The Unapologetic Fat Girl’s Guide to Exercise and Other Incendiary Acts

Personal trainer Blank (Big Big Love) describes herself as a lifelong fat girl who has never weighed less than 200 pounds in her adult life. So this book is “not about getting thin.” Rather, Blank believes that it is quite possible to improve health and stay healthy at any body size (she cites the HAES—“Health at Every Size”—approach, first introduced by nutritionist Linda Bacon, to shore up her argument). In this empowering and informative book Blank contends that it’s a fat woman’s birthright to move and enjoy her body. Instead, society stigmatizes people of size (many gyms, the author points out, are actually built with the needs of those who are already fit in mind). She takes readers through the ups and downs of exercising, including such topics as literally how to get up off the floor, the right bra, and how to shop for a “fat-friendly” gym. Blank addresses the pros and cons of various indoor and outdoor sports, solo exercise, team sports, and includes such “stealth exercises” as taking the stairs instead of the elevator and walking the dog. Exercise, Blank writes, is about developing a healthy relationship with your body: “Movement gives your body back to you.” Plus-size women hoping to focus on overall health and well-being will welcome Blank’s personable, fun, and frank guide to staying fit and active. (Dec.)