In the age of Ozempic and extreme dieting, slimness is still prized over any other body shape – but you don’t have to shrink your frame in order to be powerful, supple and healthy
It is an autumn evening and a group of women have assembled in a community centre in Essex, as others Zoom in from home. They have gathered to join fitness instructor Becky Scott, in one of her MissFits Workout sessions, aimed at helping plus-size people find empowerment through movement – although all body shapes are welcoIme. “I know people in much smaller bodies who wouldn’t feel comfortable standing at the front and doing what I do,” she says. “I’ve always enjoyed playing a role. The Becky that stands at the front of the class is Becky the fitness instructor.” The sessions involve easy-to-follow and uplifting aerobic routines, featuring imaginary glitter-throwing and squats.
Scott, 43, danced as a child, doing ballet, tap and jazz, until she stopped at the age of 15. “Everyone was going en pointe,” she explains, “and I thought: I’m never going to have a career – I’m not built to be a dancer. Why would I mess up my toes, ankles and knee joints for a hobby? So I gave it all up.”
