Amy-Beth has been a member of Body Image Fitness (BIF) for nine months. She is an online member on the Celebration Membership and first discovered BIF through Instagram. Her favourite part of BIF is the community.
Before joining BIF, Amy-Beth struggled with consistency in attending fitness classes. She didn’t prioritise movement and often found herself avoiding it altogether. One of the things she loves most about BIF is the lack of hierarchy, it’s a space full of neurodivergent, kind and compassionate people. She also appreciates BIF’s anti-diet, pro-movement-for-joy philosophy, which sets it apart from other fitness options. To her, BIF is a safe and supportive community where she can explore movement on her own terms.
One of the most unexpected benefits of joining BIF has been connecting with so many neurodivergent women.
Since joining BIF, Amy-Beth has become much gentler with herself. She no longer pushes herself too hard or berates herself for missing a class. One of her favourite BIF memories was during a burlesque class, she started off nervous and uncomfortable about embracing her sensuality but left the class feeling confident and amazed at how coquettish she could be!
She now listens to her body more, prioritises rest and accepts that it’s okay to skip a workout if she’s not feeling up to it. Consistently attending classes has been a pleasant surprise for her, as she has always struggled with routine. Now, she regularly attends three classes a week, occasionally dipping into others when she feels up for it.
Amy-Beth used to feel self-conscious in exercise classes, especially yoga and Pilates, because she felt like her larger body was judged. At BIF, she no longer experiences that discomfort, which has allowed her to fully enjoy movement.
Q. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your fitness journey?
“Poor body image and a lack of consistent movement have been challenges for most of my life. I’ve always enjoyed yoga but found it hard to stick to classes, especially as the biggest body in the room. The gym has always felt intimidating, and while I love swimming, the busy pool and hassle of showering afterward often put me off.”
“A couple of years ago, I discovered open-water swimming in rivers, lakes and the sea. That helped me build a better relationship with my body and movement, but it wasn’t something I could do regularly. When I developed hip pain, I knew I had to find a sustainable way to move. My physio recommended exercises 4-5 times a week, but I knew I wouldn’t stick to them on my own.”
“That’s when I stumbled across BIF. I knew that Pilates and yoga incorporated many of the movements my physio recommended, so I started with those classes—and I loved them! My hip pain has since disappeared, and I now feel confident trying other classes like burlesque and Twerk & Glow. My confidence in movement has grown so much since joining BIF!”
Q. What made you choose BIF over other fitness options?
“Initially, I was drawn to BIF’s anti-diet and movement-for-joy approach. But what really sealed the deal for me was the autonomy, I’m entirely in control of what classes I take and no one will shame me for missing one. Paradoxically, having that freedom has helped me become more consistent, as I now show up for myself more often.”
Q. What have you learned about yourself since joining BIF?
“I’ve learned that I need to be in control of my movement choices. I no longer feel like I have to give 100% all the time, it’s okay to listen to my body and ease off when needed. Moving regularly feels amazing, and I’ve realised how much it helps my neurodivergent brain more than I ever expected.”
Q. What would you say to someone who’s unsure if BIF is the right fit for them?
“Try it! Give it a month before making a decision. It took me a while to actually join my first class after signing up and then some time to figure out which classes suited my body and schedule. But I’m so glad I stuck with it.”
Q. What’s the best thing about the BIF community?
“That’s a tough one, I want to say everything! But if I had to pick one thing, it would be the people. Kim is super accessible and responsive to feedback, which makes the whole experience feel more inclusive. The trainers are welcoming and the other members couldn’t be more supportive.”
Q. What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their fitness journey at BIF?
“Do it! You’ll feel better for it, whether that’s because you’re moving more, building a community, or challenging yourself to try something new.”
Q. How did you feel when you joined your first BIF class, and how do you feel now?
“I was so nervous at first! I didn’t know what to expect from the trainers or the other participants. But it turns out I had absolutely no reason to be nervous. The trainers are all so friendly and encouraging, and my fellow BIFers were just as nervous as I was. Now, I don’t hesitate to try a new class!”
