Dare to Bare

On Sunday I will take a Soul Cycle class in Union Square in a sports bra.

For me, this isn’t that big of a deal. During a deadly hot run this summer, I stripped down to my sports bra and it felt awesome and most importantly, a teensy bit breezy. I’ve stripped down to my sports bra in the middle of a 305 Fitness class, inspired by amazing ladies around me, and it felt awesome. I’ve  stripped down to my sports bra in the middle of a steaming hot spin class because why not, and yeah it felt awesome.

To me, working out in a sports bra has never felt like a big deal. I understand, though, that working out in a sports bra is a big deal to many. It shouldn’t be, but it is.

On Sunday I will be riding in my spots bra as a part of Dare to Bare from the Movemeant Foundation. This event is about showing women that looks are only one piece of what makes us amazing. It’s a celebration of bodies of all shapes and sizes and a fight for those who are battling eating disorders, body image issues, lack of self worth and depression.

While I am not without self deprecation nor self criticism, the least I can do for myself is take pride in my body and all that it does. My body is not perfect. I’ve had a 4 stretch marks on my right inner thigh since I was 16… and more stretch marks than I can count on my butt. I have a shocking amount of cellulite hidden on my ass and thighs. My belly more often than not looks like I’m carrying a nice little food baby.

My body is so much more than these physical details. My body ran 18 miles on Saturday. My body has crossed the finish line of 3 half marathons. My body can do a killer tricep push-up without dropping to my knees. My body can fly through the air with the greatest of ease at trapeze.

I encourage you to take a look at what you body can do because that’s what actually matters. Show off your amazing body (yes, your body is amazing because it can do amazing things) with me this Sunday.

Ready to bare? There will be classes in Union Square all day Sunday– bootcamp, TRX and dance. $30 gets you an all day pass to fitness classes minus Soul Cycle. Hope to see many of you there.