Big Fit Girl. Louise Green

mindset quickly changes as endorphins are released. These athletes also understand that every workout is part of the big picture and there are seldom shortcuts.

      6.They practice self-discipline and avoid the temptations of life if these get in the way of their goals (staying out too late, drinking too much, sleeping in).

      7.They are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. They will get up early, run in the rain, or train before a social event (instead of skipping the training) if they have to.

      8.They have self-compassion. Not all workouts will be great, but successful athletes learn from their not-so-good workouts and their mistakes and see shortcomings as opportunities to improve. Everyone has a bad workout sometimes. Highly successful athletes know this and show up anyway.

      9.They are social beings, and most train with groups, coaches, or teams at least some of the time. They value the opportunity to learn from fellow athletes, as well as to push themselves with friendly competitors.

      PART OF BEING a Big Fit Girl is thinking like an athlete. Adopt some of these nine habits for a step in the right direction. They will help you to consistently put in the hard work it takes to achieve goals. Keep this list in mind as you create a plan for how you will unleash your inner athlete!

       What Activities Work Best for Plus-Size Women?

      YOU ARE LIMITED only by your own fear. There is no “right” activity for a plus-size woman, just as there is no “right” activity for someone with a smaller body who is new to fitness. You may have heard people suggest you try these typical activities: water aerobics, swimming, yoga, or walking. These activities are often recommended because they are seen as gentler and more manageable for bigger bodies. After hitting the pool to swim some laps, I am not sure I agree that swimming is gentle! And there are some pretty tough water aerobics and yoga classes out there. If you go at your own pace, the sky is the limit.

      What activity is right for you? Start with what you enjoy, not what you or others think you are capable of. Try a few different activities to see what feels the best. With the right training, a community of support, and your own determination, you can achieve anything. Rather than give you a list of exercises made for larger bodies, I turned to my favorite athletes (they happen to be plus-size) to share their favorite fitness activities. Which one speaks to you? What do you feel inspired to try?

       Yoga

       KRYSTAL THOMPSON, OWNER OF THE LUSCIOUS LIFE

      EARLY FORMS OF yoga were developed by the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India over 5,000 years ago. Yoga is practiced every day, by millions of people, all around the world. Although modern-day yoga can appear intimidating, people of all shapes and sizes are busting out their warrior pose. I met yoga teacher Krystal Thompson at the Body Love Conference in Tucson, Arizona. Her passion for yoga inspired me to ask her more. Here is her story:

      I started my yoga practice in 1997. Yoga felt like a safer form of moving my bigger body in public than something like running or joining another sport. I had very self-limiting beliefs about my body and what it could do back then. Yoga felt easier for me to access because I had a background in dance that had developed my body awareness and flexibility.