BODY89
COSMOPOLITAN.CO.ZA | SEPTEMBER 2019
Strength is inside
‘When we started training, Massy said
she wanted to work on my core. I was
like, “I’m super-fat. My core doesn’t matter
as you’ll never see it.” I heard the word
“core” and thought of six-packs. But she
explained that the core is the centre of
everything – it’s how I achieve what I do.
When I said I wanted to be a model,
everyone told me I couldn’t do it, and
that’s what made me want to. I apply that
same energy and mind-set to obstacles
on the gym floor. I love p*ssing people
off. But it’s more than that: I love getting
strong and seeing what I can do. I’ve now
quadrupled the weight that I can lift.’We need to break
down barriers
‘There are so many barriers to fat people
working out – and a lot of it begins at
school. I get really depressed thinking
about PE because I was a fat teenager
in a Mississippi school where it was all
about football and cheerleaders. What
we all did was so focused on that idea
of fitness, which isn’t for everyone. I’d
love to see a curriculum built around
loving yourself. Fitness brands need to get
on board, in the way that Nike did, by
launching a plus-size workout line (which
was actually plus-size!) and using plus-
size models in their campaigns. We need
clothes that we can work out in.’This is loving myself
‘There have been so many people who
have said, “Well, if you love yourself, then
why are you working out?” It makes me
feel guilty about what I’m doing because
I don’t want anyone to feel bad about
themselves. I know it’s not for everyone.
Not everyone is able-bodied and can
work out. But I can be fat, I can work
out and I can still love myself. I’m not
abandoning my philosophy or betraying
anyone. I also try to remember that some
people need to see this. I’ve been getting
messages from those thanking me as well.
I can’t please everyone but I can please
myself. And seeing my strength in the gym
only adds to all the self-love I have.THE BEST PLUS-
SIZE ACTIVEWEAR
Fed up of ‘large’ sizes
actually being ‘small’? Check
out these hero brands...NIKE SA
Nike’s plus-size collection includes
sizes up to 3XL. This stylish range
showcases quality activewear
that was created with performance
and comfort in mind.
Nike.c o m/zaKHEPER
This Cape Town-based brand
focuses on inclusivity, and
encourages all women to feel
confident and empowered.
Their workout staples come
in a variety of fun prints, and
sizes go up to XXL.
Kheper.co.zaDONNA
This is the most reasonably priced
plus-size activewear brand in
SA, and its range of workout
gear goes up to size 2XL.
Donna.co.za