Embracing Body Positivity!

In todays’ society, women are constantly bombarded with unrealistic beauty standards generated by social media and advertising. We see magazines airbrushing the models on their covers, Instagram showing cleverly edited, well-chosen feeds and flawless skin and the so-called ‘perfect’ body shape everywhere we look, so it’s no wonder we feel the pressure to conform to an extremely narrow definition of beauty, leaving us with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

What is body positivity?

The concept of body positivity offers a powerful antidote to the negativity and feelings of low self-esteem. It encourages women to embrace their bodies just as they are. Let’s all be a little bit more Mark Darcy ‘I like you very much, just as you are!’ (Bridget Jones 😊)

Body positivity is a movement that challenges traditional beauty norms and promotes self-love and acceptance. After all, we should love ourselves the most – we live with ourselves our whole lives 24/7 (no escape) and that is a long time to be unhappy and dissatisfied.

Body positivity promotes mental well-being by promoting a positive body image. When we, as women, learn to accept and appreciate our bodies, regardless of size or shape, then we experience improved self-esteem and reduced levels of anxiety, low mood and depression. We can then focus on our strengths and talents and begin to enjoy the things that we want to do now, instead of waiting – ‘I’ll do that when I’ve lost weight’, ‘I’ll do that when I’m more toned and less flabby’. Why are we waiting? It doesn’t make any sense at all, let’s be happy and do the things that we want to do, now! 😊

Body positivity also promotes physical health by encouraging women to make self-care a priority and to adopt healthy habits that nourish our bodies and minds. Let’s not strive for unattainable ideals, but instead, focus on cultivating strength, stamina and vitality which will lead to a more balanced and sustainable approach to wellness.

How can I embrace body positivity?

Learning to embrace body positivity is a journey that requires self-reflection, self-compassion and intentional actions. Here are 7 ways to cultivate a positive relationship with your body:

Practice self-love. This is so important, as I mentioned earlier. Why on earth would we not want to love ourselves? Start treating yourself with kindness and compassion. Think about what you would say to a friend or relative and say the same thing to yourself. Instead of criticising your body, focus on supporting its strengths and capabilities. Try daily affirmations to give a sense of appreciation for your body’s unique qualities. This might feel weird at first but try it and you’ll be surprised how powerful it can be.
Challenge negative thoughts. Become aware of any negative thoughts that you have about your body and when they surface, and actively challenge them. Replace self-critical thoughts with affirmations that emphasise your self-worth and acceptance. Remember that your value is not determined by other people’s perception of you.
Surround yourself with positive influences. Limit exposure to media and social media accounts that promote unrealistic beauty standards or trigger feelings of inadequacy. This is so important as this can really affect how you feel. Simply limiting exposure or eliminating it altogether can make a huge difference instantly. Look for content that promotes self-acceptance and celebrates the inner person – so the gift rather than the wrapping!
Focus on health, not appearance. Shift your focus from achieving a certain appearance to prioritising your overall health and well-being. Join in activities that make you feel strong, energised and fulfilled, whether that’s a yoga class, going for a walk in the fresh air, dancing or doing our 30-minure resistance circuit, whilst engaging in some socialising. Nourish your body with nutritious foods that fuel your body and give you energy. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
Practice gratitude for your body’s achievements. Celebrate your body’s strength and resilience and take pride in what your body can do rather than what it can’t or how it looks. Celebrate milestones and accomplishments, whether it’s completing a challenging workout, mastering a new skill or simply getting through a tough day.
Engage in positive self-talk. Be mindful of the language you use when speaking about your body, both internally and externally. Replace negative self-talk with affirming, positive statements that acknowledge your worth and potential. Treat yourself with the same kindness and respect you would offer a loved one.
Seek support when needed. Remember that embracing body positivity is not always easy and it’s okay to seek support when you’re struggling. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend, seeing guidance from a therapist or joining a body-positive community, know that you are not alone on this journey.

Embrace your body and work on building strength, building stamina, improving sleep, increasing your water intake and fuelling your body with nutritious foods. These small steps will make you healthier and feeling better about yourself. I follow these steps and I am strong and healthy. I can move, lift and keep up with Poppy (I’m not sure for how long as she’s very fast lol) and for that I am eternally grateful! I incorporate things into my life to make sure that I can do these things. I get at least 7 hours sleep, I drink at least 3l of water a day, I nourish my body with healthy foods and enjoy snacks too 😊 I’m mindful of the quantities of snacks alongside portion control at mealtimes, without feeling restricted as I eat a wide variety of foods, and my food choices fill me up meaning that I’m not always looking for that next snack to keep me going. I exercise regularly, using resistance training and weights, and I also practice self-care making sure I make time for reading (I love my kindle), walking in the fresh air, lots of lovely bubble baths whilst listening to music (my favourite hour of bliss!) as well as reflexology and massage which I love but is also extremely beneficial for us.

We are all beautiful, whatever our size and shape. We need to focus on keeping ourselves healthy, fit and strong and being happy. Let’s celebrate that!

Let us help you on your fitness and well-being journey here at W Fitness, your body positive gym!

Much Love

Caroline & Hannah 😊 xx