The Power of Body Positivity

I’m sure that most of you will have heard of something called the body positivity movement. It may mean something slightly different to each of us but a body positive mindset can be an asset for everyone.

As a society, becoming more aware of individual beauty is an incredible thing. Recognising that everyone is unique and that there is more than one path to health and happiness is a journey we should all be taking. 

This year, for International Women’s Day, I wanted to talk about the power of positivity and how body positivity plays into that bigger picture. 

What is body positivity?

The body positivity movement has been gaining momentum for a few years, championed by people who wanted to change the way we talk about bodies. 

Being body positive is about embracing your body, realising it ALWAYS has worth and that all bodies are beautiful. We can all play a role in spreading the message of body positivity and creating a healthy body image.

As a personal trainer, I’m here to help anyone who wants to make health and fitness a part of their life. I want everyone to feel good about themselves — to make wellbeing, balance and a positive mindset a priority. 

How to develop a positive body image

A healthy body image can contribute to your overall wellbeing. Making a conscious effort to shift the way you think about your body can help to feel more confident within yourself.

Positive body image can develop from focusing on the amazing things your body can do. Find the things you love about your body and celebrate them!

Create positive fitness goals

You can build a positive mindset and body image by doing things like setting fitness goals that have nothing to do with the way you look. 

A way to do this is by thinking about how exercise makes you feel. Maybe it helps you to manage stress or to clear your mind. Maybe seeing your strength grow makes you feel more powerful. Whatever it is, use that positive feeling to drive you.

Find appreciation for a healthy lifestyle

Focusing on the enjoyment and confidence you get from a healthy lifestyle is often the extra motivation you need to keep putting your health first. You begin to appreciate how much a healthy lifestyle can help you to enjoy balance and positivity in other areas of your life too. 

Being proud of your body and the wonderful things it can do might sound like a mindset shift that is simple to make but that may not be the case for everyone. Having support from other people can really help if you are trying to reframe your own body image.

Create a positive network or community

The Sweat Community can be such an inspiration because we support and encourage one another. I’m so proud that this incredible community is inclusive of ALL women and that together we are helping to change the way we speak about our bodies.

Body positive quotes from the Sweat Community

Some of the most amazing transformations in the Sweat Community are stories of finding self-confidence and developing a more body-positive mindset. With each woman's story, we see a different journey and sometimes the words of another member can really resonate with us. 

These are some of my favourite body positive quotes from the Sweat with Kayla Community.

“Regardless of any body transformation, I am beautiful, strong and proud of the woman I am.”
Chelsea

“I have now personally experienced what the human body and mind are capable of and how quickly they can adapt.” 
Stephanie

“My understanding of health expanded — investing time not just because I had to but because my mind and my soul were thriving because of it.”
Lesley

“I’m a wife, a mama, and I’m healthy and I take care of myself. I’m proud of who I am and I love myself for it.”
Liana

“This year I will move to Paris, and in doing so I’ll be facing a tonne of fears, but I know that I can and will overcome those fears. I’m doing all of this because I stepped inside a gym and did a burpee for the first time, under your guidance and knowing that I had your support.”
Ellen

“The biggest thing for me was recognising that I was feeling bad for myself. My life is so beautiful! Feeling bad for myself was stopping my progress. Now I have the awareness, I can quickly stop those negative thoughts, feel in control and move forward.”
Shay

These quotes are just some examples of the power of positivity and how fitness can help you to develop a healthy body image.

When you are supported by an encouraging network of people, such as the Sweat Community, it can help you to reset your expectations of yourself. As you become more confident in yourself, it becomes easier to accept your body is YOUR body and to recognise it for the amazing machine it really is.

Recognise the power of positivity

The Sweat Community is such amazing support if you are trying to become more positive about your own body image. 

The body positive quotes I’ve shared above are just some examples of ways women have used fitness to help build their confidence. Next time you are setting fitness goals for yourself, remember the power of body positive language and focus on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.