If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be blogging about my plus-size fitness journey, I would have laughed you out of the room. Me? An awkward couch potato – uncoordinated, slow… and fat! Sure, I’m not completely out of shape. I can walk 5-10 kilometers, and I see a trainer twice a week. But let’s be real – I’m almost 40, and let’s just say my flexibility isn’t what it used to be.
Here’s the thing, though – I crave novelty. I’m that person who scrolls past adventurous activities thinking: One day I’ll try that… as soon as I’m smaller. I’d search for people who looked like me, inspecting photos like Sherlock Holmes, but I never found myself represented. Until it hit me: Why not start a blog and try all those things now? So here we are – me, awkwardly flailing through new activities, and you, hopefully getting inspired to try something new.
Pictured: Someone with lither hamstrings than me (Photo by Mikhail Nilov)
Challenges in a Plus-Size Fitness Journey
Let’s be real: every fitness journey comes with challenges. But trying new things in a bigger body? That brings some extra layers of anxiety and discomfort. Here are a few challenges I’ve faced so far:
1. Anxiety
If you’ve ever walked into a new gym or fitness class as a plus-size person, you know the feeling. It feels like all eyes are on you, even if nobody cares what you’re doing. At least, I hope I’m not alone in feeling like this. Once, I got so anxious walking into a gym that I threw up. I turned around and never went back. Sometimes, overcoming that fear of judgment can sometimes be harder than the workout itself.
I’m not going to lie and say I’ve completely conquered gym anxiety and now strut around like I own the gym, but I’ve found ways to live with it. I’ll share some tips on how to manage the discomfort, and maybe you’ll find them helpful too.
Have you ever experienced gym anxiety? How did you deal with it? Let’s share our stories in the comments!
2. Body Shape
It’s not just about being “out of shape” – it’s about your body literally not fitting the one-size-fits-all fitness industry mold. Raise your hand if you’ve ever worried about popping an exercise ball! Plus-size fitness is about asking questions like: Will the equipment hold me? Is my butt too big for a kayak… and if not, will it sink? Can I keep up in this beginner class?
It’s hard to focus on the workout when you’re constantly adjusting clothes that aren’t designed for your body or navigating equipment was not made for plus-size people.
But here’s the thing – awkward bodies belong in fitness spaces too. And to answer one pressing question: the exercise ball is still intact after two years. I’ll share more answers like this as I go along.
The place is empty but it still feels like everyone is watching (Photo by Julia Larson)
3. Knowing Where to Start
Starting a fitness journey can feel like wandering through a maze. Is beginner yoga too hard for me? Should I stick to walking, or should I try something more intense? Should I work out at home or try a gym?
And let’s be honest, fitness classes can be intimidating. The first time I signed up for reformer pilates, I couldn’t find weight ratings for the machines and spent a whole night imagining macabre reformer-related death (spoiler: I survived). Figuring out where to begin isn’t simple, but I’ll be sharing my own starting points to help you start yours.
Why a Body-Positive Fitness Journey Matters
I used to think I had to wait until my body was smaller to try new things. I know I’m not the only plus-size person who’s felt like that. It’s so easy to feel conspicuous in fitness spaces, like you’re an outsider just trying to blend in. I still struggle with this – it’ll probably always be a part of my experience. But the more I show up, the more I’m okay with standing out. And it turns out the super-fit people at the gym? They’re usually the most supportive.
This is why a body-positive fitness journey is so important. By showing up, we’re making fitness spaces more inclusive. Every time a fat body takes on a challenge – whether it’s trying yoga, going for a hike, or showing up to the gym – we’re helping create a world where fitness is welcoming for everyone. So yeah, I might feel awkward sometimes, but I’m doing it anyway. And maybe, just maybe, that’ll inspire someone else to do the same.
Finding calm and confidence in every movement (Photo by Polina Tankilevitch)
What Next?
This is just the beginning! I’ve got plenty of posts lined up about small group personal training, reformer pilates, hot yoga, and more. Stay tuned for my wins, stumbles, and everything in between as I take on new adventures in my plus-size fitness journey.
What fitness activities should I try next? Comment below with your suggestions! And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss my upcoming posts on reformer pilates, hot yoga, and more!