Body positivity and body representation have been major topics in the last few years. As someone whose weight has fluctuated to both sides of the spectrum, I’m all for it. Body positivity allows for women, no matter their shape or size to be applauded just for being themselves. The one thing I am noticing though is that you’re either super fit and slim OR you’re curvy. There’s no in-between, but as someone who falls in that in-between sector, it sucks. 
Now, don’t get me wrong. You can’t have everyone represented all the time. The average woman in the US is a size 12/14, I completely support showing everyone that no matter what size you are, you’re just as gorgeous as any of the girls who strut their stuff down the VS Runway every year. The media only portrays 2 body types, but what about all of those people who fall in the middle?
I am a size 4/6 in tops and dresses and anywhere from a size 8-10 in bottoms. Sadly no, there’s no Kim K booty. I played sports most of my childhood, so my quads are larger than most peoples’. Also, I do know that there is no amount of exercise that can make me look like one of the popular IG models or a runway model, I’m just too short. I’ve come to terms with it and right now, I’m exercising to maintain how I am right now and to make myself happier.
I love my body, just as you should as well. Just because the media doesn’t show your body type does not mean that you aren’t worth the world. Being a size 8 doesn’t mean that you’re not as cute as the size 0/2 or as sexy as a size 14. You’re great just the way you are, so don’t let anyone ever tell you anything different. I would love to see a more widespread representation of bodies across advertisements. For all women who endured body issues like me that, there is a whole group of women with the same body as you. You’re just as awesome.
Having a six-pack doesn’t make you better than me. You just happen to have a higher metabolism, have more time to exercise, or I eat like crap. In all honesty, all of the above are probably true. If you have a body that’s larger than mine, it doesn’t make me better than you nor healthier. All it may mean is that we have two different body types that function completely differently.
Our bodies are special and they are all beautiful, but at the same time, brands need to know that body representation is no just on the opposite sides of the spectrum. There’s a whole host of people who aren’t those and personally, I think it’s time that we remember that. You don’t have to agree with me and you can think I’m a self-centered whiny blogger, but this is my real opinion and just as we all want an increased level of race representation (which is in no way the same thing as body representation), we need an increased level of body representation.
Kelly
Such an important post. I completely agree. I had my annual pap today and when I got on the scale I realized I had gained 5-8 pounds..A younger me would have totally shamed myself, how could I have let that happen???? You know what I’ve realized. The happier women are with who they are and what they are doing with their lives the less time they spend obsessing over their weight. At least in my personal experience. When I was on the much thinner side I was never happy, I was always stressed and lost weight because I was going thru something. Maybe it is the same for? Now I am happier much happier, and so what I’m 5-8 pounds more…WHO CARES?? 🙂
XOXO
kellmenow | http://www.kellmenow.com/environmentallychic/
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Thomas Falkenstedt
In these superficial times an honest in your face post is exactly what’s needed out there! I, as a man, also am faced with the same issues as you. The only thing we see on the billboards are those CK models with perfect six packs, biceps and sculpted faces and let us not forget, they’re tall too of course. Then there are the “larger” men who also can pull it off by being large, but there’s no place for in betweeners, or even worse as in my case, petite guys. I’ve always been skinny as heck and I’m not that tall either and I’ve had a lot of body issues regarding that, even thinking going through a leg extension surgery (yes, they have those in China) just to add a few inches to my length. Today however I’m content with my not so perfect body. I can’t say I love it yet, but with a bit more exercise and working out I’ll be where I want to be. Some people consider me lucky, I just consider myself tiny with no muscles at all… so yes to all body representation whether it be female or male bodies.
xoxo
Thomas
http://thomasfalkenstedt.com
Mariann Yip
I appreciate this post because I think it’s important to celebrate all body types and diversity especially with the rise of social media. I am very interested in fitness and workout daily but my goal is to get stronger and feel better. Thanks for sharing your insight!
Christine Kong
This is a great post and very true indeed. There are so many body types out there and definitely more that fall in between that don’t get represented. I think as long as you are happy with what size you are then who cares and it definitely doesn’t mean one person is healthier or better than the next, we are all born with different body types just like personality types. Although I am on the thinner side, I definitely know my body has forever changed after having three kids. I can’t look at people in their 20’s and think I should look like that because I can’t – I’ve had three babies and it shows! lol. But I am ok with that because they are my life and I just have to eat healthy and workout to take care of my body and who cares about the rest. xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Stephanie
i have so much love for this post! like seriously i was just nodding my head the whole time i read this. it drives me nuts that body positivity seems to primarily gear towards curvy girls, and fitspo means you’re a rail with perfect tone. i’m like – hello, i’m thin, but i have some curve, and i’m beautiful too! (or at least ‘id like to believe that’s the case). and girl, you’re gorgeous! your body is perfect and i’m so thankful you’re talking about this topic!!!
Candace
Omg, we have some of the same issues! I also played sports in school and I lift weights, so my quads are also larger. I just think it’s important to look how what makes us happy as an individual and not worry about comparing ourselves to others. I’ve often wanted that lean, slim build, but I got to keep my muscles, so that’s not about to happen haha. Definitely also agree on the topic of more race representation. Keep doing you girl!
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Gracie
First of all you look great. You have to feel good in your own body. I am an exercise addict and eat healthy which keeps me in check as to how I feel about myself. We all have different shapes and metabolism and sometimes nothing we can do about the results of our shape. My advice is that if you continue to exercise and eat healthly, everything will fall into place. Thanks for your post.
Xxgracie
snappedbygracie.com
Sharon Wu
you are rocking this athletic look babe! i totally agree with you that all bodies are special and everyone is different! i hate that there’s a conventional “ideal size” especially in the modeling industry (an industry i got out of before transitioning into content creating)… it annoyed me how getting jobs was totally dependent on your size and if you’re too big or too small from the “ideal size” then you don’t get selected for the job! it’s tough. now i am happier being out of that industry and being able to be more myself and not worry about my size as much! i aim just to be healthy and happy and i think that’s how it should be for everyone 🙂 thanks for sharing darling! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/beauty/clarins-lip-comfort-oil-plump-pout-repeat/
Kate Tik
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful post. In seeing your pictures I see a stunning young woman and it is so sad that media tries to make us feel otherwise. I definitely needed to read this! Continue to love yourself and spread that love everywhere you go my dear. <3
katetik.com
Jo
So beautifully said! You’re absolutely right, there isn’t much, if any representation for all types of body types. I think that’s where we bloggers come in and why bloggers have become ever more important in fashion marketing. As with any change, it is often too slow but despite it all I have hope we are moving forward with creating more opportunities for diversity. Thank you for sharing this very important topic.
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
Bernice
This is important for all girls to read! It’s so hard growing up and trying to love your body when the only bodies shown in our most prominent media platforms are polar opposites – small or big. I feel the trouble of having a bigger lower half as I train as a powerlifter so my quads and calves are so much bigger than my upper body. This athletic wear looks perfect for women of all sizes xx
https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2017/06/01/Clear-Frame-Glasses-Yes-or-No
Jessie
Totally agree with you girl. Everyone has their own shapes and the most important thing is be happy with you own. No need to compare with the others, but work hard towards your own standard. Go girl!
xx, JEssie
http://4evajessie.com/back-to-the-basics/
Samantha Mariko
I love your athletic body and it’s great you are embracing your own beauty. I’m actually pretty short to be a runway model myself which is one of the reasons why I put a lot of effort into my blogging 🙂 I love maintaining my physique by exercising! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic<3
http://www.samanthamariko.com
marcy
Such a great post babe!! I absolutely agreed is not about having a six pack it’s feeling comfortable with your skin and your body and keeping a healthy lifestyle.
I have to say I love seeing you with this story workout look!
xoxo
Marcy