Reducing the barriers to fitness with lucy Activewear

Disclosure: This blog post is part of a paid Megan Media and lucy blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own.

I’ve been blogging for a long time (7+ years) and it’s rare that I’m able to meld my blog topics of fashion, fitness, and body positivity into a single post. So this #lucyForEveryBody post is something I’m really excited to be able to share with you.

As someone who started exercising as a size 32/34 and unable to walk for 5 minutes: I understand all too well the intimidation, fear, and mind games that come from entering a gym.

I strongly believe that if we can reduce the barriers to working out, it would be much less intimidating and more people would do it. Not only does this include access to facilities and different price options, but it also includes fitness professionals who support body positivity and clothing options for people of all sizes.

Imagine if you already felt uncomfortable in an unfamiliar situation and then you had to go there wearing something you felt dumpy in? Then you layer on the fear of scrutiny from other gym goers because you dare to work on yourself. You have the gawkers and the gym bros and the self-certified trainers telling you that you’re using equipment wrong or that you should up your reps. It’s hard enough to get through that mental minefield without thinking about what to wear.

It’s pretty ridiculous when one of the most frustrating things about completing a half marathon is trying to find clothes that both fit and perform. So when I say that clothing options are important, I’m not saying it because I just want to look cute.

Limited access to proper workout clothes that both fit and perform adequately is a barrier to working out.

lucy Activewear has long been known for well-made, high performance workout wear… for bodies that aren’t as large as mine. I’d insert the sad trombone here, but to my delight, they have just launched their new lucy Extended Sizes line, available in sizes 1X-3X.

lucy Activewear Yoga Girl Tunic in Asphalt Heather
lucy Activewear Perfect Core Leggings in Navy
lucy Activewear Destination Everywhere Scarf

Unlike a lot of activewear I’ve tried on, I actually put these items through their paces before coming up with a final verdict. If lucy wants to say they are performance grade, then they needed to perform! I dragged my photographer to the gym and went through some of my normal routine. I told her that I wanted multiple pictures during my workout, because people need to see more photos of fat* people working out. Many of us exercise regularly, run the 5Ks and half marathons, swim, or lift heavy things – but you rarely see us. We’re not represented in fitness ads or in magazines or in workout videos. So I figured with this post, in addition to hopefully removing the barrier of not having workout clothes that fit, how about we also work to show a different body type in motion?

*yes, I called myself fat. For me, this isn’t a negative term. Feel free to insert any of the following words if it makes you feel better: curvy, large, big boned, fluffy, etc.

Pushing the sled: Usually an exercise not just in pushing weight, but also in trying to keep the pants up and the shirt down. Zero problems here. These leggings are high waisted, which is pretty much my dream when it comes to any pants.

Deadlifts: No worries about the shirt sliding up my belly as I lift up and down.

Battle ropes: Something you don’t want to do if you’re worried about your boobs popping out! Appropriate neckline test passed.

Glute Bridges: Actually using the chains for weight and not having to watch for shirt creep! Plus, look at the awesome ruching detail on the shirt and flat-lock seams on the leggings! #booty

Single arm kettlebell swings: As you can see, it was HOT. Actually, more humid than hot, but I’m a pretty epic sweater, LOL. What I will say about this, is that even though you could see the moisture, it dried very quickly. Plus, these items don’t have that synthetic polyester feel that many other “quick dry” fabrics do. The fabric actually breathed.

For me, this lucy Activewear performed. I felt comfortable and could focus on my workout instead of worrying what I looked like. Fit notes: I’m a size 24/26 and am wearing the 3X in both top and bottoms. While I wish the sizing was extended even more, this is a great start for a company as they’ve created multiple items and colorways in this initial extended sizing collection. It’s leaps and bounds beyond what most other activewear companies have attempted.

Check out more on Pinterest, and if you want to help me spread the photos to show more fat bodies in motion, please pin and share away!

Also, follow the instructions below to enter to win a $250 lucy Activewear gift card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can view the full lucy Activewear Extended Sizes collection here.

Photos by Emily Moseley
Photographed at GYM Laird