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I, a plus-size woman, could endure the burpees and tapbacks.
Even my grandmother, in her 80s, walked a mile daily to stay limber.
As a teen, I played soccer, basketball, baseball, and ran track.
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I was tall, sturdy, and agile.
I believed acceptance meant becoming smaller through sports and workouts, something I had internalized as a child.
In my twenties, I joined rec leagues, playing basketball and rugby for club teams.
Despite dealing withplantar fasciitisand occasional back injuries, I persevered.
Would I inadvertently harm myself?
Would my right foot swell after each cycle class?
This fear loomed over every workout, casting doubt on the value of these intense routines.
Despite my efforts, the stress persisted.
I remained unchanged in every sense of the word.
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Let me be clear: I adored them.
However, I gradually realized I was conforming to societal expectations rather than listening to my bodys needs.
But as I laid on the couch with ice packs strapped to my limbs, this approach seemed unsustainable.
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At Pilates, I found a retreat to move and stretch, easing hip tension without customary discomfort.
Pilates Coven co-owner and founderSabrina Castronotices her clients have a positive shift in their mentality when taking classes.
Its stressful and exhausting to ones mental, emotional, and physical health.
You learn to be softer and easier with yourself.
Sprinkling in some high-impact workouts now and then has helped keep mybones strongand ready to support my body.
Despite the calm appearance oflow-impact workouts, Ive discovered their quiet insistence on heightened mindfulness.
Every intentional movement in Pilates awakens muscles Id overlooked, urging me to prioritize form over speed.
Neglected small muscles suddenly come alive, boosting my strength and stability overall.
The notion that low-impact workouts lack intensity is a complete misconception.
Low-impact exercises are typically slower and people are not used to moving slowly.
Low-impact exercises are also more useful for everyday living, says Castro.
Most of our day is spent moving at a leisurely pace.
Our bodies are not built to run and push push push for hours.
It is important to remember that this class is for you.
If you want or need to take a break, take one, she says.
Pushing through for the sake of performing for others is not necessarily going to support your movement practice.
Learning to listen to your body is such a gift.
Transitioning to low-impact workouts posed a unique challenge in my shift toward a soft girl era.
The real challenge lay in staying present, honing each movement, and deepening my connection with my body.
Im embracing a summer of water aerobics and pausing during nature walks to appreciate scenery rather than chasing steps.
Embracing the soft girl life has revealed a sustainable, joyous journey toward staying active and connected with myself.
To all the soft girls out theresee you in class.
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