It’sgymourtoo

One model is proving you don’t need to be a size zero to enjoy exercise - and feel confident doing it

WHEN model Sophie Hughes stepped up to donate her liver to her gravely-ill nephew, she had no idea the selfless act would completely change the trajectory of her life. A size six model living in Australia at the time, following the operation she shot to a size 16 in two years, leaving her lost about the future of her looks-critical job - and most importantly - her confidence.

Her relationship with the gym was always a turbulent one, counting calories and exercising as punishment on a regular basis meant dealing with her new body (inclusive of a seven-inch scar down her stomach) was a mountainous challenge.

“If I’d had a McDonald’s on a night out, then I would spend three hours in the gym the next morning, because I felt disgusted at myself that I’d eaten food”, she says.

“I hated it and I didn’t really know what I was doing, but I didn’t really care as long as I was just on the machine that burns the most calories.

“Obviously, when you’re talking about saving a life, gaining ten kilos is just the least important thing in the whole world. But obviously, it did take its toll afterwards when I had such a negative relationship with my body anyway.”

And she’s not alone. A survey has found that a shocking three per cent of women in the UK feel happy with their bodies. We’re in a global body image crisis, and social media has only propelled the negativity we associate with being anything other than the ‘ideal’ size.

But there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Fast forward seven years and the now-32-year-old boasts over 36,000 Instagram followers inspired by her journey and willingness to share a vulnerable side we rarely see presented online, and has even been re-scouted as a curve model.

She’s combatting the taboos around going to the gym as a ‘curvy’ woman

(a hobby Sophie now uses to help with self-improvement), and she insists she feels a level of self-love now that seemed unimaginable all that time ago. It’s been a long and slow process, but she hopes her journey will inspire other women to put themselves out there without fear of judgement.

“I think the body positive movement on social media really helped me, seeing other women share their bodies in such a positive light. I found myself thinking, well, they look amazing… if I can celebrate their size, their curves, and their wobbly bits, why can’t I celebrate my own?”

“I’d love to go back and speak to my younger self and tell her that at some point, she genuinely will be happy and she genuinely will be at peace in her body. And it will be a size 16.”

“It doesn’t matter how old you are, whether you’re 16, or you’re 65, there is a way to learn to accept yourself and just see that your body is the least interesting thing about you. Are you a nice person? Are you kind? Are you a good friend? We need to be looking at how we can add value in those areas of our lives rather than how we can get six inches off our waists.”

Are fitness brands really doing enough?

While we’re seeing more representation through plus-sized mannequins and bigger sizing ranges, Sophie says that brands and gyms are not doing enough to create an inclusive space - and even use it to their advantage.

“Brands have a real duty of care to make sure that they’re actually living their mission and not just ticking a box”, she says. “If a brand is doing one Instagram post out of every 50 where you feel like the person on the screen represents you, that’s tokenism.”

TOP TIPS!

1. Start with a personal trainer

Start with a personal trainer - they’ll help you feel comfortable using the machines and help you get your bearings. They’re costly, but an investment.

2. Have a gym buddy It can help you build confidence and keep your workouts interesting, and you’ll have a great laugh.

3. Go with the right mindset Don’t let your challenge be to burn as many calories as possible, but to take time for you, nourish your body, and support your mental wellbeing

Because of that, many people feel discouraged from getting up and going to the gym, afraid of being judged.

“We should be talking more about what the gym does for your mental health, rather than just the 30-day belly blaster course on the gym floor, because I couldn’t give a f*** about that”, Sophie jokes.

“I encourage all the people in my life to get into the gym, because as they age, and as they get older they’re going to need it, and they’re gonna really benefit from having built up that strength.”

Gaining your confidence if you’re new to the gym

“Confidence doesn’t come with a specific body type. Confidence is only something that builds as you feed into it. You’re not going to wake up one day and just feel confident enough but you could start by walking to the gym, for example. It’s just getting yourself inside the building. I don’t care if you walk to the gym, have a coffee in the cafe at the gym, and walk home again. Celebrate yourself for taking that effort and show yourself that you are someone who follows through on what you say you’re going to do.”

Sophie’s go-to workout (leg day edition):

Romanian deadlifts (x3 sets of 12…or until failure) x4 sets of 15: Cable kickbacks

Sumo squats with a dumbbell

Hip thrusts

Glute bridge

30-minute hill climb (incline eight, speed five)

Follow with a vegan protein and peanut butter protein shake