What Does Being HAES-Aligned Mean?

The Health At Every Size (HAES) alignment was created by the Association of Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH) to ensure that ALL bodies receive equitable access to care and support, especially in the fitness industry. HAES aligned personal trainers promote sustainable mental and physical health behaviors, independent of weight loss, by celebrating all body types, providing safer health-focused support, and encouraging clients to trust their bodies. 

In opposition to the restrictive, weight-centric diet culture that we are often immersed in, HAES aligned trainers understand that diets do not work, are not sustainable, and frankly, lead to unhealthy habits that do more harm than good. Research has shown that disordered eating and overexercising can actually create an unintended dysregulation of the body’s hormones which can contribute to significant health concerns. HAES aligned trainers encourage their clients to accept their body as it is and guide them in creating a routine that supports their set-point weight, (the weight the body naturally maintains when internal hunger and satiety cues are followed). This promotes self-efficacy, self-esteem, and, ultimately, an improved self-image in all clients.

Unrealistic societal values of a “perfect” body type have masked the importance of listening to our own bodies. No one needs to constantly be told they are “too big”, “too fat”, “too thin”, “too” anything. HAES aligned personal trainers strive to reinforce the fact that bodies come in a spectrum of shapes and sizes and that one’s health cannot accurately be determined by a judgmental glance. HAES aligned movement studios, like My Health Matters Fitness in Hadley, and dietitians, like Happy Valley Nutrition in Amherst, are available to support you because all bodies are good bodies!