Why Negative “Fat Talk” Isn’t Allowed at Lithe

A few weeks ago, the women at Lithe were up in arms (in a good way) after I called a few people out on my blog regarding a bulky comment that was being made at various Lithe Method studios. Shocking you say? Bad PR? Well, I wrote about this controversial topic to nip it in the bud and make women aware that we won’t stand for unhealthy “fat talk.” I also did it to teach people that muscle isn’t bulk and that genetics plays a huge part in way your body will develop.

I work hard to make sure that every woman that is featured on my blog and teaching my method is a relevant, healthy role model-I want every woman who walks through our studio doors to identify with one of us. Body diversity is beautiful. The results were wonderful and eye-opening.

With about 10 million women suffering from eating disorders nationwide, negative body image is one of the biggest issues we face as women today. I think it’s about time to free ourselves from fat talk, the medias’ idea of “perfection” and focus on the healthy ideal–which looks different for every woman–and focuses on strength and health, NOT weight, height or the size of our thighs. We’re up against a big monster here, and I do realize it’s sometimes easier said then done.

As an advocate for positive body image and body diversity, this isn’t the first, or last time you’ll be hearing from me regarding this subject. I know that we all have bad days. I may be a blogger and I may be an advocate, but I’m far from perfect. I have my moments, insecurities and inner dialogue just like everyone else. The average women carries around an unhealthy amount of negativity towards her body. It takes over every part of her life, her self-perception, relationships, friendships, sex life, and (most importantly) her relationship with herself. I’m passionate and inspired to help women become stronger, establish and maintain a positive body image and take control of their destiny. And, lets pass it on to our daughters.

You know what I really think? Stop worrying about what the scale says, what you see in magazines and in the mirror and GET MOVING. Now. Repeat. Daily. Our bodies are designed to move. Did you ever hear the saying: “Ignore your teeth and they’ll go away?” Same thing goes for your lovely body. Walking, running, jumping, and dancing are all normal activities. By reconnecting yourself to your body, you’ll be amazed at how incredible and wonderful it really is. My curvy body has given me so much. I’m proud of it (all 4’11” of it). I connect with it daily, I trust and respect it completely and I’m so tuned into it through my work, there is no way that I would damage my relationship with it. Movement is my medicine. Try reconnecting with your body through biking, yoga, Lithing, walking and running or anything that sets your heart on fire. If you do not want a structured program and hate the gym or studio, go for a walk. An outdoor walk is wonderful, and nature is your nonjudgmental gym. I see people transform (inside and out) every day and movement is their medicine.

You’ve probably heard the statistics: More than 80% of 4th grade girls have been on a fad diet and more than 80% of 10-year-olds are afraid of being ‘fat.’ It’s downright scary and there’s no time like the present to help boost the collective self-esteem of girls and women and a lot of people are jumping on the bandwagon. I love what Operation Beautiful is doing. As Operation Beautiful’s founder states, negative self-talk (which she coins Fat Talk) is destructive. Get up and tell yourself that you’re beautiful, wonderful, sexy, cute. Positive affirmations totally work. Need inspiration? Check out these 20 ways to love your body, the NOW Foundation’s Love Your Body campaign, and what the Delta Delta Delta sorority is doing with their reflections program and start feeling better about yourself.

Lauren Boggi

Lauren Boggi is the owner and creator of Lithe Method. Read more about Lauren here.

Images of Lithe Instructor in training, Liz Cipolletti via Dominic Episcopo, Operation Beautiful’s post-it-note, Loveyourbody.nowfoundation.org , & Lithe Instructor, Nicole Sewall via Dominic Episcopo.