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Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts

Fat Blasting - Day 2

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Welcome back!!! If you are just getting started with us we are on our second day of fat blasting with the Daily Hiit. If you want to shred those extra pounds to get ready for a party, summer vaca, or etc this is where it's at. So hop in and get started with us today.
 
 
http://www.dailyhiit.com/videos/sweat-and-get-lean-workout-thehiit-16
 
If you want go back and start the first day click here
 


Stay motivated!!! 
                     This Girl Lifts

Five days of Fat Blasting Cardio- Day 1

Monday, July 21, 2014

Yes, long time no see but I am back better than ever. This week I am going to be sharing The Daily Hiit's Fat Frying Series for five days straight. This Hiit workout is made to help you burn as many calories as possible while doing the full version of the exercise or modified. There is some equipment needed for a couple of the videos but if you do not have it you can still do the exercises. 

So if your ready........click on the pick below and get started. This is Day 1 of the Fry Fat Fast Series.

Don't give up ladies. Stay motivated, drink lots of water, and push through. It will all be worth it in the end.

                                                                           This Girl lifts

How to Train Like the Pros

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Not everyone wants to be a body builder or compete on stage but for some reason we all love the look. We drool over it as we flip through fitness magazines or as we watch our favorite shows on television. We put hours and hours of workouts in and spend tons of money on products we probably don't need. So today I am going to give you a few tips to train like a pro without actually stepping foot on stage.

 
Tip 1: Stay consistent
 
Don't start a regiment and then stop. Stay consistent with your routine. If your going to workout daily then do it. Consistent allows your body to prosper. Start a calendar or a take a notebook and keep track of what you do and when you do it.

Tip 2: Eat clean 
 
You just left work and see McDonalds coming up on your right. Don't stop!!! Keep going. Eating out constantly at fast food restaurants sets you back when it comes to your goals. There are tons of clean eating recipes that allow you to have the same satisfaction. Grocery shop and prep your food for a week so you can just grab and go.

Tip 3: Meal Prep 
 
You work five days a week but still have to get to gym, pick kids up, or even attend school. Sundays are the best days to grocery shop and prep food for the week. Prepping allows you to always have the right foods available to you daily. Pack your bag because eating out is not an option. 

Tip 4: Drink up
 
The human body is mostly made up of water. That's how we function. The more water we drink the better our body works and we stay hydrated. Our muscles love it.

Tip 5: Up your weight
 
We spend all our time in the gym being scared to pick up a heavier weight and bust it out. Ladies, heavy weights are okay. The heavier the weight the better the definition and the nicer the muscle. Pick it up!!

Tip 6: Be mindful of what your putting in your body. 
 
I have to admit, I have tried tons of fat burners and to my surprise only found one out of a gazillion that actually work. In the end though I honestly regret putting all those crazy things in my body. Try to find what works for you upfront to avoid dragging your body through harsh times. Also, try natural things first. Don't limit yourself to what's on the shelf in your local GNC.

Tip 8: Stay Humble

This tip is one of the most important tips. No matter how much training you do or how big and beautiful you get lifting those weights, stay humble. Helping others is what counts the most. Sharing ideas between other women not only help you learn new things but helps them as well.

I'm sure there are 567,896,278 ways to train like a pro but in my struggle to fit these have been my top tips to go by. So get started! Get fit!


                                                                          Love,
                                                                              This Girl Lifts

12 Week Plan

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Ladies, I have the best news in the history of fitness (probably not lol but to me it is). I have teamed up with one of the greatest ISSA trainers, Melissa Schevchenko, to bring you a 12 week fitness plan that will help you lose, tone, and sculpt the body you have been waiting for. The plan is an upper body lower body split that incorporates plyo moves, intervals, and cardio. The best part is......It's beginner approved!!!!


12 WEEK PLAN INCLUDES:


-12 week plan

-Nutritional guide

-Tips and Tricks to get started and maintain

-Guide to meal prepping

-A series of videos on our Youtube channel to help you get started and through your workouts



So I have one more awesome surprise for you. I am letting you join in on all the excitement for the very low cost of $49.95. Yes, you read it right. You get 3 months of exceptional training and guidance for $49.95. How awesome is that???!!!! So ladies, if your ready to join us on this great journey, pre-order your 12 week plan today.
           
                                                                          Ready to Rock,
                                                                                   This Girl Lifts

Pre-order Here.

Get Over Yourselves

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Okay ladies, I feel like I have to share my greatest opinion about this because it's driving me insane and I can't stand the negative opinions and actions going on about this. I hope each and everyone of you who reads this takes the time to share it because it's about to get real up in here.

                                                          We are familiar with this post.



Some of us are familiar with the replies.


        
Yes, these are the ladies representing women around the world!!! Whoop whoop!! Not!!!


"What's your excuse?" Has gone on long enough and I say it should continue. What got me so fired up? I saw a pic posted on a well followed facebook page today of Sara Camyrn. Better yet, I posted it. Not for the caption but for the picture. She very well looked damn good in it. Yes, my mistake. God forbid I overlook the caption. Here's the pic that was posted.


Let me start by saying I don't have kids but I have had step kids in my life and I understand it's hard to fit time in when your a full time student, full time worker, and a parent but here's the truth. When you feel like you can use a shopping trip, that's an hour you could have spent working out. When you feel like a night on the town with girls is good, that's time you can spend working out. I know lots of women who are full time mothers with at least 2-5 kids who fit some type of workout routine in their day and they look damn good might I add. Has anyone ever heard the saying "all it takes is 4% of your day to get in a great exercise routine." 

Side note :As a military spouse, I get upset on daily every time I hear someone say all military wives do is sit around, have babies, and get fat. Is it true? For some yes and for some no. Does it irritate me about the ones who live up to the stereotype? Hell yeah. I can't stand to hear all the disgusting things that people say about military wives as far as having babies and being what is called a "dependapotamous." Urban dictionary definition: "Traditionally a service-members dependent who is a stay at home mom that doesn't do a damn thing all day besides sitting on the couch looking remarkably similar to jabba the hut leaching off of military benefits and eating anything that gets too close. 

So for all those moms who can balance their homes and still get in workout time, "what's their excuse?" How come your not doing it? Enough of this, "oh, my life is so busy", "I have to cook, clean, and be a full time mom and wife", " I work 12 hour days", "she gets paid to look like that." Enough is enough. What does it all boil down to......LAZINESS. Nobody said you have to look like her. The point of the matter is you can still have kids and look good. Choose veggies over ice cream. What the hell? You can even make your whole family eat healthy if you want. It's called baby steps. She didn't just look like that over night but she worked her ass off to get there. When your sitting on the couch watching tv and eating cookies or snicker doodles, it's called the thigh master baby.......make it work. It's called a dumbbell, throw that shit to ceiling and get those shoulders and arms pumping. When you get a break at work, oh snap, do some lunges, crunches, jumping jacks, and oh yeah skip the fast food run. You will thank yourself for it later. 

Truth be told, I am not downplaying the hard work of being a parent but I am knocking your lame ass excuses. Truth be told, I hate working out. I'm like why can't all women just have abs all the time and look sexy as hell but we don't. Some of us have to work at it harder than others but if that's what it takes, I'm down. 

I know a lot of people are going to hate me for this post and I know a lot of people are going to love me but truth be told excuses are for losers. 


                                                                                                         Airing out dirty laundry, 
                                                                                                                             THIS GIRL LIFTS

                                           (This might become a weekly segment)

For the Love of Fitness: Kelli Freese

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Pregnancy seems to be a big deal in the fitness world right now. We have all seen the Maria King story along with the crossfit mom Lea-Ann Ellison. I have to say exercising while pregnant shows the true strength of a women. Once pregnant a lot of women milk the sympathy and stop doing what's right for their body. Meet Kelli. She is also a exercise while pregnant kinda girl.


Kelli Freese
Favorite healthy snack: Carrot sticks dipped  in guacamole. 
Favorite workouts: yoga, weights, and running. 
Favorite fitness brands: Merrell and The Sox Box
Favorite workout song: silence.  Yes, I know it's odd but I like to enjoy the peace and quiet when I workout.  

I posted on Facebook the other day about my plans to go on a five mile hike and immediately a comment popped up, "Don't overdo it, you don't have anything to prove."  I get comments like this a lot when I post my run for the day, or my lifting schedule, or anything else that seems "strenuous."  No, I'm not injured; nor am I getting over an illness; I'm just pregnant. 

For some reason in our society we have decided that the second we become pregnant we can't lift anything heavier than a water bottle to our lips; nor can we do any form of cardio more strenuous than waddling down the street for
fifteen minutes.  Don't get me wrong, I bought that lie back with offspring #1. I also bought the "eating for two" thing (what chili cheeseburgers, fries AND a chocolate shake, why not!). 

I was working out BEFORE I got pregnant and so it is perfectly safe to continue to do so throughout pregnancy.  In fact most women who workout out during pregnancy recover faster and tend to have shorter delivery times. 

I'll do ANYTHING to shorten my delivery time!  Now it is not safe to start a new training regimen or something that you weren't doing before you got pregnant, so don't decide to run a marathon when you've never run over two miles; that's the road that leads to injuries and hospital visits.  However, if
you were going to Crossfit before don't stop going to the Box now just listen to your body and to your trainers.  If you were running before don't stop, let me say it again; just listen to your body. 

This pregnancy has been totally different because I didn't stop working out.  I barely feel pregnant although my bump says differently.  I have had a few days of feeling yucky but other than that I feel great and I truly believe that eating real food and exercising are to attribute to that. If you weren't exercising before and want to start something so that you can
feel better now, doctors and fitness professionals agree that the best thing for you is to walk.  Don't be afraid to throw on your athletic shoes and get moving.

For those of you that aren't pregnant, when you see a pregnant woman exercising; encourage her.  Trust me she needs to hear those words!

Go check Kelli out on her awesome blog over at Mom4ce.

blog:  www.mom4ce.blogspot.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Mom4ce

                                                     Pregnant and Healthy,
                                                                   THIS GIRL LIFTS

For the Love of Fitness: Sarah Fab

Monday, February 24, 2014

For the Love of Fitness February has been going great. We have got to meet tons of new people and find out why they are in love with their fitness life. So meet Sarah Fab.



Sarah Fab

I grew up playing all sorts of sports and have always been an active kid. I went to college and played soccer and tennis for my school. While I was still active, I ate whatever I wanted and gained the good ol' freshman 20!

It was around my sophomore and junior year that I realized I could not eat whatever I want and needed to learn more about food and nutrition. It was not easy, I was pretty clueless. While I wanted to learn and be healthy, there are other things that are important when you are in your 20's...parties, late night dinner trips, ice cream runs, you know... My weight fluctuated for a few years (105 pounds my sophomore year, back up to 130 when I graduated, back down to 110 the year after college, and then back up to 140 the next year). 

I continued to workout and read and learn, and one day it finally clicked. I wanted to live to be healthy and strong and take care of my body. When I stopped counting calories and looking at food as good or bad, I was able to just enjoy it and I eat to fuel my body.. and of course indulge now and then, life is too short to not enjoy it!

While I know I could still eat healthier, I feel good and strong and healthy, and have been the same weight for about 5 or 6 years. I feel so much better, mentally and physically, when I stay active and fuel my body properly!

Check out Sarah Fab on some of her social media and her awesome blog. 

blog is: Shh Fit Happens http://shhfithappens.com


                                                       Where everything is always fitness,

                                                             THIS GIRL LIFTS

For the Love of Fitness: Jessie Emeric

Monday, February 10, 2014

Happy Monday!! I hope everyone's week is getting off to a great start. This week we are still celebrating our for the "Love of Fitness" week. I would love for everyone to meet Jessie from It's a Messy Life.

Inline image 2\
 "Be strong, you never know who you are inspiring."

Jessie Emeric

Where ur from: Las Vegas, NV
Favorite type of workout (yoga, tabata, weightlifting, etc) P.I.T. (Pure Intensity Training) 
Favorite healthy snack: larabars specifically, the coconut cream pie

In February 2012 I was at the heaviest weight I have ever been.  I was tired all the time, had zero energy, and lost all faith that I would ever fit into my old pre-baby jeans.  I knew that I had to do something soon because I wanted to be a good example to our 2 young children on being healthy and active.  So, I made a drastic move and out of desperation I joined the gym.  I'd never joined a gym before.  I was scared, no scratch that, I was petrified to join a gym.  My vision of a gym was a bunch of buff people walking around and laughing at us non-athletic types (read: out of shape types).  It took me some time to find a routine and find what worked for me.  The workout machines were rather intimidating, so I gravitated to the group fitness classes.  I tried out just about all of them, until I found some I liked and could fit into my schedule the best.  I started to see some changes and that kept me motivated to continue to workout and eat better, but what really pushed me further was signing up for Tough Mudder!   When I signed up, I had no idea what I was getting into, and then I saw the videos on YouTube, YIKES!! Talk about being completely out of my comfort zone, this was it!  You've heard of Scared Straight?  Well, I was Scared Fit!  I knew I had to up my game if I was ever going to complete those crazy military style obstacles with names like Electric Eel, Everest, and Artic Enema all throughout a 10-12 mile course of rough terrain and mud!  Tough Mudder changed my life (I'm not even exaggerating)!  Training for the event got me to do workouts I'd never dream I could do.  I'd never heard of a burpee before, let alone attempt to do one!! It got me eating healthier.  I began to care for my body.  It wasn't about trying to get skinny anymore, it was about trying to get strong.  It got my family eating healthier and becoming more active too.  Tough Mudder showed me that I can do whatever I set my mind to do.  It takes a lot of discipline, determination, and some pain, but it's possible.  

Since doing Tough Mudder, I am now hooked on races, not just obstacle course racing.  I completed 6 races in 2013, including my first half marathon!  Now my goal is to complete 14 races in 2014.  I've already signed up for my second half marathon and of course the one that started it all, Tough Mudder!  Signing up for races and events really helps keep me motivated and it gives me something to work towards.  I strongly believe that having a goal is important because it gives us something specific to aim for.  It's something you can visualize and hey, you made a financial commitment and if you're anything like me, then that in itself will make me do it.  Races aren't cheap and I don't  like to throw away money, so if I sign up, you know it's going to happen!  
Another thing that keeps me accountable and motivated is my blog, It's a Messy Life. It's a place where people can come to find motivation for themselves too!  Throughout this journey, I've found so much support from close friends and family and I am so thankful for having such an amazing support group.  If you don't have someone close to you who is supportive, though, please don't give up.  There are so many places you can find support.  I have met some great women by joining local running groups and other online support groups.  It will be scary and uncomfortable at first, but it will be a fun and rewarding journey and hey, you'll have great stories to tell about your first 5K or the time you tried zumba and everyone was shaking their hips to the left and you were going to the right (this may or may not have happened to me!).  It's all about getting yourself out there and making it happen!  

To hear more from Jessie herself, check out the links below. Happy Monday and don't for get to stay motivated.


                                                       So Inspired,
                                                             This Girl Lifts

For the Love of Fitness: Tiffany Choate

Monday, February 3, 2014


It's the start of our February for the love of fitness month and I have awesome blogger and mommy to share with you today. Say hello to Tiffany!!

Name: Tiffany Choate

Where you are from or live: Houston, TX
Fitness you are into: Strength training; HIIT
Favorite healthy snack: apple slices with maple almond butter
Favorite fitness brand: Nike
Blog or website: http://www.bump2buff.com/



Hi! I'm Tiffany from Bump 2 Buff.


I'm a 35-year-old former surgical oncology Physician Assistant turned stay-at-home mom to two rambunctious toddler boys!

My blog recently blossomed out of encouragement to share my 80 lb postpartum weight loss success story. I have a renewed passion for health and fitness, and I want to share that with you!

Visit Bump 2 Buff for inspiration in postpartum fitness, motherhood and healthy eating. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and let's succeed together at sculpting a beautiful body after baby!





Beautiful is totally subjective.
It means one thing to you, and something completely different to me.
That's the amazing thing about this whole journey.
We all realize that each one of us is beautiful and unique in our own way, yet we have the exact same goal. To be happy and healthy.

I gained 50 lbs with my 2nd son and topped out at my heaviest weight of 194.
In all honesty, I was thoroughly embarrassed when I had to tell the anesthesiologist that I was 5'4" and 194 lbs. Saying this out loud was my 'lightbulb moment'Something had to change. I had A LOT of work ahead of me.




Exercise after pregnancy can be challenging and intimidating for many. But it doesn't have to be. The important thing about exercising though, is it works wonders for your well-being. The release of endorphins can change your mood in a matter of minutes.

When you get home with the newest member of the family, finding time for any physical activity is extremely challenging. Throw in spouses, other children, planning to go back to work, LIFE, etc. and it may seem like you'll always be exhausted and sporting a muffin-top.

'Tis not the case, my friend.

Hormonal changes make you emotional {among other things}, so choosing to sit or lie on the couch seems like the better option at the time. Some days you may just be too darn tired for a full workout. That's ok.

That doesn't mean you have to put physical activity on the back burner though. Physical activity actually gives you the energy you need to care for your baby. And yourself.



1 | when should you start:
we've all heard we should wait 6 weeks before beginning exercise, however, certain circumstances may make the waiting period even longer {c-section, complicated birth, etc} or shorter. Be sure to consult your personal physician for exercise clearance.

2| set goals: 

when you are ready to begin exercise, set small, accomplishable goals for yourself and WRITE THEM DOWN! You need to see them right out in front of you. Also, BELIEVE you can attain those goals! 90% of this is mental!

- start with low-impact and simple
- take a walk
- push the baby in the stroller
- check out the local gym for postpartum classes
- start building your at home gym
- lift weights {it burns more calories}
- grab a friend for accountability

3| schedule your workouts:
- plan your workouts for the week ahead
- find a time that works best for you, and stick to it
- wake up before everyone else 
- workout while the baby naps 
- put the baby beside you on the floor or in a playset next to you
- lay out your workout clothes the night before
give it a week...you'll make it a habit and won't want to quit!

4| dress the part:

get out of your husband's old nasty sweatpants and over sized t-shirts. Buy yourself some cute, supportive sports bras, tank tops, tees and capris/shorts. I swear matching bold, bright colors make me workout harder!

5| be a living example:

- love yourself and your body
- don't speak negatively about yourself in front of your kids
- let your kids see you working out
- include your kids in your workout
6| overcoming barriers:
- do what you can...take breaks...modify moves
- seek support through your family and friends
- reevaluate your current workout regimen and nutrition
- don't give up!

7| benefits of regular postpartum exercise:
- boosts energy level 
- improves your mood 
- relieves stress 
- helps prevent and promote recovery from postpartum depression 
- promotes weight loss {in combination with a healthy diet}
- conditions your abdominal muscles
- restores muscle strength and tone
- improves cardiovascular fitness
- lowers blood pressure
bonus: you set a positive example for your child{ren}

8| always remember:
- you have to start in order to succeed!
- you may have set-backs...regardless, keep moving forward!
- you WILL make huge strides!
- you are not alone!
- you will SUCCEED!
- you ARE beautiful!


Thank you Tiffany so much for sharing your postpartum health and fitness with us. You can check Tiffany out at the links below. 

                                                           For the Love of Fitness, 
                                                                             This Girl Lifts



Website:  http://www.bump2buff.com/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/bump2buff
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bump2buff
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bump2buff
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/bump2buff/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa-WuDVckldQRUiScK5MukA

For the Love of Fitness

Monday, January 20, 2014

Yay!!! The month of love is coming soon and I am so looking forward to sharing some of the most incredible women with you. The one thing we all have in common is our love for fitness. Throughout the month of February I will be introducing these ladies to you one by one and sharing some of their awesome stories.

For all who don't know, I am a fitness fanatic but honestly it's only for the love of the "IRON". I am a weightlifting whore lol!!! (a little bit of humor) I love lifting and encourage all women to pick up a weight and get their strong women on. You will meet ladies in the month of February that have a wide range of fitness loves from yoga, tabata, P90X, Insanity, weight lifting, power lifting, and many many more. After meeting all these ladies and reading their stories, please don't forget to drop by and visit their blogs and some of their social media. I am more than positive these ladies will blow your mind. 

Also in the month of February, I will also be hosting a special edition for the month in my blog store. I will be selling red, white, and pink fitness headbands to help support This Girl Lift's scholarships that will be given out yearly to women around the world who want to compete in competitions, get a personal trainer, or join a fitness club. No obstacles can stop a determined women from doing what she wants to do.

Looking forward to a fun and exciting month. Yay.......It's almost February!! 


                                                            Much Love,
                                                                  THIS GIRL LIFTS


Interested in having a feature in the month of February? Email us at scottnealfitness@gmail.com Store will go live February 1st, 2014. Thanks again.


Don't Let Anyone Dim Your Light

Sunday, January 12, 2014

This Girl Lifts is a website and blog dedicated to sharing fitness experiences and uplifting women around us to be positive role models. One of our great ambassadors Valerie shares with you how she feels about positive encouragement when it comes to women around here.

Don't let someone dim your light, simply because it's shining in their eyes. -Anonymous

I've had to tell myself this multiple times since I've moved to Okinawa.  I'm a very positive and uplifting person and always try and take the high road when faced with challenges both personal and professional. With that being said, I have to be honest that the positive space at thisgirllifts.com is so refreshing. Being part of a military family, you move around a lot so with that comes making new friends, acquaintances and connections in order to establish your home front.  I'd be lying if I said every person I've offered my friendship to has accepted it, but that happens.  My advice is don't take it personal.


Two weeks ago I had major abdominal surgery to repair a hernia and my recovery time is very long and another 4 weeks until I am able to even start light cardio ( walking for 20 minutes on the treadmill ).  During my recovery I have been surrounded by my husband and children who have been very supportive.  It'll be another 6 weeks before I'll be able to lift again and that is great, but feels like it's so far away.  For someone who is used to lifting 5 days a week, that is a major downer! With that being said, do you think that 1 of my new friends or acquaintances has stopped by in person to see how I was doing or to lift my spirits?  Not 1.


I'm not trying to have a pity party or anything like that, my point is, don't put your worth in how others treat you or do not treat you.  We as women need to uplift, encourage and support each other in our personal and professional lives.  It's very important.  There is a saying that girls compete with each other, but women support and encourage each other.  I know this is thisgirllifts.com but let's remember to be women and not girls in our fitness and life journey.  Pay it forward with kindness and support, or just a real smile in person!

Don't let anyone dim your light. 


                                          Much love from Okinawa,
                                                            Valerie Jackson

What's on Your Playlist?

Friday, January 3, 2014

I swear I am the kind of person where I can't workout unless I have the greatest playlist to pump me up. My playlist consist of rap, rock, country, and all the above LOL!!! Who can workout in silence? Not this girl. So check out some of the hits on my playlist that love.


                                 Beyonce-- Drunk In Love

                                     Awolnation--Sail

                                   Salt-N-Pepa--Push It

                       David Guetta--Work Hard, Play Hard

                           Alexis and Fido--Mala Conducta


So now that you got the sneak peek of my playlist, what's on yours??? Stay hype and keep up the good work. Work Hard or Go Home!!!


                                                             Ready to Dance,

                                                                       This Girl Lifts




What's all the fuss about?

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

2013 has brought on many conflicts between what society calls fit and not fit. One of the biggest ones had been the ultimate thigh gap. Does everyone who is fit have one? I don't. Our Ambassador Amber V. shares with you her feelings on the thigh gap and what society has to say. 


Thick, 
Big, 
Massive, 
Muscular, 
Solid, 
Strong, 
and most recently, 
Lethal in the Legs
All are words that have been used by others to describe my legs, to me, they are compliments.
I am proud of my muscular legs, and thankful for all that they do to support my body.
My thighs touch, they have for as long as I can remember, and their lack of a space has never been a big deal to me.  They stick together in the summertime, glide by one another while I run, and make me order the next size up in jeans, cause a size two just won't do, with legs as thick as mine.

So at first, I was confused with the whole "thigh gap" term.  The running joke between my friends and I is that I "live underneath a rock" when it comes to all things that deal with pop culture, social media, and trends.  Well, clearly, my thighs and I were out of the loop on this "thigh gap" phenomenon.  While I've been at the gym doing squats and looking in the mirror excitedly at my leg gains, other girls have been trying to eliminate theirs....
PictureNo Gap Here!
A "thigh gap" is when you stand with your feet together, there is a gap between your thighs.

WELL, as you can see in the photo,
when I stand with my feet together,
there isn't a gap between the two until my knees,
in which there is a small spec of space,
and my legs continue to touch all the way to my feet.

I must be part mermaid, or part awesome, maybe both
Ariel always was my favorite Disney movie.

I stood in front of the mirror and tried again, this time with my feet shoulder width apart, still no gap.

It wasn't until I stood with my feet past my shoulders that an "if you squint your eyes and look hard enough" space was created, but even still, right below that space my thighs touch.

I was unphased by my lack of space.  Instead I was impressed by how my legs still touched despite the growing distance between my feet. 

Feet together and even apart, I still don't have a thigh gap! 

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Still impressed, I did a little internet research and read a few articles, to see what was so wonderful about this space that I clearly, by the above photos did not posess.  I sat at my computer and stared horrified at the screen.  What was once something that only existed in the model world has now become a contagiously coveted desire for young girls and women.  Social media sites have allowed this "thigh gap" desire to spread like wild fire.  Fueling it with support in the form of hash tags, instagram/pinterest accounts for "thighspiration" and diet and work out plans that promise to unveil that so called sacred space.  I felt sick looking at pictures that said, "Do it for the thigh gap" or reading girls' comments about their own bodies, bashing their touching thighs and wishing for nothing more than a space between the two.  If I could, I'd go and delete every single one of those stupid pictures and posts, because a space between your thighs doesn't mean anything about who you are as a person, your health, fitness, or beauty. 

LADIES - THIS IS FOR YOU AND YOUR THIGHS,
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, JUST THE WAY YOU ARE, GAP OR NO GAP


A space between your thighs does not make you prettier
A space between your thighs does not make you happier
A space between your thighs does not make you a better person
A space between your thighs does not make you "more fit"
A space between your thighs does not make you healthier

A space between your thighs is simply just that, a space that some of us have, and others don't.
Jen Sinkler writes a great article on this topic, specifically describing how a thigh gap and whether or not we can achieve one has more to do with our bone and muscle structure than the food we eat and exercises we do.

So this highly sought out space, for some girls and women, just isn't possible based on our bone and muscle structure.  In addition to it not being possible, think about all the wonderful things your legs do for you, and how, if you partake in self-destructive behaviors to achieve this space, you may hurt yourself and your legs' abilities. 
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Our legs are our vessels in which we take on the world.  It is with thicker legs we can run faster, jump higher, dance longer, walk farther, and simply stand.  My legs are a resting place for my boyfriend's tired head, a warm lap for a small child, and a make shift tray when I'm trying to eat without a table, my touching thighs acting as an excellent crumb catcher.  It is with these larger legs that I ran my first 5k, walked across the stage for graduation, and danced the night away many times.  With these thicker thighs I feel beautiful and strong, whether I'm sweaty at the gym in tie dye spandex or dressed up, my legs give me the confidence to wear whatever I feel like.



Stop wishing for that space and start loving
I love my legs, all around their 22 inches of width.
You should love yours too, gap or no gap.

Need some more positive "thighspiration"? Check out Elisabeth Akinwale's blog post embracing her thighs, in which she refers to them as "juicy and beautiful."

                                                                                                                                 No Thigh Gap,
                                                      This Girl Lifts

Want to get to know Amber V. a little better. Check out here or here. She's a wonderful women.