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

November 19, 2012
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.

December 1, 2012

Writer, personal trainer, and self-described "fat girl" Blank (Straight: The Surprisingly Short History of Heterosexuality) believes that exercise is crucially important. Not because it will make people thin, not because it is good for health, but because exercise makes those who do it happier and more secure in their bodies, and ensures that they work and feel better. This unique guide is anything but a diet and exercise book. While some sample workouts are included, readers won't find a daily training or menu plan. Rather, Blank focuses on how to approach exercise, addressing a broad spectrum of issues unique to plus-size exercisers: where to exercise, surviving the locker room, dealing with criticism and commentary (one's own and others), personal trainers, what to wear, and even how to get up off the floor. Beware: Blank freely utilizes the word "fat," along with other potentially provocative language. A resource guide covers further reading and sources for size-accepting exercise DVDs and plus-size exercise clothing. VERDICT Funny, conversational, assertive, and in-your-face, this unabashed guide encourages plus-size women to live and move freely in their bodies, no matter what their weight or shape.--Pauline Baughman, Multnomah Cty. Lib., Portland, OR

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.