Peloton coach Ash Pryor encourages people to wear what they want this summer
Peloton’s Ash Pryor offers a PSA ahead of summer, “You’re actually ready to hit the beach,” no matter what.
The rowing coach, who underwent body-shaming in September 2022 to announce her joining the Peloton team, shared the inspirational message on her Instagram on Thursday. Standing in front of the mirror in a bikini, she talked about her plans to unceremoniously rock a swimsuit this upcoming season.
“It’s almost summer and this is how I go to the pool. First and foremost, I wear what I want to wear and I encourage you to do the same,” Pryor said in the video. “We’ll own what we wear, we’ll look great. Then we’ll squint, we’ll wave, we’ll walk with confidence, okay?”
This post is one of many examples of Pryor leading by example when it comes to body acceptance. “Wear what you want. Take pictures and get in front,” she continued in the caption. “Smile and walk with your chin up. Make memories. Find what fits your body and own it!”
This is the core message of her work as a fitness trainer. “Fitness has always been about contractions, not about strength and power,” she previously told Yahoo Life. “I’m trying to prove with a bigger body — which is really the size of an average woman — that I’m worthy of staying in the field and still being seen as an athlete.”
She felt the same way about showing up at the beach or pool, stressing that she wasn’t “brave” in doing so.
“I just love the body I’m in and the body that’s been good to me. I invite you to do the same,” she wrote.
Pryor shares extra encouragement in her videos by reframing thoughts that feel unconscious. “They’re not going to stare at you because they’re like, ‘Why are you wearing that?’ They’re staring at you because they want a piece of your confidence. So go motivate people,” she said.
In her caption, she continued. “Stop obsessing about size, does it fit you? Do you like it? Cool. No one asks your clothing size to (go into) the pool or the beach. Cut the tag off if it bothers you. I want to see us all Have fun outside this summer! You deserve to have fun now!!”
Health, Parenting, Body Image, and More: Find Out WHO behind call Newsletter with Yahoo! Live. register here.