GUEST BLOGGER: Fitness Has No Size: 4 Tips For Plus Size Athletes

Today I am happy to share with you a post by friend and fellow wellness blogger Chasi Jernigan of SweatInMascara.com. Chasi is a plus size fitness instructor, mom, wife, and overall phenomenal woman helping others make positive healthy changes in their lives. Be sure to check her out on instagram @sweatinmascara or on her blog at www.sweatinmascara.com.

Did you know that fitness magazines and workout DVD’s push that lean and toned bodies with bulging muscles are the only athletes in our world. That is one of the biggest myths perpetuated by our culture and I’m always here to remind you that it’s not TRUE!

Fitness is for everybody and every body! Just look around. Plus-size athletics are everywhere. You may notice them at your local gym, group fitness class, or even the World Olympics. Don’t believe me check out Amanda Bingson, World Olympian who smashed hammer throw records hitting 248 feet.

These days plus-size athletes are making body shamers eat their words. Determination has no limitation so if you are a #psfitspo here are a few tips that will help you unleash your sparkling inner athlete.

FIND YOUR TRIBE

You want to be around people who love and celebrate your wins, push you hard, and motivate you when you feel like quitting. You want to be in a place that empowers you. You want to be in a place where supporting others is a must. You will be inspired by others and others will be inspired by you. I teach Zumba Fitness twice weekly and the women in my class are all ages, sizes, and shapes… and they all inspire me in different ways. We push each other, we love other, and we will not let you quit (until the workout is done, lol). They are my tribe!

FALL IN LOVE WITH THE PROGRESS NOT THE SCALE

Progress not perfection! If you had a bad day that’s normal! We are not perfect and sometimes the scale can make you beat up on yourself for being human. We all have been a slave to the scale. I know at one point in time it was the downfall of my fitness journey, but now I can say I rarely use the scale. Your body weight is not the reflection of who you are. Most importantly, strength is an important part of fitness as well. Strength is not measured in numbers always! It could be that you cut your mile time by 3 minutes, did 5 extra push-ups , or completed your first burpee. That’s a reason to celebrate and be happy.

KEEP YOUR CURVES IN FORMATION

We gotta stay fly right, but we must have comfortable, breathable, and quality plus size active wear. You will save yourself time, chafing, and jiggling by investing in quality active wear. Who can get a good workout in with pants sliding down every 5 minutes? Uncomfortable active wear makes for an unproductive workout and though some would like to take selfies in the gym all day.. I didn’t I have work to do.

DO NOT LET ANYONE PUT YOU IN A BOX BECAUSE OF YOUR SIZE

When it comes to being a plus size fitness enthusiast, many will try to give you advice on what workouts to do because of your size. Fitness has no size. So do not let anyone label you. I’ve heard them all. “Aqua Zumba, water aerobics, or just walking so that it’s not too much stress on the body”. It’s all in the mind. You may love running, dancing for hours (such as myself), cross fit, or body building. Do whatever you want. You can do it!!!

Do you have any extra tips that I didn’t mention? If so, I would love for you to place them in the comment box below..