Good Morning!
There’s a nasty rumor out there that if you’re plus size then you’re automatically not healthy- NOT TRUE! Though one may not see a lot of us plus size ladies in the gym doesn’t mean we aren’t taking steps to be healthier and happier in our curves. I’m a firm believer that in order to truly love the skin you’re in you have to take care of YOU inside and out… I asked bootcamp extraordinaire Ms. Aja Davis to take the reins today , enjoy!
Plus-Sized and Fit
by Aja Davis
You know you should do it. Maybe even twice a day. I mean it ma
kes you feel so good, works up a good sweat and leaves you high for the rest of the day (or night). And the more you do it, the more you want to do it. It's even good for your skin. Some even do it with their sock on. Get you mind out of the gutter! I'm talking about working out! Yes, sex may be a way to work up a sweat but it is no substitute for the gym or a great exercise class. Many in the plus community, however, simply do not get enough exercise. There are many reasons for this but the main one I come across with many of my clients is fear. Fear of being ostracized or not fitting in at your gym or aerobics class. Repeatedly, I hear the same complaint, 'exercise just isn't for me.' And it's completely understandable to feel this way. The super thin and fit twenty-somethings that fill cardio rooms and exercise classes may seem to scream “If you're plus -sized, this is not for you!” And when you do actually make it into the gym, the fashionistas' icy stares pierce into you as if to say, “What are you doing here?” It is incredibly ironic. You want to get in shape, are aware of the need to lead a healthier lifestyle, and yet are made to fear the very avenues that lead to that end. So instead, you perfect your strut, surround yourself with other's who claim indifference and continue on with your life, perhaps sinking further and further into your own denial about your health and well-being.
Well, I'm hear to tell you that the denial has to stop. Stop lying to yourself! You may love your curves, but huffing and puffing up the subway stairs is not fun. Neither is being short on energy to enjoy your life, go out dancing, keep up with your girlfriends at the shopping mall, go bike riding, or whatever else tickles your fancy. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that everyone should want or needs to be a sized 2. In fact, many of my strongest clients are plus-sized and have no desire to be Jennifer Aniston.
You can have your curves and your health and I'll show you a few ways to do just that. Being afraid, unmotivated, or uninterested in exercise and leading a healthy lifestyle is not an option for those blessed with voluptuous curves. The added weight puts you at a higher risk of heart attack, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, joint pain and arthritis just to name a few. Being on a regular exercise program can help to mitigate and even prevent all those things, not to mention make your sex life better. And wouldn't it feel great to buy that dress even just one size smaller?
Here are some ways I encourage my plus-sized clientele to start being active and commit to a healthy lifestyle.
1. Find a buddy. Starting an exercise or nutrition program is much easier and much more fun when you have someone to do it with. Plus, it's easier to hold each other accountable. If none of your friends are interested, branch out. Try asking coworkers, maybe post a sign at your local grocery store or church. If you're on a neighborhood listserv, try posting for a workout buddy there.
2. Join my bootcamp. Shameless, I know, but seriously. I've created a bootcamp geared towards the needs of the plus community. People are friendly here and are incredible motivators for each other. Plus, you'll see serious results and when you graduate the program I'll buy you a pair of skinny jeans or a convertible dress by Monif C. Check it out at
www.newbodybootcampnyc.com
3. Do something that you enjoy. If exercise is a chore, you feel embarrassed or dread going, you won't stick with it in the long run. The goal should be to find something that you can sustain for more than a week or two. Ideally, you want something you can enjoy for months or years to come.
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4. Drink more water. This is a tip I always give no matter what. People simply do no drink enough. And water affects everything from mood, to weight, to appetite to digestion. To know how much water you should be drinking take your weight and divide it by 2. That will give you the number in ounces of how much water you should drink on a daily basis. Ex. If you weigh 200lbs/2 = 100oz of water A DAY!
5. Find a nutrition plan that works for you. The most important part, even more important that exercise is what you put in your body. Think about it like this: our cells are literally made up from the food we eat. That old saying you are what you eat is much truer than you may realize. If you eat a lot of junk, your cells build themselves off of junk and you start to look and feel much like the junk your eating. If you eat more fresh vegetables and unprocessed foods, you look and feel much lighter and happier because your cells are building themselves from things that truly nourish the body. Whether it's counting calories, weighing food, or a more holistic approach find what works for you and stick with it.
Being Plus-sized does not mean you can't or shouldn't exercise and think about your health. You just have to find the right program for you. With a little persistence and effort you will soon be on your way to a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Aja Davis is a certified personal trainer in Brooklyn, NY and owner of New Body Bootcamp & Wellness where she works with a variety of clientele, including many plus sized women and men.
Please share, How do stay active? What if anything, do you think you could improve on health-wise?
~Luvin’ My Curves… Workin’ It Out!
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