Today's post is going to be about fitness. I know that can be triggering for some so feel free to just close this out and I'll be back tomorrow to talk about something not fitness related.
Before I get into any of this I want to be clear that fitness for fat people is made trickier by the "Good Fatty/Bad Fatty" dichotomy which privileges fat people who participate in fitness and therefore - so the incorrect belief goes - should be treated better.
I often benefit from that privilege, so I always want to make it clear that fitness (like "health" or "healthy behaviors") by whatever definition you might be using, is not an obligation, a barometer of worthiness, or entirely within our control. Participating in movement/fitness/sports/exercise does not make someone better than those who do not participate. As someone who has done both, I can tell you that completing a marathon and having a Netflix marathon are morally equivalent activities. My activism at the intersections of fat and fitness focuses on the fact that nobody is obligated to participate in fitness, but every body should be welcome.
So, about today's video. I'm honored to be an official ambassador for NEDA (the National Eating Disorders Association) and I was doubly honored to be asked to participate in the first of a series of round tables hosted by NEDA and the Yoga and Body Image Coalition with Melanie Klein (co-founder of YBIC,) Dianne Bondy, Jivana Heyman, and Thalia González .
We discussed the issues of inclusivity, diversity, and body confidence in fitness spaces. Enjoy!
You can view it below, or at [https://www.facebook.com/NationalEatingDisordersAssociation/videos/364971534442003/]
Was this helpful? If you appreciate the work that I do, you can support my ability to do more of it with a one-time tip or by becoming a member. (Members get special deals on fat-positive stuff, a monthly e-mail keeping them up to date on the work their membership supports, and the ability to ask me questions that I answer in a members-only monthly Q&A Video!)
Sick of diet talk? Want to tell fatphobes to take a hike? Want to explain how important fat-friendly seating is? There are songs for that. Jeanette DePatie and I have collaborated on some revamped holiday songs that we are releasing between now and the new year! Below is a playlist of the songs we've released so far. If you want to make sure not to miss future videos, you can subscribe to my YouTube channel!
Like this blog? Here's more cool stuff:Wellness for All Bodies Program: A simple, step-by-step, super efficient guide to setting and reaching your health goals from a weight-neutral perspective. This program can be used by individuals, or by groups, including as a workplace wellness program!
Price: $25.00 ($10 for DancesWithFat members - register on the member page)
This e-course that includes coaching videos, a study guide, and an ebook with the tools you need to create a rock-solid relationship with your body. Our relationships with our bodies don't happen in a vacuum, so just learning to see our beauty isn't going to cut it. The world throws obstacles in our way - obstacles that aren't our fault, but become our problem. Over the course of this program, Ragen Chastain, Jeanette DePatie, and six incredible guest coaches will teach you practical, realistic, proven strategies to go above, around, and through the obstacles that the world puts in front of you when it comes to living an amazing life in the body you have now.
Price: $99.00
($79.00 for DancesWithFat members - register on the member page)
Wellness for All Bodies Program: A simple, step-by-step, super efficient guide to setting and reaching your health goals from a weight-neutral perspective. This program can be used by individuals, or by groups, including as a workplace wellness program!
Price: $25.00 ($10 for DancesWithFat members - register on the member page)
Love It! 234 Inspirations And Activities to Help You Love Your Body
This is filled with thoughtful advice from the authors Jeanette DePatie, Ragen Chastain, and Pia Sciavo-Campo as well as dozens of other notable names from the body love movement, the book is lovingly illustrated with diverse drawings from size-positive artist Toni Tails.
Price: $9.99 softcover, $7.99 Kindle, ($6.95 + free shipping for DancesWithFat Members)
Book and Dance Class Sale! I'm on a journey to complete an IRON-distance triathlon, and I'm having a sale on all my books, DVDs, and digital downloads to help pay for it. You get books and dance classes, I get spandex clothes and bike parts. Everybody wins! If you want, you can check it out here! ( DancesWithFat Members get an even better deal, make sure to make your purchases from the Members Page!)
Book Me! I'd love to speak to your organization. You can get more information here or just e-mail me at ragen at danceswithfat dot org!
I'm (still!) training for an Iron-distance triathlon! You can follow my journey at www.IronFat.com .
If you are uncomfortable with my offering things for sale on this site, you are invited to check out this post.
Hi, I'm Ragen Chastain. Speaker, Writer, Dancer, Choreographer, Marathoner, Soon to be Iron-distance triathlete, Activist, Fat Person. View all posts by Ragen Chastain
