At ShockYard we're strong proponents of creating an atmosphere that celebrates fitness as a means of enjoying life rather than a tool to break, shrink, or shame people's bodies.  The general name for that attitude out on the internets and in the fitness world is "body positivity".  Recently we came across a great post that addresses the ways that the language of "body positivity" has limitations and "body acceptance" or "body neutrality" might be better tools for folks trying to break away from mainstream attitudes about fitness.

Read more below!

"...Because while “Love Your Body” mantras and “Everyone Is Beautiful” Band-Aids are wielded by people with their hearts in the right places, it puts a lot of undue pressure on folks when we provide a “what” without the “how,” to expect them to miraculously jump from hatred to unconditional love in a single bound.

We’ve got to help people survive before we can expect them to thrive.

And while I’m all for a world where people of all shapes, sizes, genders, races, and abilities flaunt their stuff on the street, absolutely dripping with self-confidence, I also think it’s an unfair expectation.
Which is why, instead, I’m a proponent for body neutrality – for the acceptance of our bodies as-are, for the understanding that we are already enough, for the freedom to go about our days without a strong focus (positive or negative) on our physical shells – either as a step toward body positivity or as a goal in and of itself..."

Read the full post here...

Top Running Miles and $50 to SuperfitHero to Chris (309 miles)

Top Walking Miles and 1 Month of Personal Training with ShockYard to MJ (280 miles)

Grand Prize Winner of $150 cash to Ginnie!

Support the BPFA: www.patreon.com/BPFA

Thank you to the awesome BPFA Affiliated Professionals in this video:
​
Lauren Weiss, Long Beach, CA www.laurenweissfitness.com
Jarlath Hynes, Leixlip, Ireland www.grassrootsfitness.ie
Laura Vineyard & Casey McGrath, Ithaca, NY www.shockyard.com
Wendy Weiser, Plymouth, MA
Tori Ellis, San Antonio, TX www.campgladiator.com
Kimberly Weiss, Singapore, www.fuelthehappy.com
Marianna Johnson, Falls Church, VA www.mindbodyfit.net
Kate Browne, Bloomington, IL Ramp and Stair Exercise Club
Erin Fitzgerald, Normal, IL www.personaltrainerbloomington.com
Leslie Bauman, Salt Lake City, UT www.fb.com/bauman.leslie
Bryan Wither, Miami, FL Bryan Wither, Personal Trainer
Amy Latawiec, Sterling Heights, MI www.rebelcyclestudio.com
Jenna Taylor, Wakefield, MA Fitness Balanced
Haley Shevener, San Francisco, CA Haley Shevener - Personal Trainer
Heather Wilks-Jones, Salem, MA
Katie Feeley, Aston, PA www.thepowerplantgym.com
Melanie Hepler, Newark, CA www.instagram.com/melanieheplerfitness
Lisa-Marie Brayshaw, Victoria, Australia www.trainfp.com.au 
Kerrie Green, Tucson, AZ www.instagram.com/habitsbuildhealth
Danielle Lohman, Riverbank, CA Lifestyle U

Stay moving, stay motivated, give back!

​-Walk or run at least one mile every day from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day.
-Just $15 to participate.
-Competitors who successfully complete the challenge will be eligible for a cash GRAND PRIZE! The more people sign up, the bigger the grand prize will be so invite your friends!
-Prizes for the most walking and running miles!

​1/3 of Your Registration Fee Will Go to Support the
​Ithaca Rescue Mission:

"A PLACE TO LEAVE HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESS BEHIND

​The Ithaca Rescue Mission provides emergency shelter and affordable permanent housing for those experiencing homelessness. Our Friendship Center and community food pantry are open to the public daily for those who are hungry or need a welcoming place to come in from the elements.
​
Ithaca’s low vacancy rates and rental costs are challenging for many.  For someone who has experienced homelessness, the barriers to finding housing can be particularly daunting. Our case managers work step by step with emergency shelter residents to help them find homes, and to develop individualized plans to leave hunger and homelessness behind."

Call/Text: 508-808-9699
Email: ShockYard@gmail.com
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• Sign up via PayPal
• Shortly after sign up, you will receive an email with a link to our mileage tracker and info on how to connect with our Run/Walk Facebook group.
• This challenge is entirely based on the honor code.  We will not be checking up on your miles.  So be cool man.
• Missed a day?  It's OK, don't give up!  Everyone is allowed one freebie day that you will note in your log book.
• Missed another day?  You may stay in the running for the grand prize, but we ask that you contribute another $15 for each day missed (this sum will go entirely to the featured charity).  Again, honor code. Skip day donation page.
• In January the numbers will be tallied and the winners announced via live stream.  Date/Time TBA.