Canadian woman's incredible fitness transformation will inspire you
Sometimes it’s easy to get sucked into Instagram’s Discover page. With fitness models, foodie photos and beautiful travel destinations, this page often features a utopia of healthy people eating delicious things while in breathtaking places.
For one fitness blogger, Instagram is a lot more. Nicole Hicks posts regularly to the social media platform to highlight her healthy lifestyle transformation. Initially she was 430 lbs, but after a bout with depression, anxiety and low self image, she opted to forego the medications and treat herself naturally: through healthy eating and living.
“Choosing the absence of medication may not be the best choice for everyone but for me I happily rebalanced my life with exercise and healthy eating,” she wrote. “I continue to introduce new ways to improve my physical and mental health by trying new things, like yoga and meditation.”
After losing more than 200 lbs, the Canadian blogger still considers herself plus size — and modelling in a photo shoot, Hicks was honoured to represent her peers.
“I’m also proud of not just my shape but my plus size to show beauty and health is more than one form, size or shape! I’m representing the ladies that think they’ll never fit the right mold, that need that extra push today, to continue their focus and see that results worth celebrating are not just at the end stage!” she wrote.
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With more than 12,000 likes and 300 comments, Hicks’s followers were inspired by not only the comparison image of Hicks but also her message.
“What an inspiration you are! Not because of your transformation/transition, but because of your very eloquent words of encouragement and wisdom. Congratulations on all of your achievements past, present and future. Your courage to stay steadfast to achieve your goals is tremendous,” commented one follower.
“I’m always in awe of you! Thank you for being an inspiration and for always keeping it real! I appreciate your honesty and admire your courage to share your journey with us,” added another.
On Hicks’s page there is a common theme between her followers, setting her fitness inspiration apart from others. Instead of her followers competing with one another, they encourage each other to do better and provide positive feedback consistently. While the fan club is primarily surrounding Hicks, those who engage with her content are quick to compliment each other, as well.
“You don’t look 53 – go get it girl! Don’t let your age and weight hold you back! Get started and don’t give up. Power through to your best you,” encouraged one user in response to a doubtful commenter.
Even in her most honest of posts, Hicks keeps it light and inspiring. Admitting she failed the first few times she started on her journey, she attributes those moments of challenge to her current success.
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“Don’t be afraid to start or to embarrass yourself either, who cares! I started in a spare bedroom alone, with my tablet – dancing and lifting water bottle cases! Did I feel silly? Yes! Did I struggle to keep moving and breathing at 430 lbs? Hell yes! Do I regret starting and failing a few times first, no. Because our greatness is defined by what we overcome and I was stronger than the failure holding me down. I kept going. I couldn’t walk on a treadmill for 5 minutes but I didn’t let that struggle or those failures be the end of my journey that defined me or my future,” she admitted.
While her transformation photo from the shoot is outside of her comfort zone, Hicks was excited to have the opportunity.
“What an amazing pick-me-up and confidence booster it turned out to be! Sometimes I’m still so self conscious and this was an experience I’ll never forget. I needed the reminder that I have come a long way! And my progress and efforts should be celebrated,” she wrote.
A post shared by Nicole.Hicks (@1_fit_chick_in_progress) on Oct 1, 2017 at 8:33am PDT
Hicks acts as a welcome reminder in a world of #fitstagram and unrealistic body standards. While her posts aren’t always aesthetically placed, her emotions and motivation promote the positivity social media needs: to learn to love yourself through all stages.
“To the girls that don’t think they’re beautiful: love yourself, you’re worth it! Not when you’re ‘skinnier’ or ‘better’ but as you are everyday.”
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