Curvy Kate Hits the Gym

It’s true, I adore my curves and I’ve had them my entire adult life…after kids. I’m excited to launch my Curvy Kate by G clothing line this summer and everything will be centered around the swimsuit; whether at the pool or as part of resort wear on a cruise. I’ve always been curvy and love the idea of fun and bold colors and patterns and decided that it was time I created clothes for more than just my friends and family BUT, I also wanted to make sure I designed and created something for myself this time too (…you know how it goes, the Cobbler is the only one in town without shoes…)

I’m a size 16 and 5’9”. No matter the weight; anywhere from 190 to 265, I’ve been able to wear the same size for the last twenty years; the way it looks on me may vary but the number never does. What matters is fit, how you feel in what you have on, and the confidence you get from wearing it. Think about the one outfit you have that just gives you that “I’ve got this” feeling, no matter what you’re wearing it for. Wouldn’t it be great to have that feeling in everything that hangs in your closet or folds up in the bureau? THAT is what is most important for me in FINALLY designing for Curvy Kate by G; more than fit; I want the clothing line to make you feel empowered and confident with every look you put on. My favorite pictures of curvy women in my clothes are the smiles and that “look” they get…like they could take on the world. I don’t want them to walk in them as if on a runway but as if they were on a runway an OWNING it.

The fit is paramount, and the comfort level is key, but the attitude you have when wearing a Curvy Kate by G look is WHY I am finally taking the leap to creating my own brand.

Now… let’s get to the title of this blog. I’m curvy, my name isn’t Kate, but I have finally gone to the gym; the reason I say “finally” is because my husband and I joined this gym LAST May and only went two days…in a row, in July. Because I AM launching a clothing line that is centered around “the swimsuit,” I thought it was high time that I toned up the curves (specifically the thigh region) to don my swimsuit and the fabulous extras that will coordinate with it.

I’ve decided that the number on the scale doesn’t matter; I mean, I’m not a character in Sims with a bubble over my head where others can see what it says…but, I did whip the tape measure out and get a few digits to mark any differences I may see from my trips to the gym.

Sooo, I’ve gone to the gym four days in a row now. I’ve only walked on the treadmill each visit BUT I walked on it for an hour and got in 3miles each time (except for Wednesday when it was half of that because I was super sore and I have to walk in my daughter’s wedding this weekend). So, I’ve blown last year’s record out of the water, I check in daily on my personal Facebook page because I REALLY need the accountability BUT, the reason I decided to enter into a blog as well, is simply this… I’m not trying to lose weight. I’m confident in my curves but I just want to tone up the ones I have and thought other Kates would be inspired to do the same; we could lift each other up. 

I embrace my curves…I just want to lose my lumps. Does that make sense? I am currently 232 pounds; right in the middle of the “size 16 spectrum” I mentioned earlier…between 190 and 265 (I’ve been both). The number on the scale doesn't matter but the way I fit AND feel in my clothes does. 

I’m sure everyone at the gym has a different goal; whether they are in the middle of reaching it, just starting, or at the end and simply maintaining it. I look around while I walk on the treadmill with my headphones in and eyes wide open; never judging but wondering what the story behind each person is. Yesterday I saw a guy in a t-shirt that I couldn’t quite read…all of it. It had six lines and I could only read the top one; it read “Cowards Never Start”… I loved it. I wish I knew what the other lines were but if I could only read one, it was a good one and it reminded me that I wasn’t a coward because at least I started.

I'll be checking in weekly as accountability to my Kates but I won't be re-measuring those thighs or stepping back on the scale until June 15th; my first goal date. My next goal date is July 22nd, right around the clothing line launch date and then the NEXT one is my 49th birthday...August 11th; bite size timeline and very realistic to keep me motivated. 

What motivates you? When will you start? 

Perhaps I need to make a shirt of my own: “Embrace the curves. Lose the lumps” 

I think it works, even if you can only read the first line.