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I Took A Yoga Class & Proved To Myself That Yoga Is For Plus-Sized Women Too
Until this year, there was no way anyone could drag me to a yoga studio. I mean, no way at all! As a plus-size woman, I had written yoga classes off as "showoff hour for lanky, thin, muscularly built and flexible people."
And who could really blame me? Prior to the Jessamyn Stanleys of the world (who I love following), yoga has been widely marketed representing the demographic.
When I was offered a free week of yoga at Tantris in Los Angeles, I was at a place in life where I knew I needed the physical activity. I suffered great loss early in the year, with the passing of my brother and then my grandfather one month after. I had about 80 lbs to lose, looked in the mirror and saw what needed to be fixed, was experiencing symptoms of obesity, but my strongest argument? I was on a budget and the class was free. So, I took the offer. I had nothing to lose.
I brought a friend along and went to class expecting nothing. I genuinely had no expectations other than to see the typical Hollywood model and actress types and to do a few Downward Dogs up in that bih. But to my surprise, I loved the class! It was challenging, but also surprisingly relaxing.
We chanted and followed that with a vinyasa flow. I wasn't great at the poses, but I felt my body asking for more yoga. I came back to class the following day, and the day after that, and the day after that. I continued coming back every day I possibly could, thus beginning the transformation and journey I'm on today. It's been five months of yoga so far and I'm absolutely loving it!
Here are five ways that yoga has improved my life:
I Feel Connected To My Body For The First Time In My Adult Life
For a very long time, I looked in the mirror to see what needed to be fixed...but never really felt like or saw myself. To me, my arms were just fat and weak and my legs were gigantic. That was the way they always were and I accepted them as such. But after beginning yoga, I started feeling strength and seeing shape in places I had so long ago given up on.
I started actually feeling every movement my body makes and am grateful for the ability. I see (and feel) my body's potential and know I'm putting in the work on the yoga mat to reach it.
I Participated In A 30-Day Challenge & Went Vegan
The yoga studio I go to (Tantris Center For Yogic Science) held a 30-day challenge, in which we were to eat vegan and attend class every day. I participated and felt so amazing afterwards that I continued being a vegan beyond the challenge.
I Lost Weight & My Body Started Reshaping
There are moments on a daily basis when I have to do a double-take. Whether I'm passing by a mirror, or looking at a photo someone else took, I am in shock that, for the most part, I'm not horrified, or I don't dislike what I see. I actually like my body. I haven't weighed myself in weeks, but after weighing myself in the beginning, I know I lost over 20 pounds in the first two months.
Daily, I see the results of the work I'm putting in on my mat. My posture has improved tremendously, my butt sits up higher (just being honest), and my cellulite is smoothing out.
I actually have a great relationship with fitness because I'm enjoying the activity that's helping me stay fit.
I Learned How To Meditate
I have a hard time sitting still. My mind just goes and goes. At the beginning and end of each yoga class, we have the opportunity to set intentions and meditate. The more I practice yoga, the better I get at putting myself into a meditative state. I'm able to tune out the craziness of the day, the list of things that need to be done, the stresses and the work. I can just sit in silence.
I Made Solid Like-Minded Friends
The people I practice yoga with are truly amazing. They are of all age groups and genders and races. They're so full of knowledge, wisdom, experience, and love. They'll celebrate with you just as quickly as they'll volunteer to work at a charity event with you. These people encourage your spiritual, physical and mental growth and when it comes down to it, they have your back.
*Article originally published on Thick Fab Life
Chel Hill started Thick Fab Life as a way to inspire people to love themselves, live well, and be the best version of themselves at any shape and size. Since discovering yoga in mid-2017, she is transforming her health & life through regular yoga practice, meditation & living a plant-based lifestyle.In addition to blogging, Chel is a Billboard-charting songwriter, a voice-over artist, and is passionate about all things creative.
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This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Is it just me, or do our bodies have an “If it’s not one thing, it’s another” vibe as we get older? And lately, new or recurring skin conditions have been yet another thing to add to the growing list of “WTF is this, am I dying?” When it comes to seborrheic dermatitis, it’s one of the most common skin issues, impacting 3 to 10 out of 100 people, per the National Institute of Health. You may have heard of it, been diagnosed with it, or will relate to this article and finally feel seen and relieved that there’s a name for what you’ve been going through.
We’re breaking down everything you need to know about seborrheic dermatitis, from what it is and its symptoms to shutting down a few common myths, and of course, how to know if you actually have it. Let’s get into it.
What Are The Signs?
You may be experiencing seborrheic dermatitis if your skin, eyebrows, scalp, or facial hair has dandruff, irritable skin patches, or flakes, according to the Mayo Clinic. More specifically, and on the verge of TMI, oily skin with flat white or yellow scales may also be a sign.
When it comes to rashes, it’s likely they’ll show up in a ring-like form (which is called petaloid seborrheic dermatitis). For the melanated folks, rashes may appear darker or lighter (per the National Eczema Association, people of color may get a more intense flare-up with lesions on the hairline and discoloration), while those with fair skin may experience red rash areas.
Where Is It?
While seborrheic dermatitis can occur on various body parts, it’s frequently seen on the scalp, according to the NEA. The Mayo Clinic notes that the condition also pops up on oily facial and body areas like the edges of one’s nose, eyelids, and eyebrows, as well as the chest and ears. Skin can appear inflamed with rashes and patches, and the scalp will typically battle with relentless dandruff.
Seborrheic dermatitis can be super irritating and frustrating, but fortunately, if you’ve been diagnosed, it doesn’t lead to permanent hair loss, and it isn’t contagious, The Mayo Clinic states. In fact, with doctor-prescribed treatment or products like special shampoo, it could disappear or at least reduce flare-ups.
What Triggers It?
It’s difficult to pinpoint what specifically causes the condition. The Mayo Clinic points out that it could arise thanks to too much oil in the skin or the presence of Malassezia, a type of fungi. Commonly, things like fatigue, weather changes, and stress also play a role. More serious conditions that can trigger it range from Parkinson’s and depression to HIV, as well as the aftermath of life-altering events like a heart attack.
Bronchitis, strep throat, the flu, tonsillitis, and ear and respiratory infections are also known to cause flare-ups, along with skin issues like bruises, sunburns, scratches, and bites, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Interestingly enough, the NIH notes that seasons changing has a role too. Seborrheic dermatitis can disappear in the summer months, and then make a comeback like it never left in the winter.
Who Does It Affect?
Unlike many other things we go through as women, seborrheic dermatitis is actually more common for men, according to the NIH. It often appears for the first time in the young adult years or for those who are older than 50.
What About Psoriasis Though?
Seborrheic dermatitis is often compared to psoriasis, and for good reason. They both impact the skin, especially the scalp area. They can both also leave scaly patches on the skin, flakes on your hair, and cause itching. However, they’re not identical. Healthline notes that areas of seborrheic dermatitis flareups are typically easier to remove compared to psoriasis. Psoriasis also tends to be sorer and more tender, while seborrheic dermatitis can itch or create a burning sensation.
Let’s Clear The Air
There are a few rumors about the power of seborrheic dermatitis and what it can cause. So let’s break down the truth for a second. According to the NEA, this condition is not cancerous, nor does it indicate or increase a higher risk for cancer in the future.
Just a reminder, it doesn’t cause hair loss, nor is hair loss a symptom. If you are experiencing concerning hair loss, it is likely a sign of something else.
How Can You Treat It?
Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated pretty easily (praises be). Certain medicines like shampoos with tar, anti-inflammatory creams that include steroids, creams and shampoos with antifungal agents, or creams that feature salicylic acid, can be applied to the inflamed area to help resolve the problematic area, according to the NIH.
Just a note though: As tempting as it is to cover up scaly patches with heavy foundation or concealer, experts with the NIH actually advise against it as it can clog your pores. However, a light foundation can be used occasionally, along with skin care products that aren’t too oily to help temporarily conceal it.
A unique type of sunscreen also isn’t needed. You can use what you typically would before stepping out into the sun. And your skin soaking in a few extra rays could actually help your skin.
Should You Self-Diagnose?
As tempting as it is to make an appointment with Dr. Google, The Mayo Clinic advises you to call your actual physician if the condition interrupts your sleep, makes you lose focus throughout the day, contributes to anxiety, or simply doesn’t go away with at-home remedies. Simply put, it’s always best to check with your doctor to ensure you’re actually experiencing seborrheic dermatitis and get the treatment you need to help monitor or prevent it.
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