I was teaching a reformer class one week when a student who had been taking classes with me for almost a year complained about her belly fat. She asked me why she didn’t have a flat tummy. I told her a flat tummy and a strong powerful core are not mutually exclusive. I questioned why she was asking me. I am a Pilates teacher with a nonconforming Pilates body, which is code for I don’t have a flat tummy. I launched myself up on a soap box and reminded everyone we are truly blessed to be in the bodies we are in and that I don’t participate in diet culture. Ideas like these limit our ability to enjoy and be content with the bodies we are in. I was activated!
Movement is not about conforming but investing in our collective freedom. It’s about checking out of diet culture. It’s about joy and liberty and accepting our bodies as they are right now.
I have struggled with the idea of fitness and movement for years. At first, I saw it as a way to punish my body for not conforming to societal trends. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that movement is a gift. Movement is not about conforming but investing in our collective freedom. It’s about checking out of diet culture. It’s about joy and liberty and accepting our bodies as they are right now.
As a member of Generation X, I initially adopted a belief that my body did not belong to me but was here for public consumption. My job was to put up with and accept public criticism of my body from family and society for not fitting a specific body aesthetic or trend. Shame led me to hide and feel ashamed of the body that genetics had given me.
It’s time to rewrite the narrative and understand that my body, with all its uniqueness, is mine to cherish and respect. I’ve learned that movement can genuinely change lives, regardless of what your body looks like. Even a little movement can go a long way in improving our health and overall well-being. By investing in movement, we invest in our current and future selves.
Let me share some of the benefits of moving our bodies that have nothing to do with fitting a societally-imposed body standard.
Related: Dianne Bondy Is the Yoga and Pilates Instructor Making Instagram Feeds More Equitable
PS Photography / Dianne Bondy
Cardiovascular Health
One of the most significant benefits of movement is improving cardiovascular health. A strong heart increases stamina and is crucial to our overall health and longevity. Taking care of our hearts is essential for a vibrant and fulfilling life. After all, a strong heart gives us the capacity to love more.
PS Photography / Dianne Bondy
Mental Health
Exercise and movement are not just physical practices; they also profoundly impact mental health. Managing emotions and reducing anxiety are just a few benefits of consistent movement practice. Movement allows me to find peace of mind and increases my patience daily. This sounds aggressive, and I am not proud of this, but improvement, exercise, and joyful, mindful movement keep me from screaming out loud at people or punching them in the face. I know but I am keeping it 100 here.
PS Photography / Dianne Bondy
Health Conditions
As someone at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, exercise and movement are essential in reducing this risk, along with other health conditions such as high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and arthritis. I am taking proactive steps to maintain my health and well-being by prioritizing movement.
PS Photography / Dianne Bondy
Aging with Power
I want to grow old with joy, mobility, and strength as I embrace my age powerfully without shame. Exercise and movement are vital in maintaining a high quality of life as I grow older. Aging is a privilege, and I want to approach it with a sense of vitality and enthusiasm. By investing in movement, I am increasing my life expectancy and overall well-being for the years to come.
Movement is not just about physical appearance or conforming to societal standards. It is about investing in ourselves, our health, and our future. Let’s continue to move our bodies for the joy of movement and to celebrate what our bodies can do.
Dianne Bondy is a social justice activist, author, accessible yoga teacher, and leader of the “yoga for all” movement. She empowers everyone, regardless of their shape, size, ethnicity, or level of ability, to discover movement and longevity. Dianne wrote the international bestselling book “Yoga For Everyone” and coauthored “Yoga Where You Are.” Dianne is a PS Council member.
