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Kayla ItsinesAustralian fitness trainer
Country:
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Content:
- Kayla Itsines: Championing Body Confidence and Inclusivity
- Uniting With Colleagues for Open Conversations
- Breaking the Stigma and Embracing Authenticity
- Standing Up to Body Shamers
- "Every time I post a photo like this I get a comment like this…"
- Empowering Individuals Through Realization
Kayla Itsines: Championing Body Confidence and Inclusivity
Australian fitness trainer and global fitness icon Kayla Itsines is leading a shift in social media sentiment, with more women speaking out against the relentless pursuit of physical perfection. As one of Australia's leading fitness trainers, the 26-year-old asserts that 2018 will see a growing desire for body confidence rather than an obsession with achieving an unattainable ideal.
Itsines' passion for fitness has catapulted her to global prominence, and she intends to leverage her platform to champion a more inclusive approach to health and body image, particularly for women. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, the health advocate explained her mission to empower women to feel "real" and embrace their bodies without the pressure to only post images that depict "physical perfection."
Uniting With Colleagues for Open Conversations
Joining forces with fellow fitness experts Sjana Elise Earp, a yoga instructor, and Kelsey Wells, a postpartum fitness specialist, Itsines emphasized the importance of addressing the highs and lows of their fitness journeys. "We're going to chat about everything, and we're going to chat about the things that women aren't speaking about on social media," Itsines said. "For example, if you have your period, or if you're feeling bloated, or if you miss a workout."
"We all have lumps and bumps and stretch marks, and it's 100% okay. We're going to be talking about all of this stuff to make it more real." Itsines anticipates that 2018 will bring a greater focus on fostering self-confidence and body acceptance.
Breaking the Stigma and Embracing Authenticity
"I think that now, some of the girls on social media who are pushing this whole movement are saying it doesn't matter what you look like, it's how you feel," Itsines continued. "That's what we're trying to push for."
With over seven million Instagram followers, Itsines encourages women to harness social media as a tool for self-discovery, inspiration, and community support. Itsines believes it's time to step out from behind the filters. "It's all about being accountable for what goes on your photo," she explained. "Did you go for your run that day? Did you do your yoga? Did you have a baby? Are you pregnant?"
"You have to talk about it. What's the point of social media if you're just going to put up your photos and not talk about anything?"
Standing Up to Body Shamers
Adelaide-born fitness enthusiast Itsines is not afraid to showcase her body, which bears the remnants of years of "hardcore" training. She recently hit back at social media trolls who criticized her for being "too skinny." Beneath an Instagram post captioned "too skinny," Itsines wrote:
"Every time I post a photo like this I get a comment like this…"
"When I post photos sideways, it's 'goals', when I do flexibility photos, it's 'strong' or 'too much.'"
"I want to remind you that it's the same person in all these photos! My body looks completely different depending on the angle I turn, sit or lay in!"
Itsines aims to convey the simple truth that a photograph captures a single moment in a person's day. It reveals only a snippet of who someone is at that particular time and does not represent their entire being. "Just something to think about," Itsines urged.
Empowering Individuals Through Realization
As a health advocate, Itsines encourages her followers to embrace her philosophy that the ultimate goal is to be the best version of themselves, regardless of their appearance.
"People are going to love you for who you are on the inside...not what you look like on the outside. That's the most important thing!" she declared.
