Peloton instructor Ash Pryor is encouraging people to wear what they want this summer: 'You are in fact beach ready'
Peloton's Ash Pryor is providing a PSA ahead of summer that "you are in fact beach ready," no matter what.
The rowing instructor, who experienced body shaming in Sept. 2022 in response to the announcement that she was joining the Peloton team, took to her Instagram on Thursday to share the encouraging message. She spoke about her intentions of unapologetically rocking swimwear this upcoming season while standing in front of her mirror in a bikini.
"It's about to be summer and this is how I'm gonna show up to the pool. First of all, I'm wearing what I want to wear and I encourage you to do the same," Pryor said in the video. "We're gonna own what we wear and we're gonna look good doing it. We're then gonna squint, we're gonna wave, we're gonna walk with confidence, OK?"
The post is one of many instances where Pryor has led by example when it comes to body acceptance. "Wear what you want. Take the photos and be in the front," she continued in the caption. "Smile and walk with your chin up. Make the memories. Find the fit that works for you and own it!"
It's the same message that's at the heart of her work as a fitness instructor. "Fitness has always been about shrinking and never about, like, strength and power," she previously told Yahoo Life. "I'm fighting to be able to demonstrate in a larger body — that's really the size of an average woman — that I deserve to still be in this space, and still be looked at as an athlete."
She feels the same about showing up at a beach or pool, and emphasizes that she isn't "brave" for doing so.
"I am simply loving the body I'm in and the one that serves me well. I invite you to do the same," she wrote.
Pryor shared additional encouragement in her video by reframing the thoughts that make people feel unconscious. "They're not staring at you cause they're like, 'Why are you wearing that?' They’re staring at you because they want to get a slice of that confidence that you have. So go ahead and inspire people," she said.
In her caption, she continued. "Stop obsessing over the size, does it fit you? Do you like it? Cool. No one's asking for your clothing size to [enter] the pool or beach. Cut the tag off if it bothers you. I want to see us all outside this summer having fun! You are worthy of fun now!!"
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