The post workout selfie: time to own the sweat

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It’s time to celebrate how you look after a workout, says DOSE writer Charlotte.

The wellness industry, for all its virtues, is not without its flaws. One is that classes are often expensive, making boutique fitness only accessible to an elite. Another is that the stereotype of “fit” is often seen to be synonymous with slim and beautiful. This myth is propagated by the countless post-gym selfies we see on social media, taken by influencers who have primped and preened to look perfect, with no sweat in sight. It’s entirely unrealistic to look that way post-workout, and leaves many feeling intimidated, afraid to post a picture of their own, more dishevelled state, or even to do the workout in the first place.

One fitness concept challenging this emphasis on looks is spinning chain Boom Cycle, who recently launched its #CutLoose: Beyond The Filter campaign, celebrating what an Instagram filter doesn’t show: utter authenticity. The campaign aims to get people working out in a non-conformist and non-judgemental way: basically, you work out to feel great, and however you happen to look when you finish is wonderful.

So, for the next two weeks, you can take a class at any Boom Cycle studio (Holborn, Hammersmith, Battersea and Monument), use a Fujifilm camera to capture that elated, just-finished-a-workout moment, and stick that Polaroid proudly on the wall for all to see.

Melody Lubin is an instructor there. “I think it’s an excellent campaign because it encourages us to be true to ourselves, to take it one step further, to break down the barriers of image and actually take your body to places you didn’t think it was going,” she says.

Continuing the message that any post-workout state is something to be proud of, Boom Cycle is also holding body acceptance workshops with James Lamper from Emotion Matters. Go along to Hammersmith on October 6 or Battersea on October 13 at 1.15pm for the hour-long session. Tickets are complimentary for riders on the day or £7 for non-riders.

Hilary Rowland, co-founder of Boom Cycle, says, “we are thrilled to champion working out as something to do to feel good, first and foremost.” We couldn’t agree more. If we can’t get rid of society’s emphasis on looks, let’s at least leave it in the changing room.

Visit the Boom Cycle website
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Charlotte is a London girl through and through. She sweats through spin and puffs through Pilates to justify trying the latest restaurants and devouring copious amounts of sweet potato fries, burrata and bread – preferably on holiday. Her favourite destinations include Italy, the Maldives and anywhere where the sun’s shining and there’s a strong breakfast buffet. She’s obsessed with walking, visiting farmers’ markets and reading. She’s also learning to cook. Wish her (and her husband) luck.

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