"My Balance is Bad"-And Other Stories We Tell Our Bodies

Vicki practicing a curb squat

"My balance is bad." That’s what one participant said during a Better Bones and Balance class. Others quickly chimed in, agreeing that their balance was “bad” too. I paused the class to interrupt their belief.

I invited them to consider how that statement might shape their experience.

“If you tell yourself your balance is bad, then the moment I give you a balance challenge, you’re already expecting to fail. Your body will deliver on that expectation. What if instead you said, ‘Balance is challenging for me,’ or ‘I’m here to work on my balance’?”

Challenges can be met. Skills can be developed. But “bad” is a dead end.

Words Reveal Beliefs

What participants say about their bodies is a window into how they see themselves, their capabilities, and what they believe is possible. As movement leaders, it’s important that we listen closely to understand how someone feels and to gently interrupt limiting beliefs when they show up.

Many times those beliefs are deeply tied to ageism. I hear it regularly:

• “I fell the other day, but I guess that’s what happens when you’re getting older.”

• “My back hurts—everything hurts when you get older.”

• “Don’t get old. It sucks.”

• “I’m too old for that.”

These statements aren’t just negative, they’re inaccurate.

Re-framing Aging and Ability

Falling is part of being human, not a personal failure or an inevitable consequence of age. If you fell and got back up without injury, that’s information and often a success. There’s something to learn there.

Pain is not a normal or acceptable part of aging. Discomfort deserves attention, support, and care. No one should be told to simply tolerate pain because of their age.

Growing older is a privilege not everyone is granted. More years may bring injuries, loss, or health challenges, but they also bring perspective, resilience, connection, and meaning. Life, at every age, is still a gift.

Offering a Different View

When we hear hopelessness or self-criticism, we have an opportunity to offer a new lens.

If someone is discouraged because an injury limits what they can do, we can help them focus on what is possible and remind them that showing up matters.

More Than Movement

Our role goes beyond leading exercises. We are witnesses to the stories people tell about their bodies. When we listen carefully and respond with empathy, education, and reframing, we help shape a more empowering movement experience—one rooted in capability, possibility, and dignity.

 If you want to dive deeper into the power of language and motivation listen to the podcast episode Cheryl Whitelaw and Laura Dow for a thoughtful conversation on how the words we use can either shut people down or invite them into movement. We explore practical ways to motivate participation and create more supportive movement spaces simply by changing our language.