You all know that I am not shy about talking about body image and accepting where you are. Heck, it’s in my header that I want you to love yourself as you are. But does it mean that you aren’t body positive if you want to exercise or you want to do something to improve yourself? In my opinion, no, as long as you trying to become better at something doesn’t come from a place of malice towards yourself about where you are right now.
I read an article a few weeks ago about body positivity, exercise and whether or not those two can be reconciled. I read a few more articles and realized that at the end of the day, no one agrees so I should just stop reading. But the question kept coming back to me, can you exercise and still be body positive? Can I exercise for the sake of bettering myself without that meaning I’m not happy with my body?
Pants: EXACT (and on sale!) | Top: EXACT (soooo comfortable!)
Shoes: EXACT | Bag: EXACT | Earrings: Exact
This year I have been on the exercise bandwagon and then also fallen off so hard it took me three months to wake up and realized I had gotten off. Every time that I start focusing on numbers, inches, clothing or anything that is material I begin to quickly get discouraged and internally whisper to myself, “what’s the point?” Obviously I want all of those things to be going down if I am killing it in my diet and exercise, but there’s something more that I need to be exercising for. I need to be doing it because I want to do it.
I realized that when I switched my thinking from numbers and my body, I started wanting to go to the gym. Why? Because I needed the mental break between home and work. I need to prove to myself that I can push myself. I need/am committed to something that is mentally and physically good for myself.
So my focus is now on how I’m doing. Am I dreading the workout? Am I engaged in the workout? Do I feel stronger than I did the workout before? Last week I was able to do a complete burpee without stopping, losing balance or doing an alternative version. I was/am so excited! Why? Because I wasn’t able to do that a month ago. When I started focusing on being engaged and my form, I was able to progress to a complete burpee!
It truly is the little things in life that can motivate you. Including a simple burpee that isn’t about my body and looks; it’s about showing that I am working on something that is hard for me and becoming better at it. Even if it takes falling on your face a couple of times to get there. When I took the focus off my body and what I wanted to CHANGE, it became about my body and what it CAN DO.
Pants: EXACT (and on sale!) | Top: EXACT (soooo comfortable!)
Shoes: EXACT | Bag: EXACT | Earrings: Exact
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Athleisure Outfit Details
Pants: EXACT (and on sale!) | Top: EXACT (soooo comfortable!)
Shoes: EXACT | Bag: EXACT | Earrings: Exact
All of this being said, now that I’m trying to take care of myself more, I’ve got to get my gym gear in order! Enter that wonderful trend, athleisure. The “athleisure” trend basically is what I have done since college but suddenly it’s considered a legitimate thing. Don’t want to get out of your comfy yoga pants after the gym? Throw on a sweater that distracts from your pants that you definitely haven’t washed since sweating in them.
Rachelle
Of course you can be. It’s all about loving and taking good care of yourself and exercising is for your health benefit. So you can go wrong there. Love your athleisure look.
xo
Pinksole
katelyn chef
Loved this post so refreshing you look amazing and I love your workout gear-totally motivated me this morning!
Happy Monday,
Katelyn
http://www.theyellowspectacles.com
Closet Fashionista
Love this! And it’s so true. If you enjoy working out, do it. If you hate it, don’t. I go for walks with my mom but I could never go to the gym. Just too many people there and I would feel so uncomfortable so it would be a huge chore. But I do like getting out and moving every once in a while
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
Pamela
I love this! So many people say to me “Why are you going to the gym, you don’t need to lose any weight” when I tell them I can’t do something because I’m going to the gym but I go to be a healthier version of me, not to lose weight. You can go because you want to be strong and healthy. And loving your entire look here! That top looks SO cozy! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
Lauren Price
I love this! Such a goo convo starter and message 🙂
xx,
Lauren
FashionablyLo
Kylie Mavrakis
I absolutely love this post. I love the way you’re looking at it! Plus, your outfit is seriously adorable and cozy.
xo Kylie
http://www.dressinsparkles.com
Camila
I completely understand what you mean, I currently love my body but still exercise as much as I can because i want to be healthy and strong! You go girl!
Camila,
My Vogue Style | http://www.myvoguestyle.com
Jessica
Such and encouraging post! I am seriously in the same boat, if I’m focusing on losing weight then I dread working out. But when I exercise and focus enjoying on the act of exercising then it’s sooo much more enjoyable!
Jessica
http://www.wedressalright.com
Jamie
Great outlook! Even if you love your body how it is, it’s important to exercise for your physical and mental health. Love those pants and tennis shoes!
Jamie
http://www.treatsandtrendsblog.com
Kate @ Green Fashionista
Love this whole post – the message and the adorable athleisure outfit! So much encouragement and positivity <3
Green Fashionista
Erika
This topic fascinates me! I’m kind of amazed that some people believe that the two are mutually exclusive.
For me, body positivity lead to exercise. Once I decided I loved my body, I wanted to move it and take care of it better. I also think there’s a major misconception everywhere that exercise is for weight loss when honestly, exercise hasn’t been scientifically shown to contribute much at all to weight loss. I work out for stress relief, to manage anxiety and because it’s fun to get stronger. Love that you’re talking about loving yourself because I’ve found that to be the secret to a whole lot of positive outcomes.
Great post and cute outfit! Off to find that sweater!
Alissa
Thank you so much Erika! I couldn’t really believe it either! I really thought that exercise WAS for body positivity but sometimes I feel like people have to find an issue with EVERYTHING so we can’t just like exist! I am delighted to hear your thoughts on the topic!
Alison at Wardrobe Oxygen
Like others, I can’t see how the two are mutually exclusive. Exercise isn’t just for trying to achieve some number on the scale. it’s for health, for strength, for fun, for stress release, a form of meditation, a way to challenge yourself… Sounds like a whole lotta clickbait which isn’t helping the body positivity movement 🙁
That being said, you look amazing! 🙂
Alissa
Ugh, I know, it’s so annoying because I feel like the more I researched it, all it was, was just people trying to pick at EVERY SINGLE LITTLE THING!
Nikki
Such a great post! You can totally be body positive and exercise! It is all about feeling good and being healthy. Not being a Victoria’s Secret model (although if that did happen, I would gladly take that too). I personally think that part of really being body positive is about taking care of yourself, and with that comes exercising and eating right. In order to really love your body, you have to take care of it. Keep up the good work, friend!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
Alissa
Yes, yes, yes! I could not agree more Nikki!
Amy Arnold
Body confidence and exercise are definitely a balancing act. You always look amazing to me!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Beverly
I appreciated this, thanks!
Whitney James
You look great. This is an outfit I’d wear, for sure. I think working out and representing body positive are one in the same. Just as we should workout to take care of our bodies, no matter what size., we should also love our bodies enough to want to stay in shape and healthy. Again, you look great…as always!
~Whitney
http://www.whitneynicjames.com
head to toe chic
I think you can definitely be body positive and exercise. It’s something that you do to take care of yourself, and it’s always a bonus if you see the scale going down! I really enjoy working out, and I think that definitely keeps me motivated 🙂
xo,
Angela
Laura
First of all, I am in love with those amazing tights! Second of all I think you can most definitely be body positive and still work out. I think the key is to have the right goal. If you are wanting to strengthen, increase endurance, or have more energy, those are great reasons to work out. I think those kinds of goals increase your body positivity because you feel good about what your body can do. But if your goals are weight loss related or size related, that means you aren’t happy with your body as you are. The end goal shouldn’t be image related, but overall well-being related if that makes sense.
Scallywag
To me, exercising is 100% body positive.The body positive movement is defined on Wiki as “The Body Positive Movement is a feminist movement that encourages people to adopt more forgiving and affirming attitudes towards their bodies, with the goal of improving overall health and well-being. ”
Therefore, as long as your goal in exercise is to have fun and improve your mental or physical wellbeing, exercise is certainly body-positive. I never feel more like I am loving my body than when I am working out, doing something I love (my personal favourites- hill running, kickboxing, and boulder climbing) xox
Karly
Such a great post, friend! I admittedly struggle with exactly what you’re talking about in this post. Of course, I want to lose inches and numbers on the scale, but that’s what discourages me most of all. (That, and let’s face it – I’ll never give up pizza). But, you’re right – it should and needs to be more about keeping our bodies healthy and strong. That should be the only motivating factor in trying to get in shape!
Olivia - Baubles to Bubbles
I loved reading your perspective on this! I’ve never really thought about working out that way, but it makes so much sense! I find myself either being really good about working out, or terrible. The times where my mind starts thinking too much are when I end up not even going to the gym. Also, obsessed with this athleisure look!
Baubles to Bubbles
alyson
Hmmm, such an interesting way to think about exercise. I do it for both I guess. I’m not looking to lose weight but I would love a more toned figure, but I also find it extremely helpful for the mental break… particularly when I put the instagram and snapchat down!
LOVE your cozy top. what a steal!
alyson
http://www.theaveragegirlsguide.com
biana
I love your athleisure look girl! Exercise seriously gives me so much energy during the day and mentally does wonders for clearing my head!! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Kelsey Bang
loving that sweater! super cute look!
kelseybang.com
Cielo
You are so beautiful! Love this sporty look on you! =)
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
Jenna
BEAUTIFUL post!!! So reminds me of myself – if I don’t see the immediate results, I lose all hope. But, little differences can help in the long run! Thanks for sharing,
http://abeautifulheart07.blogspot.com/
Shauna
You are such a beautiful writer, not to mention what a smile!!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Shannon
You are killing it! Love the athleisure outfit! I need those sneakers!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Meagan
I love your positive attitude and voice of encouragement to others in this post. Love this outfit, too, especially your sweater….it looks SO cozy!
Meagan
http://www.meagansmoda.com
Wynne
I think the very nature of working out IS body positivity! I love this post, thanks for sharing dear.
amy
Great post! I absolutely love your outfit too! Exercise does absolutely nothing for my weight so i find it very discouraging and often think “What’s the point?”. I have exercised faithfully six times a week for over a year, but I am currently on a break. I had so many garden chores to get done before winter and now I am trying to decorate the house for Xmas. After that, I will resume my exercise schedule. I feel it makes a big difference in keeping my body toned.
Jessica
You can exercise and be body positive. Exercise makes you feel good. I love those sneakers.
http://tresfly.blogspot.com
jasna
Totally agree with you, what inspiring post 🙂
Lyddiegal
I think it would be crazy to consider body positivisity and self improvement mutually exclusive. Diet and exercise is about taking care of yourself and feeling good no matter where you are. It’s not the same as starving yourself because you feel like you are not thin enough or pushing yourself until you are injured, but listening to what your body needs and only pushing as much as you can without going overboard. I never focus on numbers, I have no idea what my weight is and that is a choice. If I want to eat an extra slice of pie I’m not going to punish myself, and if I want to skip my skinny jeans and throw on a comfy sweater dress, I’m not going to feel bad about that either.
Also those leggings are so cool you could totally wear them in public even if not coming from the gym.
http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com/
Jacy
Love love love this post, and I couldn’t agree more! I’ve always had a very distorted, negative body image, but I’m actively working to reverse years of that line of thinking. A few months ago I joined a spin class because I was feeling down on myself, but now I truly go because I like how accomplished I feel afterward, and I like seeing myself improve with hard work. I also learned that weighing myself is not a positive thing for me. I’ve taught myself to find motivation in tuning into how I feel, and that’s made ALL of the difference.
You always do a great job of writing about these sometimes ‘touchy’ topics, and I always enjoy reading what you have to say! Also, I love your leggings!
Jacy | lovelenore.com
Beautygirl24
I love your view on this. It’s a delicate balance but I think you’re doing great! I know it’s just inspired me to get moving again 😉
Shira
You know I’m so right there with you on the body positivity and I work out 3-5 times a week consistently. For me, if I focus on HEALTH and BALANCE as opposed to a number on the scale, my brain and overall peace/mental health is in a much better place. Love your athleisure look; I’m posting one tomorrow too. 🙂 YAS for sneaker living.
http://asequinloveaffair.com
thehautecookie
black and white my fave and in casual /gym/yoga clothing i LOVEE! xO!
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Laura Bronner
Those leggings are EVERYTHING! I love them! I don’t think wanting to improve yourself, in any way – whether it’s fitness or otherwise, means that you don’t love yourself. Nothing wrong with a little yoga and green smoothie! 😉
Sara Strauss
I love this post!! Yes, I think you can be body positive and exercise. Exercising doesn’t mean you hate your body, it means you want to improve what you already love! 🙂
But I love that you changed your thinking about exercise from numbers to a way to take a mental break! I fell off the gym wagon because I’ve been writing my novel, but I want to go back, but I’ve also been dreading it. But if I think of it as a break then I’ll like it more, so thank you!
~Sara
Tara
As long as your focus is on being healthy, absolutely! You look adorable, love those leggings!
Rach
Love the message you are sending in this post! It’s all about taking care of yourself and not number crunching.I definitely see going to the gym more as a stress reliever than going there to change my look. Hope you have a great day girl!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Kelly K
Love the message in this post! You look GORGEOUS! Love those leggings!
http://www.rosyoutlookblog.com
Samantha
Cute workout gear! Love those sneakers!
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
Lily
I LOVE this! I was on the exercise bandwagon for most of the year and fell off and still haven’t gotten the motivation to get back into it. And I think it’s partly because I put too much focus in my numbers too…I get discouraged when I don’t see them go down fast enough. My brother recently broke my scale by accident…and I think now that I don’t have one maybe I can forget about the numbers and get back on it.
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
Vanessa
Such a great and honest post! I totally agree: One should work out for oneself only ! We all have the power to change things if we want to…and you my dear, LOOK SO RADIANT! You’re such an inspiration!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Alissa
Thank you Vanessa!
Jill
Your outlook is refreshing! I’m also loving this cute athleisure look on you!
Jill
Doused In Pink
A Very Sweet Blog
I use to be the same way. Constantly worried about what the scale said and such. It was defeating! Now, I just try to have everything in moderation. I think you look great and I love that outfit.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Rachel
Such an interesting topic – and I TOTALLY think you can exercise and have positive thoughts about your body. Because exercise benefits your body in SO many other ways than just appearance – I mean, when I am in a regular workout schedule, I think more clearly, I have more energy to do more of the things I love, I’m happier – etc. And I am loving this workout look girl – those leggings are FIRE!
Jacqueline
I am finally getting back into the swing of things after taking some time off! Love this comfy look!
xo,
Jacqueline
Stylin In St. Louis
Rachel Dinh
Love this post girl. Keep going and push yourself!
http://www.racheldinh.com
What Lou Wore 365
I guess I look at it from a slightly different perspective in that heart disease, high cholestrol and diabetes is rife on one side of my family. My poor Dad is neither overweight or unhealthy but has inherited all three, as have his sisters and brothers. So I run because I enjoy it and to try and stave off any health issues for as long as possible! I know I should probably tone up various places but I can’t be arsed quite frankly, I’d rather go for a run then hang out with my kids 🙂
Alissa
That’s a great way to look at it! I wish I enjoyed running because I know the benefits are so great but at the end of the day you are taking time for yourself and that is what is important!
Patricia
Those pants! wow! and such a good price. You are the perfect model girl. I love you. Thank you for talking about something close to my heart. I’ve always struggled with my weight even when I was healthy. Now that I’m in a downward health slump it hurts to much to move somedays but I do think about exercise as something that helps me take a break even from feeling yucky. Once I get warmed up it feels so good and the endorphin rush is amazing. Thank you again for being positive and sharing that with all of us. You are my go to feel good girl. Love you sweet friend <3
Lorna
I personally think body positivity has nothing to do with wanting to be healthy and exercise. Exercise is a natural part of living and it makes us healthy inside our bodies, so for me it’s nothing in relation to being body positive on the outside. Being happy with who you are is what counts, regardless of if you want to better yourself. I completely agree with you!
Raindrops of Sapphire
tiffany
You look gorgeous girl! Love those tights with that sweater!