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Fifteen years ago, on a quest to lose weight, I joined a Learn to Run 5K clinic.
Vairdy Photography / Greystone Books
On the first night, our run leader introduced herself and to my surprise, she was aplus-sizeathlete.
Ten years ago I opened a business called Body Exchange, a fitness boot camp dedicated to plus-size women.
Since opening my business Ive trained thousands of plus-women and guided them to realizing their athletic potential.
Vairdy Photography
I believe that fitness comes in all shapes and sizesI witness this every day.
But I also know thatembarking on a fitness journeycan feel daunting.
Here are my tips for getting started and unleashing your inner athletein the body you have now.
It has been proven that people who are motivated by core-values sustain changes for the long term.
Think about your core values and get to know them; write down your why and keep it visible.
It may take some time to find your why, but thats what will keep you going.
Getting the right gear is an essential to step in your fitness pursuits.
Lets not go there.
We dont want any reasons to arise that beckon you to throw in the towel.
There are many up-and-coming brands that realize that fitness comes in a range of sizes.
Here are some of SELF’s favoriteplus-size workout clothing brands.
I recommend writing this acronym down vertically in a notebook and breaking your goals down in each category.
For example: I am going to meal prep five days a week.
I will go grocery shopping on Sundays and Thursdays and prepare all my meals in advance for the week.
I am going to do this for 30 days, then reassess.
Your support system is paramount to your fitness success.
I often remind women that they are the CEO of their own bodies.
Like any good CEO, they have the right to interview and vet who they work with.
You dont have to accept whoever is assigned to you by the gym staff.
Its essential that both you and your trainer have synergy in what health and fitness means to you.
These suggestions are usually made because these forms of exercises are typically viewed as more gentle.
But that might not work for every woman.
I say, break the rules and do what feels good for you and your body.
I personally know many plus-size women who participate in triathlons,running, and CrossFit training.
The key is to start off slow and work at a manageable pace to avoid injury.
If it feels good to you, break the rules and just do it!
As I mentioned earlier, the will to keep going has to come from within.
But whats more important for your success are the messages you create internally.
Your own thoughts and beliefs are an important element to living your athletic dreams.
I recommend introducing daily mantras into your routine.
Here are some of mine:
I am an athlete.
I am strong and capable.
Ive put in the training time; I can do this.
Find a mantra that feels authentic to you.
Say it, write it, chant it, be it.
These negative experiences caused them a great deal of shame and disdain for moving their bodies.
This can be added to your mantra list.
Seek the right support, step forward with this new mindset, and enjoy the ride.
Theres great reward in experiencing just how strong your body can be.
We know from many studies that sustainable weight loss is difficult.
Yet, unfortunately, for many women, the scale is their only measurement for athletic success.
For many years and for this very reason, I felt like a constant failure.
In my opinion,the scale holds the least value in my fitness achievements.
How far can you run or walk?
How has your flexibility improved?
How long can you plank?
How quickly do you recover after dashing up a flight of stairs?
How is your energy level?
When the scale is your only measure of success, it can breed feelings of defeat.
And making weight your focus detracts from all the important ways you are improving your health and fitness.
Women of size, especially in fitness, dont get a lot of visibility.
Take note that you are part of a bigger picture and are smashing stereotypes along the way.
I want you to celebrate your success each and every day.
Its your time now to celebrate your body and everything its capable of.
Theres never been a more exciting time for plus-size women in fitness and sport.
Everybody deserves the right to sweat, endorphins, and victory.
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