ESPN Annual Body Issue

It's finally here, the release of the annual ESPN Magazine Body Issue. This is one of my favorite's because it showcases a variety of athletes and body types and there are always a few that may be controversial. This year it's Amanda Bingson. She weighs in at around 200 pounds, and bares all for ESPN and for girls everywhere.

 

Bingson is an Olympic Hammer Thrower as a member of USA's Track & Field team

In Bingson's interview for ESPN, she said that being a part of the magazine shows that athletes come in all shapes and sizes. And while some might be repulsed at the sight of her, or think she is unworthy of being in a magazine, I am amazed by her.

"Generally when you look at athletes, you see their muscles and all that stuff; I don't have any of that. My arm is just my arm -- it's not cut, it's not sculpted. I don't have traps bulging out to my ears; I have a neck. I don't have a six-pack. My legs are a little toned, but they aren't bulging out. I'm just dense."

 It's great to see someone who has been successful and hasn't let her size or lack of a "perfect" body get in the way. She is a true role model. She believes in herself and accepts herself. Bingson believes in using your body to its advantages, knowing your strengths and weaknesses and working towards what is good for yourself.

"I'll be honest, I like everything about my body"

 I can't stress enough that we all have different body types and that we have to learn to love ourselves. Yes, with the right diet and exercise program, we can alter our bodies to certain extents. But if you have belly fat, so what? You could still have a strong core underneath. If you have big legs, why be ashamed of them? I'll admit, I hated my thighs for years on end because they weren't long or slim, but now I embrace them because they are strong. They are big, they are muscular, and that's better than standing on toothpicks.

"Whatever your body type is, just use it. There are definitely things that I can do that skinnier people can't do. But then there are things that skinnier people do that I'll never be able to do, like run a marathon. There's just no way that will ever happen."

 Find an activity or exercise program you enjoy. Set goals for yourself and no one else. Do what works for you, and do what makes you happy.  Use your body to your advantage. It's yours. Own it.

Great Healthy Gifts for Mother's Day

So your mom is a health freak or a fitness fanatic, or maybe she wants to start. Help her get going this Mother's Day with these awesome gift ideas!

#FitMom #HealthyMom

FitBit
This is one of my favorite products! It is perfect for anyone and easy to wear and use. Whether your mom is already really active, or looking to be more active, the FitBit will track her steps taken, stairs climbed, sleep patterns, and calories burned. There is also the ability to create a free online account that graphs out your progress and allows you to connect with other FitBit users. It also syncs to other workout apps such as MyFitnessPal. I recommend the One version since it is easy to clip on and I found it to be more accurate than the Flex. Available in stores and online.




FlipBelt

Perfect for the running or highly active mom. She can keep all her essentials in this comfortable and lightweight wearable. It's a sleek way to carry the few things you need while working out, such as your phone, keys, I.D., and money. It can be worn with the pockets facing outward, making it easy to access your belongings or worn facing inward to safeguard your belongings. It's really stretchy so that it can fit comfortably and is flexible to move with your body instead of feeling like added weight. It is not bulky, and perfect for when you don't want to carry too much. Available in a variety of colors. Get yours here!




Gym Membership

Sign mom up for that new gym in town or for a class she said she's been wanting to try. Other than traditional gyms, there are Yoga studios, Spin studios, Kickboxing or Zumba gyms and classes. Pick one that you can do together to make it an extra special gift. Spending time together doing something healthy really releases those feel-good endorphins!




Blender/Juicer

Shakes and smoothies galore! Especially with summer coming, who doesn't love a tasty treat like this! Get mom a specialty blender such as the Nutribullet or Ninja. Both offer a great way to get essential nutrients in liquid form. Buy mom some protein powder to add to her drinks that suits her fitness goals. This provides a great gift to compliment mom's workouts.



Massage

Who doesn't love a massage? And after all that hard work, mom could definitely use it! If she doesn't have a favorite place, I recommend a reputable chain such as Massage Envy or Hand and Stone. A gift certificate is a perfect way to give based on budget. If the sky's the limit, make the time to go with mom and get massages or other spa treatments together. She'll love being able to relax with you.

Love Your Lines - Body Acceptance

Another movement has taken social media by storm with the tag #LoveYourLines

Women are posting photos of themselves proudly showing off their stretch marks. Anyone can get them, whether from pregnancy, gaining or losing weight, or from growth spurts during puberty. It doesn't matter your size, height or age, it can happen to anyone. Even models.

It started with two mothers and really took off when model Chrissy Teigen posted a photo to Instagram of bruises on her legs and you can see some stretch marks on her thighs. The caption reads "stretchies say hi!"

 

Women are posting personal photos of their marks and many are saying how or what they're from. Some are marks of empowerment from losing weight or battling obesity, and some are marks of love after giving birth. Every woman has a story behind their lines, and this trend is all about learning to love oneself. Embrace the lines, the scars, the marks, whatever you want to call them––they don't make you any less of a person, they add to your character.

Our bodies can do amazing things, especially women's when you think of how they change to create and nurture another human life. We all go through changes with our bodies, so there is no shame in any marks that may be left behind. Don't hate them, embrace them. But if they honestly bother you, there are options such as laser treatments or surgeries. But why go through such a procedure when you are perfectly normal? You are human. You are imperfect. And that's totally okay.