Thick, Fit and Not Your Average

Apr 30

When you think of the words dancer, athlete, runner and even yoga instructor, what picture comes to mind? Chances are you envision the same body type society has shoved in our faces for ages. Well let’s shake things up a bit. There are plenty of dancers, athletes, runners and yoga instructors that shatters society’s expectations on what they should look like. Here are seven amazing individuals that are thick, fit, and not your average.

Amanda LaCount

Amanda LaCount is a charming hip hop dancer, choreographer, model, and influencer. Some of her most notable performances include The Ellen Show, Meghan Trainor, Katy Perry, DWTS, The Voice and her National Dance Tour Amanda LaCount Live.

Jessamyn Stanley

Jessamyn is a kick ass yoga instructor, body positive advocate and inspiration to many. Continuously shattering preconceived notions, her first book, Every Body Yoga: Let Go of Fear. Get On the Mat. Love Your Body, has inspired global audiences to discover the power of yoga and self-acceptance. Her Instagram feed is versatile and explores a variety of human emotions and feelings. Her company, The Underbelly Yoga, celebrates inclusivity, curiosity, authenticity and learning how to create a safe space for many who face the chance of being ostracized.

Lizzy Howell

By simply posting a short video of herself in class performing fouettés, Howell began to change the dance world, how dancers are viewed, and made an immediate impact to the body positive movement. Her Instagram is full of images that highlight all the amazing things the plus size body can do but is rarely shown.

Ebony Jones

Ebony caught my eye as I literally watched her lose it. Pound for pound she decided to change her life and share her methods with anyone that needed a tip or two. What really stuck out is how she embraced her newer body instead of hating her old one. Still remaining a woman of size, she began to teach fitness classes becoming a Shape Up NYC instructor. She also hosts workout meetups in NYC under her Build to Destroy brand. Visit her YouTube page, to obtain access to her day- to-day life, watch her pitfalls and how she picks herself back up.

Pretty Big Movement

The Pretty Big Movement is a plus size dance group that has been shaking up the dance world one 8-count at a time. Being the first international full figured dance company based in New York City, they specialize in various dance genres such as Hip-Hop, Jazz, African and Modern. Pretty Big Movement has created a space where full figured dancers can be seen as the true artists they are.

Mirna Valerio

What started out as a blog — Fat Girl Running, has gained serious momentum as a movement inspiring people everywhere to be whoever they want and to do whatever makes them happy. Introduced to “The Mirnavoator” via a partnership opportunity, Mirna has quickly become one of our outdoor heroes. Mirna runs, skis, bikes and hikes showing the world that the plus size body is capable and versatile

Aby Deal

Aby came dancing across screens in a two piece and smile; From that day on Shapely was hooked. Using dance as a way to combat mental health and the stigmas placed on people of size, Aby provides viewers with a very candid glimpse of not only all the things the plus size body can do, but all the emotions that a person’s body can feel. She is an anti-bully champion and a reminder of what it is to be your authentic self. Taking every moment she can to empower others, Aby has redefined the impact the plus size blogger can have. She hosts seasonal body positive pool parties as well as monthly workout meetups with qualified personnel.

All these individuals have greatly impacted how I view fitness instructors, dancers and athletes. It also shows me that with the proper training, oversight and initiative, my body can also do all these things. I hope it does the same for you. Do you have anyone in mind that is the “not your average…” version of something special? Comment below and it might just be highlighted Shapely’s social media channels.

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Iya Thomas

Iya is the Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Shapely. Iya is committed to inspiring people of size to crush inhibitions, champion their community and live their best plus sized life! You can follow her on Instagram @cutebydefinition.