The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos Move More... But for the Right Reasons
Jan 25, 2021
Jessamyn Stanley, a yoga instructor and author of "Every Body Yoga," shares her journey from being a self-identified "fat and awkward weirdo" to a beacon of body positivity. She reveals how societal pressures tainted her relationship with exercise, transforming it from a source of joy into self-loathing. Through personal anecdotes, she underscores the importance of moving for enjoyment rather than aesthetic goals. Jessamyn highlights yoga as a path to self-acceptance, encouraging listeners to embrace joy and self-compassion in their fitness journeys.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Exercise Aversion
- Jessamyn Stanley, initially a self-described "fat, awkward weirdo", dreaded exercise, especially gym class and the Presidential Fitness Test.
- She even tried to injure herself to avoid field day, highlighting her deep-seated insecurity and fear of inadequacy.
Body Image Struggles
- Jessamyn's body image issues stemmed from a lack of representation and societal pressures to conform to a specific body type.
- She internalized the message that her body was the "punchline", leading to feelings of inadequacy.
First Yoga Experience
- Jessamyn's first yoga experience in high school was a Bikram class, which she found intensely hot and difficult, leading her to quit early.
- The abrupt temperature change upon leaving caused nausea, solidifying her negative view of yoga.