108. Dr. Weili Gray on Embracing Her Ectomorph Body Type

May 11

Having a growth mindset, prioritizing strength training, knowing your body type, and practicing regular self-care are the keys to taking control of your life. I’m joined by Dr. Weili Gray, a sleep and lifestyle physician who recently took one of my programs, to talk about the benefits she’s seen in her life since adopting my recommended practices.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize your self-care to improve all areas of your life. What do you do for your health, fitness, and well-being?

Listen to Episode 108 Here

Or listen on your favorite podcast app: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android

About Dr. Weili Gray

Dr. Weili Gray is a board-certified sleep, integrative, and lifestyle medicine physician who practices in Vermont. She is also a Registered Life Planner and the founder of Dare to Dream Physician, where she offers life planning and hosts a weekly podcast.

The Importance of Body Types and Strength Training

I’ve just met Dr. Weili Gray, but honestly, I feel like I’ve known her for a long time. What I love most about her, and it’s evident in this conversation, is how much she values her self-care. She also has a growth mindset which helps her continuously develop herself, her life, and her goals.

Dr. Gray says that she never used to prioritize strength training, but now that she does include it in her movement routine, she’s seeing the benefits across her life. Not only did she learn about the importance of strength training during my program, but Dr. Gray also learned about different body types!

She really stresses how much her knowledge of her own body’s needs developed when she started understanding the different body types out there. She also learned that actually making time for exercise is so beneficial to her as an ectomorph, the naturally slender body type.

Prioritize Yourself for More Control in Your Life

Dr. Gray explains why she prioritizes investing in herself. She says that it makes her a better person all around - she feels she improves in her roles as mom, wife, and physician when she practices self-care and puts her own needs first.

When she practices regular self-care, including her four days of exercise, Dr. Gray says she feels more in control of her life. She’s less stressed and better equipped to focus on everything she has going on. Dr. Gray also explains how she includes her family in her self-care routine and helps encourage their health and wellness, too.

Finally, we talk about the importance of adopting a growth mindset. It’s fine to know this stuff in principle, but to actually put it into practice takes dedication and a desire to grow as a person.

Have you adopted a growth mindset to improve your life? How often do you include your self-care practices in your routine? What do you do? Let me know what works best for you in the comments below!

In This Episode

How strength training is a tool for wellness [4:45]
The impact of learning about different body types [6:00]
What happens when you make time to exercise [9:00]
How investing in yourself impacts your goals and plans [18:00]
How practicing self-care helps you feel more in control of your life [19:45]
What happens when you include your family in your self-care journey [21:30]
The importance of adopting a growth mindset [27:00]

Quotes

“What I learned and solidified in your program is that running is great, it’s good to move your body. Any kind of movement, even walking, as you say. But that’s not enough. It doesn’t address all the muscle groups. This was my lightbulb moment. This is my new step. I’m going to uplevel myself as an athlete. Not only am I going to be a runner, but I’m also so excited that [strength training] is going to be my goal!” [16:11]

“I already feel that I am a better person. I’m a better mom, I’m a better wife, I’m a better physician because I actually feel and prioritize, at least four days a week, my self-care. Really putting that first is so important.” [18:48]

“The little things that we do every day add up to how we feel. I want to continue that!” [19:38]

“Once you find your why, it’s so much easier to make decisions, prioritize your life, design your life in a way that’s in full alignment with who you are, what you really want, and why you’re on Earth.” [30:28]