Whitney Thore, NO BS ACTIVE…

I remember many years ago we did a feature on working out and we got flooded with emails from our readers about how disappointed they were that “WE” would be advocating weight loss. In the article, there was never any mention of weight loss but the perception was that if you were working out, then you are trying to lose weight to be skinny.

Fast forward almost ten years later and working out in a plus-size body is much more accepted and in part it’s due to people like our cover model Whitney Thore.

From the moment she went viral in her dancing video plus-sized people were inspired to move their own bodies. Since 2015 Whitney has been sharing her journey with us via TLC’s ‘My Big Fat Fabulous Life.’ The show chronicles her journey through her personal lens and has inspired us to live our most amazing life in the body we are in right now.

PMM: Movement has always been such a big part of your brand. And for those of us that live in plus-size bodies, we know that we are not always encouraged to do it publically. Tell us about your passion for dance and movement?

Whitney Thore: I’ve always been a dancer and an athlete, no matter my size, but when I first found myself in a bigger body, I thought I didn’t have permission to do the things I loved anymore. Reclaiming my spot in fitness and dance spaces not only made me stronger physically but has also helped my mental health tremendously. No BS Active is the way I can help other people experience the benefits of movement as well.

I remember when PMM did a feature on plus size activewear and movement in PMM many years ago, and we got hate mail! Things definitely have changed over the last 5  years and we see a lot more people embracing movement thanks to people like you. Tell me about NO BS ACTIVE.

No BS Active is a fitness and lifestyle app for EVERY BODY. Whether you are big or small, old or young, an athlete or a beginner, No BS Active will work for you! We offer an extensive library of video content, including 25 new workouts each month, 5 new stretch sessions each month, 10 new meditations each month, over a hundred tutorials and so, so much more like mini dance classes and a confidence course.

What makes NO BS ACTIVE different than anything else that is out there on the market?

No BS Active is a fitness app designed thoughtfully for people of all sizes, ages, and fitness abilities. We pride ourselves on modifying movement to accommodate our subscribers!

Even now there are people that will doubt themselves before doing something new even if they want to do it. What words of encouragement do you have for those people that struggle with self-esteem?

No BS Active is a safe and supportive environment full of encouragement. I find that people are always capable of so much more than they know—it just takes one tiny step after another to realize it.

How can we join NO BS ACTIVE?

On November 1, the No BS Active app will be available for download from the Apple App Store, the Google Play store, the Roku channel store, and the Amazon App Store! You will also be able to purchase the app from nobsactive.com.

Photos, Hope Rollins

Affordable Plus Size Activewear Just Dropped at Avenue – Sizes to 32!…

We are seeing a lot more brands extending their size range but one brand that has continued to offer sizes 14/16 – 30/32 is Avenue.

The new Zim and Zoe activewear collection offer a beautiful mixture of vibrant colors and prints mixed with what you actually want to wear. The mesh tank top for those hot days, the ruched tees that embrace your curves, and leggings that support your waist whether you are working out or lounging around the house. All this and more are available for under $40! YES!!! Check out the entire collection here

Check out some of our favorites:

Zip Print Jacket –
Available in blue and black tie-dye
$35.40
Size 14/16 – 30/32 SHOP

Print Track Pant –
Available in blue and black tie-dye
$29.40
Size 14/16 – 30/32 SHOP

Ruched Side Top –
Available in lime, black, and plum
$29.40
Size 14/16 – 30/32 SHOP

Legging Brushstroke Crop – black
$29.40
Size 14/16 – 30/32 SHOP

Lounge Pant
Available in Khaki & Black
$29.40
Size 14/16 – 30/32 SHOP

Mesh Sleeveless Top
$23.40
Size 14/16  – 30/32 SHOP

Sponsored, Athleta #PowerOfShe

New Year… Fabulous You!

Welcome to 2021! Like most of you, I’m excited to leave the challenges of last year and happy to be looking towards a brighter future. [divider] . [/divider]

GET THE LOOK
Ultimate Printed Bra
Rainier Printed Tight
Pranayama Wrap [divider] . [/divider]

Instead of creating a list of  “New Year’s Resolutions” I set goals for myself that are important and will bring me joy and fulfillment.

A fresh start for me is about adding positive things to my life and figuring out how to amplify what I’m already doing. And while I have the best of intentions I’m also keeping in mind that if my goals are not one hundred percent completely met by years end, it’s also okay.

The joy is in the journey and it’s not a race to the finish line.

I also know this is the time of year we will be bombarded with tons of weightloss ads and promises for a better life if you LOSE WEIGHT. (Rolling my eyes)

For many people, these ads are a trigger that will bring thoughts of self-doubt and insecurities. I wish I could magically wave a wand and protect those that are affected, but what I can do is continue to promote a safe place where we are ALL celebrated, validated, and heard. This is and has always been my aim for PLUS Model Magazine.

PLUS Model Magazine’s fresh start begins today, we are amplifying what we have always done, and are committed to pushing the envelope even more.

This year I turned 48 years old, and if you follow me on social media (@plusjones on Instagram) then you know that I live a very full life despite a multiple sclerosis diagnosis and having a daughter on the Autism spectrum. Don’t get me wrong, I get tired and have bad days just like everyone else but my power is in believing in myself and having the confidence to get back up when life throws you those curveballs.

GET THE LOOK
Cloudlight Stratus Tee
Elation Shine Tight [divider] . [/divider]

This is why I’m so proud to be partnering with Athleta #PowerofShe this month.

Athleta offers activewear in sizes XXS to 3X. Each piece is designed by active women of all shapes because they believe one size DOES NOT fit all. This messaging spoke to me personally because I believe we all have the power to be our best selves. And while society will bombard us with ads telling us what we have to do to be better, this brand is celebrating us RIGHT NOW, as we are.

View more from Athleta here

XOXO Maddy

So here we are, still managing our lives during these uncertain times and entering into the fall season.

One of the topics that have come up between my sisters and me is how to build a wardrobe that will be functional for our individual lives.

One of my sisters has two young boys and she is constantly running between TWO virtual classes, and my other sister works both at home and outside the home and has an even larger family. I found myself making them a list of my Lane Bryant LIVI Active MUST HAVE’S that will be sure to keep them comfortable while also looking stylish and refreshed even if our schedules are unbelievably demanding.

Easy and comfortable is how I would describe this look.

These pants are high waisted without being too tight around the waist and lower tummy. Throw on an over-piece to any LIVI Active Bra or top and you have an instant game-changer.

LIVI Draped Waffle-Knit Overpiece (Sold Out)
Another option:
LIVI Open-Front Overpiece
Size 14/16 – 26/28

LIVI Active High-Impact Wicking Underwire Sport Bra
Avail in 6 print/colors
Size 36B – 48H

LIVI 7/8 Power Legging With Wicking – Crisscross Back Hem
Size 10/12 – 26/28

These pants are a favorite for me. Well the entire look, but it’s the pants for me.

I’ve bought several pairs because they always bring this style back in several length options. I’m obsessed with the waistband, I love a thick waistband that stays up and does not roll down.

LIVI Textured-Print Tee With Tie Sleeves
Size 14/16 – 26/28

LIVI 7/8 Legging – Crisscross Hem
Size 10/12 – 26/28

Lace-Up Sneaker (Grey Heather)
Available in Black

One of the things I realized I love so much is saying how I feel with graphic tops.

They are such a great way to encourage others as well as yourself and once someone sees it during a virtual meeting or on the street it’s an instant conversation starter. Put out GOOD VIBES in a graphic tee like this one.

LIVI Graphic Tee – Live Life With Passion
Size 14/16 – 26/28

LIVI Capri Power Legging With Wicking – Strappy Hem
Available in Black/Olive

Lace-Up Sneaker
Size 8W – 12W

There’s not much to say other than, if you love colors then LIVI Active has them for you.

I chose this bright pink tunic because wearing pink makes me happy and I need any and all reasons to brighten up my days. I also added these leggings to the list because they serve a dual purpose for all three of us. They are REALLY great for working out as well as being on the go.

LIVI High-Low Hoodie Tunic
Available in black
Size 10/12 – 26/28

LIVI Capri Power Legging With Wicking
Available in two additional prints
Size 10/12 – 26/28

Lace-Up Sneaker (Grey Heather)
Available in Black

All items available online at Lane Bryant

Madeline Jones is a content creator and was personally compensated in agreement with this campaign. All opinions are her own.

Nike’s latest global yoga campaign features Paris Alexandra, an amazing plus-size powerhouse who’s breaking stereotypes and bringing body positivity to the forefront.

If you don’t know who Paris Alexandra is, you will soon enough. This young plus-size woman of color is on the rise, having made her mark as not just a singer, poet and yoga instructor but now as a major campaign star. 

She’s one of the athletes tapped by Nike to be front and center in their latest global yoga campaign, introducing their latest performance fabric innovation: Nike Infinalon. The fabric is the core part of the new collection where the wearer can move without restriction — designed to offer “infinite comfort on a yogi’s mat and beyond”.

The co-owner of Brooklyn-based body positive yoga studio BK Yoga Club, Paris is proof that you can do anything you set your mind to, if you believe in yourself and the amazing things you can do.

BK Yoga Club is a holistic wellness center that promotes body positivity through movement for all practitioners, artists, and creatives that practice yoga, meditate, and perform in the space. 

This mission of inclusivity in movement is an important one that further pushes the message that representation matters. Paris Alexandra’s work in this space has been vital to empowering all bodies to simply move without judgment and fear.

Being a visibly plus-size woman of color in a major campaign for a company, such as Nike, is a testament to her work. Paris Alexandra told us:

“I am excited to be chosen for the NIKE campaign! As a plus-size athlete with a background in dance, running, cycling, and yoga, I’ve always dreamed of seeing plus-size bodies represented in fitness and wellness. When I co-founded BK Yoga Club, I knew there was a desire to have more bodies represented and for people to see themselves reflected! This is an absolute dream come true. I want to continue to inspire Black and Brown women of all sizes to move their bodies and take up space.”

Nike shares her sentiments on more representation, stating:

“Because everyone’s body is a yoga body, Nike’s latest yoga collection is designed to be inclusive, serving all genders and body types, from extra small to plus sizes.”

While Nike’s plus sizes stop at a size 3X (24W-26W), which is not truly representing ALL bodies, their intent should be commended as it shows their willingness to make their clothing more accessible to a variety of sizes.

Kudos to Nike for featuring Paris in this global campaign and showcasing the fact that athletes do come in different shapes and sizes so they need quality activewear too. Paris said:

“Since I’m an athlete, movement has always been a part of my lifestyle to either support my work or be with myself. Yoga gives me the space to breathe and stay connected to the present moment.  Every body is a yoga body and most importantly, it allows us the opportunity to show up as we are everyday with no judgment. I am excited to inspire movement and to tell plus size women to celebrate their bodies through movement. It all starts with one breath at a time.”

You can learn more about Nike Infinalon and the new yoga collection here.

You can shop the new Nike yoga collection in plus sizes here.

Learn more about BK Yoga Studio here. 

Paris Alexandra and co-founder Alicia Ferguson are currently offering virtual yoga classes for only $12 during this time of social distancing, as well as weekly community prayer and support group chats. So if you’re not NYC-based, you can still check out a class from the comfort of your own home. Schedule can be found here.

You can follow Paris Alexandra on Instagram here.

What do you think of Nike’s new global yoga campaign featuring Paris Alexandra? Follow us on social media and let us know: @plusmodelmag:  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter

View More in PLUS Size Body Positivity

Aerie prides itself on being a pioneer in the body positive and inclusivity movement but its campaigns send mixed messages to plus size women.

Photo credit: Aerie

The lifestyle brand is one of the first brands to stop retouching their images, which they started doing in 2014 along with the launch of their #AerieReal hashtag movement to highlight “real” women in their campaigns. Curve model Iskra Lawrence was tapped to be the first #AerieREAL Role Model in 2016 as a champion for body positivity.

Lawrence is a size 12.

While the work that Aerie has accomplished in the last six years is notable and should not be dismissed, including their inclusion of women with disabilities in their campaigns and in the items they offer, there are still major issues with their #AerieReal campaigns involving their marketing language and the models shown. 

It seems that plus size women over a size 16/18 are left out of the narrative when it comes to Aerie’s mission statement, campaigns and assortment.

Their recent campaign, where they unveiled eight new #AerieREAL role models with the theme of making 2020 “the Year of Change”, really misses the mark when it comes to plus size women at a time where size inclusion is a hot topic. 

Photo credit: Aerie

Upon first hearing about the campaign, a potential plus-size customer may think, “YES! Let me go check them out and see what I can buy!” and upon visiting Aerie’s website, will be further enticed to buy after initially viewing their “Real You” Sizing landing page, which states:

“Feelings change. Moods change. Bodies change. Aerie is here to offer the cutest styles for the skin you’re in. Aerie is all about loving your body (!!!) so we offer sizes for every body (and every booty)! Extended sizes are here to make you smile.”

But then as you read on, you realize that they actually don’t offer sizes for every body and booty:

“Feel the WOW power and get moving in bras designed in up to 37 sizes, from 30A to 42DD. Feel good in the best fit. Looking for the prettiest bralette? Aerie bralettes are ready to go in sizes XXS to XXL, with D and DD cups in select styles. 

Whether you’re looking for total cheek, or maybe just a peek, we’ve got you covered in sizes XXS to XXL.

Advertisement

Aerie tops come in sizes XXS to XXL, so layer on the love. Aerie bottoms (like your fave leggings and joggers) are here in sizes XXS to XXL. 

Aerie’s amaze one piece collection comes in sizes XXS to XXL, with select styles available in two lengths. Bikinis are here for sunny days in sizes XXS to XXL and 30A to 38DD. 

Aerie is here for all girls and all bodies. Feel good, now in more sizes than ever in more styles than ever.”

Full stop. Aerie only offers up to a size XXL.

Yet, they state “every body, every booty, all girls, all bodies”. They say they heart our body and that their brand is all about us loving our bodies. 

If that’s true, what about the women who are above a size XXL? Are they not included in the “all bodies and every body” part?

For a company like Aerie, who has stated before that it “recognizes there is still work to be done and understands the importance of challenging the stereotypical standards of beauty, which helps give its customers a voice”, only offering up to a size XXL is extremely confusing since it is only catering to a certain segment of women, not ALL. 

That’s not challenging the stereotypical standards of beauty, Aerie.

When it comes to size inclusivity, you can’t pick and choose who you think is worthy. Aerie’s #AerieReal campaign carries an underlying “you can’t sit with us if we don’t offer your size” mentality that contradicts the very message they’re promoting.

Photo credit: Aerie

The average American woman is now between a size 18 and 20, so offering a size XXL is not ground-breaking.

According to their size chart, Aerie’s size XXL equates to a size 20/22 but from what we have read on social media, Aerie’s sizing runs small. 

Ironically, their sister brand American Eagle Outfitters expanded their denim collection to a plus size 24 last year. 

As Aerie says in their new campaign, real change happens together; real change starts with you. And they want to create a community where we help each other do better. 

If that’s indeed the case, we hope to see a size expansion in Aerie’s future and larger bodies represented in their future #AerieReal campaigns. And we don’t mean just one sole size-18 hourglass body either. 

If Aerie doesn’t want to expand sizes above an XXL, that’s their choice. Just please stop using words such as “ALL bodies”, “Inclusive”, “for EVERY body”, “ALL women” and so forth.

Use language that matches your size assortment so that no one is left feeling excluded.

Let’s see if the year 2020 is indeed the year of change when it comes to Aerie and them truly embracing and celebrating ALL bodies and women.

What do you think of Aerie’s #AerieReal campaign? Follow us on social media and let us know: @plusmodelmag:  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter

View More in PLUS Size Body Positivity