Some fitness experts seek to end drill-sergeant putdowns

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — My grandmother can do more push-ups than you. No one wants to see jiggly cellulite hanging out of a bikini. You need to make up for all those cookies you ate last night.

While those kinds of drill sergeant-style putdowns and body-shaming warnings have long been a part of many fitness classes across the country, some instructors and researchers are promoting a change of message aimed at empowering clients, relieving stress and fueling students with confidence.

"Body shaming and focusing on appearance and comparing yourself to other people, we absolutely know that's harmful for women," said Renee Engeln, a Northwestern University psychology professor who has been studying messaging in fitness classes.

"The more you're exercising to look good or to lose weight, the less you tend to enjoy it, the less you tend to stick with it. Whereas women who exercise because of how it makes them feel — healthier, stronger, less stressed — they tend to get more out of exercise and they tend to stick with it longer."