If you’ve ever despaired at the barrage of Instagram ‘fitspo’ bodies and fitness transformation clogging up your feed, we’ve got the perfect antidote.
In a world where ‘getting fit’ has essentially become a synonym for having a six pack and a Kardashian-worthy bum, Mia Freedman has a refreshing reminder about what exercise is really about.
After her morning workout, Mamamia founder Freedman shared a photo of her stomach on Instagram with a message we could all do with hearing more often.
“No matter how much you exercise, no matter what size, sometimes – espesh after you’ve had kids – your body looks like this and it’s FIIIIINNNE,” she wrote.
“I exercise for so many reasons, not just the pursuit of a particular type of body. I hate that exercise has been hijacked by this idea of posting photos of ripped abs and perky bums. For me, it’s about how it makes me feel not how it makes me look.
“My stomach will never be flat or ripped and why should it be? I’m a 45 year old mother of three. I am not my body.”
Image: Supplied
She said a surprise moment of body appreciation inspired the snap.
"I was doing my morning exercise and I looked down and saw my stomach and just felt nothing. No despair, no insecurity, no shame. And I thought that moment was worth capturing and sharing because sometimes it feels like everything on social media is there to make us feel inadequate and abnormal," Freedman said.
"Women have stomachs! We have rolls! That’s far far far more common than ripped abs or flat midriffs."
It's a sentiment that's resonated with women, with many of Freedman's followers thanking her for the reality check including Chrissie Swan and Sophia Cachia aka The Young Mummy.
Image: Supplied.
"I wish mine looked like that! ❤️," commented Swan.
Many followers commented detailing their own struggles with their body.
"Well said and thanks @miafreedman I'm a 40 year old mum of two and I'm sick of my Instagram being taken over by fit transformations. Good on those who do but it's not my life," wrote dani.155.
Michelle Kaden added, "Thank you@miafreedman I beat myself up everyday that my 50 year old menopausal body is not the same as it was at 35...we women are so very hard on ourselves." (Post continues after gallery.)
Another user stressed the importance of a positive role model no matter what your age.
"Love this. Thanks@miafreedman Even as grown women we need positive role models more relatable than what the media is screaming at us to be. Being happy in our own skin is a daily struggle for most of us. This post literally made me sigh with some relief," she said.
So say it with us now: You are not your body.
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Top Comments
Great share. Our bodies are a result of what fuel we feed them and how much and what type of exercise we give them. Mostly though, they're a result of our genetics. A flat stomach doesn't necessarily equal fitness. I know women who've had children and gone back to having a six pack, and women, like myself who have never had one. After 2 children my stomach will always be a little stretched and wobbly: and get this, I'm still fit, healthy and active. We need to love ourselves for who we are, which is what Mia is saying.
I have more rolls than a bakery at the moment. Two years ago I was 54kg and am now 74kg - due to medication for OCD and my treadmill taking one year to fix after a breakdown so I didn't exercise *at all* during that time. I don't apologise for my rolls - they are my fault - but I sure as heck don't hate my body. It is 54 years old, has given birth to two children and lived through many things. I will lose maybe one or two of the rolls but am grateful I am alive and moving.