts, I knew it but sometimes you need to see it to believe it. Very good self help book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 13, 2020
This book was recommended to me in an article about books that are positive to changing one's health. I loved this book for many reasons. It introduced ideas and practices that I had not read about elsewhere. It gave me many ideas on how to improve my health in a positive, guilt-free manner. The book provides excellent practice activities and resources for the reader to use / put to practice. The book has allowed for deep reflection, journaling, and has inspired me to shift the way I approach my health and fitness.
October 22, 2022
I received this Kindle book from Goodreads.com in exchange for an honest review. Gillian did an excellent job of reframing how we think about ourselves. Would you talk to your best friend the way you talk to yourself? Having a cookie doesn’t make you a complete failure. Missing a workout does not mean your whole fitness plan has fallen through. The language Gillian uses is not accusatory. It feels more like a bit of a counseling session with care and compassion used for self-development.
December 19, 2018
This is a must have book for anyone who want to be in a healthy relationship with your body. Amazing science based tip, touching personal stories and very inspiring! Wow. I loved Elephant in the Gym. Not your typical fitness book.... can you imagine.... a book that promotes REAL beauty!!!!! Highly recommend. Perfect for a book club.
January 28, 2019
Boring and repetitive. She regurgitates others ideas to create her own. Not worth the time.
May 31, 2021
Did not finish. Dumb.
May 3, 2020
Very thorough and easy to follow.
February 7, 2023
This book was mentioned in an article about healing your relationship with and finding joy in moving, like we did when we were children. Both the article and the book blurb resonated with me on many levels: I was luckily never a fan of diets, understood the effect of images can have on us in the media, understood the need for movement and exercise and I genuinly love my body...
However being in constant pursue of personal development and growth, in the recent year it became super hard to stick to any exercise routine and to give any positive twist on this self-defined "failure". As a result this creeping feeling of unhappiness, guilt (why eat an ice cream, you didnt exercise?) and frustration with the made choices (well F it, ice cream is already in, we start again on Monday with the healthy stuff). But I have to do something about it all, I have to be better somehow, right??
I think the author does a great job highlighting where these struggles come from and gives helpful tools to give yourself a break. I particularly enjoyed defining what health means to me specifically, the concept of a flexible health zone (who knew you can make a range out of your desired amount of exercise) and the refreshing notion of actually not setting goals. Like wow, we could do that all this time?? That's a welcome mindset change.
Additional thank you for the language sections - the notion of "cheat meal" hit me hard. Hello there diet culture! From now on these are definitely "treats" to enjoy.
Focus on the proces, do what makes you happy to love the process. Check in regularly to see if it still works for you and you are set for the rest of your life. Bonus: if you dont feel like changing anything about your life, it is perfectly fine too.
I found it an interesting and easy read that aligned with my own views developed in the recent years, at the same time answering some unanswered questions and giving tools to tackle the remaining struggles. I will be recommending it to anyone who will listen.
However being in constant pursue of personal development and growth, in the recent year it became super hard to stick to any exercise routine and to give any positive twist on this self-defined "failure". As a result this creeping feeling of unhappiness, guilt (why eat an ice cream, you didnt exercise?) and frustration with the made choices (well F it, ice cream is already in, we start again on Monday with the healthy stuff). But I have to do something about it all, I have to be better somehow, right??
I think the author does a great job highlighting where these struggles come from and gives helpful tools to give yourself a break. I particularly enjoyed defining what health means to me specifically, the concept of a flexible health zone (who knew you can make a range out of your desired amount of exercise) and the refreshing notion of actually not setting goals. Like wow, we could do that all this time?? That's a welcome mindset change.
Additional thank you for the language sections - the notion of "cheat meal" hit me hard. Hello there diet culture! From now on these are definitely "treats" to enjoy.
Focus on the proces, do what makes you happy to love the process. Check in regularly to see if it still works for you and you are set for the rest of your life. Bonus: if you dont feel like changing anything about your life, it is perfectly fine too.
I found it an interesting and easy read that aligned with my own views developed in the recent years, at the same time answering some unanswered questions and giving tools to tackle the remaining struggles. I will be recommending it to anyone who will listen.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews