When you look at most fitness channels, you see one body type - super fit! Many fitness content creators go to great lengths to achieve results, dedicating their lives to training, a carefully managed diet, sleep and recovery. This isn't always realistic for the average person who wants to stay healthy while living a balanced life. Not to mention, being fit is their entire job!
One goal I have at Earth & Owl is to workout regularly with people of all ages, body types, fitness abilities and from all walks of life. Keep in mind that I live in a small rural community and it isn't always easy finding people willing to appear on camera. While you may be able to discern the approximate age or fitness ability of someone on my channel, what you don't see are the challenges they face off camera. My participants include but are not limited to a single mother working multiple jobs, a grandmother caring for a sick family member, a catastrophic car accident victim, a business owner with four small children, a hard working sun up to sun down farmer, and more! This is what fitness looks like - navigating daily challenges while making room for your own health.
One of the ways I show up and do my best to be a positive role model is by embracing healthy aging. I don't have a hair and makeup team or fancy production crew. It's just me, my rebounder and a bedroom turned studio in the farmhouse built by my great grandparents. Do I always love the way I look on camera? Heck no, but I'm committed to showing up no matter what! Embracing going grey at 44 is part of that commitment. I hope it gives others permission to come as they are. This channel is for all bodies and all abilities!
Some days you'll have time for an hour long workout. Other days you'll be exhausted and 10 minutes is all you can do. Any and all efforts to move your body consistently are valuable! Take it one day at a time. You can count on me to keep cranking out the workouts. Join me as often as you can, even if it's only for a few minutes. We can do this together!
Shout out to all the brave individuals who appear on camera with me. You are incredible and prove every single day that representation matters!
35 comments
Love your down to earth approach. Thanks for all that you do for us rebounders xx
I love this post. Your natural radiance shines through and it is so refreshing. I previously belonged to an exercise group and the people had perfect hair, perfect bodies, but acted fake. Your representation of average people is why this group is second to none. Thank you!
I love your lessons
I’ve been working out on you tube for 8 years. Got my rebounder in Sept. I love the variety of workouts available. Some days I feel like doing 10 minutes and others I can do 20. Thirty is a struggle on the rebounder. I live in a small community of 3500. There is a gym here, at least 3 yoga studios, Pilates, boxing, plus a hiking group of 200 people, pickle ball, and mountain biking! I’m sure I’m missing something. But I like you tube. I just have to say, I admire your patience with all the different personalities. I could never do it.. 🙂
Thanks