Let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked in fitness discussions: being healthy doesn’t always mean fitting into a size zero. My name is Laura, and I’ve been labeled many things throughout my life, but “slim” has never been one of them. My weight doesn’t fall into the “ideal” category according to those BMI charts, and I carry a bit more than what’s often deemed acceptable. I have a solid pear shape, and yes, my arms jiggle a bit when I season my food (which I do with enthusiasm, thank you very much). When I sit, I can’t help but notice the rolls that remind me of a breadbasket, and let’s not even start on the “flap” that I literally have to tuck into my jeans.
Now, this might make sense if I were a couch potato indulging in nightly ice cream binges, but I’m the opposite. I teach group fitness classes at two gyms and on my non-teaching days, I work out at home for at least half an hour. If I don’t get my sweat on for a day or two, I start feeling sluggish. I’ve even turned writing into a more active endeavor; thanks to the Microsoft Word app, I can jot down my thoughts while pacing around my house. This little trick helps me rack up over 5,000 extra steps daily. On average, I’m clocking in between 15,000 and 20,000 steps each day—equivalent to walking about 7 to 10 miles. My blood pressure is low, my resting heart rate reflects that of an athlete, and I’ve even impressed a few people with my agility (okay, maybe that last part is a stretch). I strive to fuel my body with nutritious foods around 80% of the time.
Physically, my body seems to be in great shape. But let’s be real: my thighs still resemble cottage cheese in a casing. There’s still a noticeable amount of junk in my trunk, and I’ve accepted that it might always be that way.
My journey to a healthier lifestyle wasn’t always smooth. At one point, I weighed nearly 300 pounds after the birth of my third child and felt terrible, both physically and emotionally. The thought of change seemed daunting, like a mountain too steep to climb. The wake-up call came when my son accidentally recorded a video of me rummaging through the fridge, revealing my gut spilling over a too-small tank top. It was a moment of reckoning that ignited my desire to change. Over two years, I lost more than a hundred pounds and discovered a passion for physical activity I never thought I’d have.
Fast forward seven years, and I remain committed to working out and making healthier food choices. However, despite shedding the weight, I’m still not “slim.” I stubbornly hold onto those extra pounds much like Jack Dawson clung to that door in Titanic. During my fourth pregnancy, I was at the peak of my group fitness career, teaching eight hours a week throughout my first trimester and six hours into my ninth month, yet I gained a whopping 50 pounds. My doctor reassured me that both my baby and I were in excellent health, stating, “Some people just naturally carry more weight than others.” I am one of those people, and I’ve learned to embrace my body for what it can do rather than what it looks like.
Sure, I have days where I feel bloated and uncomfortable, and nothing seems to fit right. But overall, I feel good in my clothes—my husband clearly agrees, as he often compliments me with “nice pants” and a cheeky eyebrow wiggle. It’s high time we rethink the assumption that fitness equates to thinness. You can absolutely be fit without being svelte. I’m living proof.
I take pride in my body and all of its capabilities. I may not have those rock-hard abs or sculpted arms, but I’m strong and healthy, with the knowledge that I could probably uncover them under a bit of extra fluff. For those interested in exploring more about fitness and fertility, you might find this post insightful here. If you’re considering at-home insemination, check out this reputable retailer for syringes and related kits. And for even more resources, visit this excellent blog.
In summary, you can lead a healthy lifestyle, work out regularly, and still not fit the conventional mold of “skinny.” It’s about embracing your unique body shape and recognizing what it can do rather than solely focusing on appearance.