CELEBRATING PLUS-SIZE ATHLETES AND FITNESS ENTHUSIASTS
Practical Advice for Starting or Enhancing Your Fitness Journey
Embarking on or enhancing your fitness journey requires a blend of motivation, practical planning, and a positive mindset. Begin by setting realistic and achievable goals that align with your long-term objectives, celebrating small milestones to maintain motivation. Choose activities that you genuinely enjoy, whether it's dancing, swimming, hiking, or strength training, as this will help sustain your commitment. Seek professional guidance from a coach or trainer to learn proper techniques and create a personalized fitness plan tailored to your needs and abilities. Building a support system of encouraging friends, family, or online communities can provide the motivation and accountability needed to stay on track. Listen to your body to avoid overexertion, ensuring you incorporate rest and recovery into your routine. Embrace body positivity by focusing on what your body can do rather than how it looks, celebrating your strengths and improvements in performance. Consistency is key to seeing progress, so establish a regular workout schedule and make physical activity a habit. Proper nutrition supports your fitness goals, so ensure you eat a balanced diet with adequate protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Finally, track your progress using a journal or apps to stay motivated and adjust your plan as needed, celebrating your achievements along the way.
Jessamyn Stanley - Yoga Practitioner and Teacher
Jessamyn Stanley is a trailblazing yoga instructor, author, and advocate for body positivity. Growing up, Jessamyn felt out of place in fitness spaces due to societal stereotypes about body size. She discovered yoga in her twenties, which became a transformative experience for her. Despite facing criticism and prejudice, she persevered and now dedicates her career to making yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of their body type. Jessamyn's approach is inclusive, focusing on self-acceptance and mindfulness. She has authored the book "Every Body Yoga," which shares her journey and provides practical advice for people of all shapes and sizes to start their yoga practice. Jessamyn has also been featured in numerous publications, including Shape, Good Housekeeping, and Cosmopolitan, and has a substantial following on social media, where she shares her yoga practice and body positivity messages. For those interested in yoga, she advises starting with beginner-friendly poses and using props like blocks and straps to ensure comfort and safety, gradually increasing the difficulty as flexibility and strength improve.
Sarah Robles - Olympic Weightlifter
Sarah Robles is an inspiring figure in the world of weightlifting, demonstrating that excellence in sports comes in all sizes. Growing up in California, she was naturally strong and gravitated towards sports like shot put and discus before discovering weightlifting. Despite facing significant challenges and prejudice due to her size, Sarah's determination and talent propelled her to the top of her field. She made history by winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, marking the first time in 16 years that an American woman medaled in weightlifting. Her achievements also include multiple national championships and international titles. Sarah's journey is a testament to resilience and hard work. She emphasizes the importance of proper technique and strength training exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. She also recommends working with a coach or trainer to ensure proper form and to prevent injuries. Sarah's story is not just about winning medals but also about breaking barriers and changing perceptions about what athletes should look like.
Mirna Valerio - Ultra-Endurance Runner
Mirna Valerio, affectionately known as "The Mirnavator," is a celebrated ultra-endurance runner who defies conventional stereotypes about long-distance runners. She began her fitness journey after experiencing a health scare, which motivated her to improve her health and well-being. Mirna started with walking and light jogging and gradually built up her stamina to compete in ultramarathons. Her story gained widespread attention when she was featured in major publications like Runner's World, Women's Running, and The New York Times. She authored the memoir "A Beautiful Work in Progress," which chronicles her experiences and challenges as a plus-size athlete. Mirna has completed numerous ultramarathons, including the Javelina Jundred 100K and the Georgia Jewel 50-mile race. Her presence in the running community has been a powerful force for inclusivity and body positivity. She encourages others to start their fitness journey with small, manageable steps, like walking or light jogging, and to gradually increase their distance and intensity. Consistent training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest are crucial components of building endurance and preventing injuries, she advises.
Ragen Chastain - Dancer and Marathoner
Ragen Chastain is a professional dancer, marathoner, and an outspoken advocate for body positivity and fitness at any size. Her journey began as a dancer, where she faced significant barriers due to her size but achieved tremendous success, becoming a three-time National Champion dancer. Ragen's passion for fitness led her to tackle marathons and triathlons, including earning the Guinness World Record for the heaviest woman to complete a marathon. She is currently training for an Ironman triathlon, a grueling event that includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. Ragen's work extends beyond her personal achievements; she is a motivational speaker and writer who educates and inspires others to embrace their bodies and pursue their fitness goals. She recommends a varied fitness routine that includes a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Finding activities you enjoy is key to maintaining motivation and consistency, and she emphasizes the importance of celebrating progress and accomplishments along the way.
Louise Green - Fitness Trainer and Author
Louise Green is a fitness trainer, author, and the founder of Big Fit Girl, a platform dedicated to empowering plus-size women in fitness. Growing up, Louise struggled with traditional fitness environments that often felt exclusionary. This experience inspired her to create inclusive fitness spaces that welcome all body types. She wrote "Big Fit Girl: Embrace the Body You Have," a book that encourages women to pursue fitness regardless of their size and offers practical advice for starting a fitness journey. Louise's approach to fitness is about finding joy in movement and building a supportive community. She has developed fitness programs specifically tailored for plus-size women, focusing on strength, endurance, and flexibility. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets, and she continues to inspire women around the world through her writing, coaching, and public speaking. Louise advises setting realistic and achievable goals, listening to your body, and celebrating small victories along the way. She emphasizes the importance of making fitness a fun and sustainable part of your lifestyle, incorporating a variety of exercises to keep workouts engaging.
