How Kim Kardashian Helped the Fitness Industry

However you feel about Keepin’ Up with Kim, she has been good for the fitness and health industry. Aside from the whole absurd waist-trainer that has fitness instructors and trainers, nutritionists, dieticians, chiropractors, physicians, medical professionals, and health experts in an uproar, that is. (Please, Kim! Stop with the waist-trainers already!)

Kim is, by today’s celebrity standard, larger than most. Beyond curvy, Kim recreated “sexy” in a waif-obsessed culture and made it okay to be on the plus-side of fashion. For decades, “fitness models” have been hipless, shapeless figures with breast implants and pipe-cleaner arms, perpetuating a look that has not only been unnatural but unhealthy for the average woman. Body shaming became “a thing” and the very people who could and would have most benefitted from exercise were intimidated and embarrassed to step inside a gym. Certainly the impressive booty proportions of Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez were helpful but it was Kim Kardashians constant selfies that reached a whole new generation of young women to show that extra pounds was not only okay but lovely.

For more than 20 years, the fitness industry – despite ridiculous media images – has tried to sell the idea that overall health is far more important than dress size. But how can we get women to believe this message when almost every beauty, fashion, fitness, and sport magazine glorifies the 112-pound pixie?

Thank you, Dove, for the great body image pic of women!

Recently, when a co-worker commented that Kim Kardashian has no muscle tone I found myself in the unlikely position of defending a Kardashian. She does. You might not see it as clearly as you would on one with less body fat but these are the perks of Kim’s curves. She does work out. She is committed to working with a trainer. She does sweat. And so … thank you, Kim. Keep Up with the Fitness!

To those embarrassed or ashamed about extra weight, to anyone struggling with body image vs. pop culture, for all who want to get healthier but are fearful of body shaming, own your life! Be proud that you are strong enough to move forward into the next year with the resolve to be stronger, healthier, sexier, and better.

Alexandra Allred is an award-wining author and  fitness/health expert, certified instructor, former natl’ and pro athlete who specializes in women’s health, seniors, and the special needs population.