Redefining Fit: Overcoming Fitness Stereotypes as a Curvy Woman
Fitness is not a one-size-fits-all journey. When people meet me for the first time, they're often surprised by my discipline towards fitness. Perhaps it's because of my size or the stereotypes that surround curvy women and fitness, but this reaction only fuels my mission with Curvy Fit Chicks: to empower women to embrace their curves, be consistent in their workouts and unapologetically themselves.
Breaking Stereotypes: Curves and Fitness Can Coexist
Confident Curvy Fit RN flashing her vibrant smile, showcasing the empowerment and self-assuredness gained through commitment to fitness
Being curvy doesn't mean you can't be fit. I am The Curvy Fit RN who trains hard three times a week outdoors. I am strong and able to do exercises that some assume cannot be done in a larger body. I realize that society has a different idea of what fit looks like. I encounter this in the healthcare field as a nurse. I find myself being an example to my colleagues, patients, and others on the medical industry. It doesn’t bother me. In fact, I count it a pleasure to walk in my purpose to provide clarity to show others, but especially, women that they can be fit in the curvy body they exist in.
I started working out not just for physical transformation but also mental well-being. It was never about becoming a size 4. It was and still is about being fit for life. I stay creating and accomplishing my fitness goals. My workouts, which are designed by the Fitness Guru, focus on total body fitness, flexibility, strength training, as well as increasing mobility – an aspect often overlooked in mainstream fitness narratives yet vital as we age, especially for midlife women such as myself. This realization led me down the path of creating a space where all women could find support and accountability in their unique fitness journeys.
Finding Strength In More Ways Than One
The Curvy Fit RN appreciates her physical strength and is fully aware that strength in all areas of life are beneficial to knowing how to use her strength. She encourages women to embrace their strength and not to run from it. Being a strong woman is important to be resilient in life and overcome challenges. In the current times, soft life is the new buzz term. What is missing from that narrative is that hard work precedes softness; and just like I am both curvy and fit, women we can both strong and soft depending on the circumstances.
One thing for sure is that as a nurse consistency in my workouts makes me show up well and strong enough to do my job with excellence. In my line of work, my health directly affects the outcome of care my patient and the consequences are not always fixable. So, stay on top of your fitness journey and you'll notice increased focus, better decision-making skills due to improved brain function from exercise-induced endorphin release. This is extremely important because your decisions have a direct correlation to your success in whatever roles you lead in life.
Fostering Confidence Through Fitness
The most significant transformation has been in my self-confidence - there’s something incredibly empowering about feeling strong, being strong and knowing your curvy, plus-size body is capable. This confidence allows me to do my best in my workouts, try new things whether it be in workout or life in general. For example, the way I dress for workouts has continued to transform as I have gotten more comfortable in my body, but also because of the type of exercises I have progressed to doing. It is important for me to wear curvy activewear that is form fitting and both compliments my body as well as complements the exercises. Shoot…my confidence is allowing me to write this blog post. It takes confidence, strength and vulnerability to pour out your heart for the world to see and be open to criticism. However, I am confident that by showing up and opening up that women like you will fall in love with fitness and become the best version of yourself by staying consistent in your workouts.
You are not alone. You too can be a curvy woman who is consistent in her workouts. If you find that you are encountering obstacles to this, I have a special opportunity for you. Join Become StrongHER: Beat Fitness Goals, my accountability group coaching program where we strive not just for physical strength but also mental resilience. Let's shatter stereotypes together and redefine what it means to be fit and strong!