Working on My Fitness: 7 Fitspiration Accounts for Plus Size Ladies

Hey! Brianne here and I am back with another post for you. Today, we are talking about plus size fitness. I’ve felt pretty self-conscious about my body (on the track and at the gym) so I look for body-affirming inspiration on social media, mostly to help me love myself AND get my butt out of the door.  (I always feel great once I start running, but it’s getting the earbuds in and shoes on the pavement that’s sometimes the challenge.)  Unfortunately, I’ve come across a lot of body-shaming and harmful “fitspo” instagram accounts.

Ladies, it’s time for us to leave the body-shaming Pinterest boards behind! I’ve stopped viewing exercise as a punishment, and instead look at it as a tool for supporting my goals, well-being and overall energy.  I love my body, and I want to take care of it.  So in the spirit of sharing is caring,  I’ve found some plus size athletes on instagram, who inspire my fitness journey that you should check out too. Are you ready?

No matter your interest, there are plus size women working it out on Instagram that you should check out! Here they are:

7 Plus Size Fitspiration Accounts to Follow for Fitness Motivation and Inspiration!

When I started regularly exercising 3 years ago someone gave me the best unsolicited advice ever. "Wear something you love and want to show off when you work out. How do you expect to feel good about yourself wearing a stained tshirt and hole filled sweatpants? Prepare for the gym like it's somewhere you love and eventually it will be." This sounds like bullshit but it's totally true. Or at least it's true for fashion obsessed, color addicted, balls of sparkle like me. #psfitness #fitspo #psootd #fitfam #fit #instafit Also, fannypack say what?

A photo posted by Glitter (@glitterandlazers) on Apr 27, 2015 at 3:42pm PDT

Anna AKA Glitter is a double threat who posts about her fitness journey and her fashion-forward aesthetic. She isn’t afraid to delve deep, writing about society’s expectations of women and personal growth. She is also HILARIOUS – I have literally laughed out loud at her posts.

I've been itching to try #aerialyoga for ages, and I was so excited to sneak in a class at @loomyoga today. I don't know if I've ever really seen curvy bodies practicing aerial #yoga- I mean, I was definitely apprehensive because of my size. Who wouldn't imagine themselves toppling to the ground because of their weight? However, this is a fear that needs to be conquered because the resistance of the sashes seems like it would be especially nice for larger bodies, and it certainly makes inverting even more attainable. My lovely instructor Kat snapped this shot of my favorite pose- what a glorious stretch. I know there's an aerial yoga studio in Raleigh, and now I know how I'll be spending my Saturday mornings. Hello, new addiction. #yogaeverydamnday #sizedoesntmatter #invertyoself Leggings- @forever21's new activewear line which kind of kicks ass tho CAN YOU PLEASE EXTEND YOUR FUCKING SIZING SO ERRBODY CAN ENJOY THE AWESOMENESS?? kthxbye

A photo posted by Jessamyn (@mynameisjessamyn) on Jan 10, 2015 at 3:12pm PST

Practicing aerial yoga has been on my bucket-list, and Jessamyn has inspired me to sign up for a class.  She posts yoga videos (with Beyoncé as a soundtrack), how-to’s, and other advice and affirmations for her followers on instagram.

https://instagram.com/p/2iUZdNCIPq/

I love a lady with boxing gloves!  Leah is a Body Positive Fitness advocate, who founded Body Positive Athletics to “increase in relatable fitness and sporting role models for larger people.” She posts quotes and inspirational photos of her kickboxing, training for a triathalon, and being a fit mama.

I feel accomplished for being able to touch my toes when I stretch, pre-workout, so Amanda’s flexibility is inspiring!  She shares her passion for life, love of baby elephants and yoga poses on instagram.

Cece (right) is a plus size blogger who posts about her fitness adventures.  On her instagram, she writes about her journey to loving her body – and is just a whole lotta fun.  Her smile is infectious, and she reminds us that we don’t need to dread working out.

https://instagram.com/p/yONZhntTAg/?taken-by=i_am_couture

Okay, raise your hand if you’ve ever wanted to try pole dancing classes (*raises own hand*).  Jada is the CEO of Curvy Girls Pole, a blog dedicated to “celebrate women with a little extra umph” who love pole fitness. Her personal instagram is full of outfit and fitness inspiration.  Get it!

Photo courtesy of @thomasthetrainer123 at #AmplifiedFitness. See me grinning there? It's cause I'm dying but having a blast, running shuttles in a shirt that says, "Women belong in the house and the senate." Looking forward to continuing changes in 2015. #LoveYourBody

A photo posted by Brianne Huntsman (@ceohunty) on Nov 19, 2014 at 9:12pm PST

Here I am (on the right) running, with a huge grin on my face.  I had a big “aha!” moment, when I figured out I love group classes.  I love the camaraderie, and everyone sweating together!

Who are your favorite plus size athletes?  How do you feel about working out?  Share in the comments below!