The Next Level Health & Fitness Podcast NLP671 - When Fitness Gets Toxic: The Problem With Praising Kids for Six Packs
In this episode of The Next Level Health & Fitness Podcast, Craig Smith and I dive into a viral Instagram clip from sales coach Andy Elliott that’s sparked serious controversy. He brought his 12- and 9-year-old daughters on stage at a business conference and had them show off their six-pack abs — the result of a 60-day challenge he gave them in exchange for a shopping spree.
Needless to say, the internet had thoughts. And so did we.
This episode goes deeper than just reacting to a tone-deaf moment. We explore the potential long-term damage this kind of public body-focused praise can have on young girls. As a fitness coach who’s worked with hundreds of clients and a dad myself, and with Craig’s perspective as a licensed clinical therapist, we unpack the broader message this sends — not just to kids, but to the adults raising them.
We discuss:
- Why this approach to “motivation” can lead to body image issues down the road
- The difference between teaching healthy habits vs. performance-based worth
- How to model a balanced lifestyle for kids without obsession or shame
- The role social media plays in glorifying extremes — even at a young age
If you’re a parent, coach, or someone who just cares about the mental and emotional health of the next generation, this episode is one you’ll want to hear.
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