I try to respect all body types. I believe that people should exercise, eat well, and not let physical limitations hold them back from anything. I strive to exemplify that belief or “image” if you will. That is one of the reasons I was drawn to Iron Girl. I liked the idea of the mission that you don’t have to be perfect to be perfect. I wear my Iron Girl charm around my neck everyday…I did. I took it off the other day because I let someone make me feel un-Graceful. Someone told me that I did not portray a particular image that a fitness employee should have. The situation was hurtful and embarrassing. Let me tell you right now that I am very active and I am very thin. I do have some medical conditions. I don’t want to get into those details. I should not have to explain or defend my appearance any more than a woman who may also have medical issues and still exercises but is at the heavier end of the weight scale.
I am a bit torn because I do understand that a fitness professional should portray an image of health. I also agree that fitness representatives need to fit it as close as possible. On the other hand it’s frustrating to feel like I have to discuss my medical history just to get a job. I want to be recognized because I am overcoming my limitations and want to push other people to do the same.
People make snap conclusions when they see someone different. They are not always nice and can be cruel, rude, and hurtful. I guess the point that I want to make in this write up is to remind people to be kind , understanding, but most important respectful. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. The world is tough. We need to help each other build thicker skins to get through it Gracefully, not by ripping through and tearing into each other’s skin.
I work toward making myself a strong, healthy, Iron Girl. Sometimes I need to reset my thinking and remember that, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”-Eleanor Roosevelt. I put my charm back on this morning, right next to my Boston Marathon charm.
-Trina Rachelle VerSteeg Wilcox