THICK AND FIT!

Thick and Fit!

This is for all of my sistahs out there J. It is possible to keep your plump round booty and still work out!

Not to say that all sistahs want to be thick but let’s be real, many of us are. Heck half of America is overweight. According to the body mass index (BMI) that is currently used, the last time I was weighed technically I am overweight for my height although I can fit a 4/6. So it’s not all about what society says you should look like but more importantly what you are comfortable with.

Growing up I ate whatever I wanted, entire pizzas, whole gallons of Eddy’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream and I didn’t seem to gain any weight. I was always skinny but I desired to be thick. I guess I was watching too many videos and got wrapped up in Sir Mix-A-Lots baby got back. Anyway, it wasn’t until after I turned 22 that I began gaining weight. That was attributed to me going out to the clubs drinking modestly but eating afterwards late night. The thickness came, then I had my son and the thickness went. Don’t get me wrong no complaints here as many women have children, pack on pounds and have a difficult time getting it off.

Let me clarify something, I no longer eat like that. I drink 8, 8oz glasses of water daily, eat fruits and veggies, bake all my food, rarely eat fried foods. More so for my health and my heart than my weight, however. Nevertheless, I am not on a diet in the least bit if I want chocolate cake, brownies, ice cream etc. I am going to eat it and not feel guilty about it. So I am grateful right now for my size and weight just want to trim my mid-section and strengthen my core.

Ladies, our core is vital to our health; that goes for men as well. The larger the waist line the greater your chance of heart disease and other illnesses. So what am I saying, forget about your hair, forget about the thought of losing your derriere and get the moving, get active.

However, as the title says, you can be thick and fit. I admittedly have fallen in love with yoga, Pilates, and I now have a ballet stretch workoutthat I do for increased flexibility. All of these exercises will keep your thickness and give you more fitness and flexibility too. Note: I rarely sweat when doing any of the above mentioned workouts, so you don’t have to worry about your hair, but I do see the benefits.

Flexibility is key especially as we grow older. Weight training is also important. No you don’t have to look like a bulky weight builder but trust me your bones will thank you especially in your 60s, 70s, and 80s. With all that said, don’t forget to stretch regularly. Stretching helps avoid bulking and keeps your muscles long and lean.

To get fit, no you do not need a gym membership or expensive gym equipment. You can do crunches, sit-ups, push-ups, jumping jacks, squats etc. at home. There are no excuses. I am a huge fan of DVDs I work out in my bedroom, the gym is not for me. Now if you want to go to the gym or invest in gym equipment by all means. I myself want an elliptical to add more cardio to my workout. The point is again, no excuses.

While my hope is that we are all eating more healthy foods than non-healthy foods. Diet is the key to weight loss. So if you don’t want to lose weight you don’t have to, you can exercise and simply tone, keeping your thickness but getting fit.

So in a nut shell whatever type of exercise you do, walking, running, hitting the gym, and working out in your home doing traditional moves or with a DVD. Do something, at least 3X per week for a minimum of 20 minutes. If possible at least stretch every day, trust me your body will love you for it.

No matter what your size, weight or shape, be fit and fabulous and love yourself!

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials