Let’s get real: the world of fitness often feels like it’s plastered with six-pack abs and muscles that have muscles. But hey, not all of us are aspiring to be on the cover of a fitness magazine, right? If the thought of squeezing into spandex and jogging past judgmental joggers makes you cringe, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing— exercise is great for your body and mind, and you know what? No matter how big or small you may be, there is really no reason why you should not be able to hit the gym or visit a yoga class and take care of you.
That being the case, let’s knock down some of those barriers to moving, no matter what your body type.
1. Embrace Body-Positive Workouts
Maybe, the first thing you should do on your journey to working out with the body you have, is find your fitness tribe. There are tons of body-positive workout classes, like the pilates classes at Carrie’s Pilates, for example, out there that celebrate diversity and encourage people of all shapes and sizes to get active. These classes focus on what your body can do, not how it looks while doing it. It’s about feeling good, increasing your energy, and having a blast—not burning X calories or achieving visible abs.
2. Set Your Own Pace
Who said you need to sprint before you can jog? No one did, right? Starting slow is perfectly fine for pretty much everyone. In fact, it’s smart if you want to make progress and avoid those annoying injuries that can set you back to square one faster than you can say “shin splints.” Your workout routine shouldn’t be a copy-paste of someone else’s. Tailor it to fit YOU. Love dancing? Crank up the tunes and shimmy at home. Prefer a quiet stretch? Yoga might just be your thing. Listen to your body and increase the intensity when you’re ready, not because some fitness guru on Instagram told you to.
3. Celebrate Small Victories
Every single step you take toward being active is a win, and it deserves a high-five (even if it’s just you high-fiving yourself). Managed to walk for 15 minutes today? Awesome. Held that yoga pose a second longer? Fantastic. Fitness isn’t an all-or-nothing game. It’s a series of small efforts that add up to big results over time.
4. Focus on Fun
If working out feels like a chore, you’re doing it wrong. The key to sticking with an exercise routine is to make it enjoyable. Try different activities to see what clicks for you. Maybe it’s a Zumba class that feels more like a dance party than a workout, or perhaps it’s a nature hike that doubles as a photo safari. When you focus on having fun, the benefits of exercise come as a happy bonus.
5. Dress for Success
Wearing the right gear can make a world of difference. Invest in workout clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. Today’s activewear options are endless, catering to all body types and sizes. And remember, the right pair of shoes can make you feel invincible!
6. Ignore the Haters
Unfortunately, gyms can sometimes feel like a breeding ground for unsolicited advice and judgment. Remember, you’re working out for you, not for the approval of anyone else. Plug in your headphones, crank up your favorite tunes, and zone out the critics. Your fitness journey is just that—yours.
7. Use Technology to Your Advantage
There’s an app for everything these days, and fitness is no exception. Use apps to track your progress, set reminders, or find new workouts that suit your style. Many apps also offer community support where you can connect with like-minded individuals who are on similar fitness journeys.
8. Be Kind to Yourself
Finally, but maybe most importantly of all, you really do need to try your best to be kind to yourself. Some days you’ll feel like a rockstar in your workouts. Other days, not so much. That’s totally normal. Fitness is a journey with ups and downs. What’s important is that you stick with it and recognize the effort you’re putting in.
Your body is capable of amazing things—no matter its shape. By finding the right workout, pacing yourself, and throwing the conventional fitness “rules” out the window, you can make exercise a rewarding and enjoyable part of your life. So, lace up your sneakers, throw on your favorite workout gear, and remember: every body is a workout body!
