Many of you fitness enthusiasts and Instagrammers would have heard of #RockTheNakedTruth, an inspiring body image movement that is initiated by Cheryl Tay. A reputable journalist/ photographer in the sports and fitness industry, Cheryl was once a victim of body image issues. She hopes that this movement can encourage people to love themselves for who they are and to also explore what their bodies are truly capable of through fitness/exercises. In Cheryl’s words, it’s “find (our) fit, find (our) confidence”. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Here’s more about this fabulous lady,

1. What inspired or motivated you to start this movement? 

I suffered from body image struggles for over a decade (see full story here) and now that I’m finally in acceptance, I realized that I wanted to do the same for others. There are many others out there who are struggling with insecurities and body image issues, so I want to form a support community and build it around them. It’s very painful to go through these things alone and having good people around you will be of huge help.

2. What are the common causes for people to suffer from body image issues? 

Some of the common causes include:

• Idolising others – People tend to look at magazines, TV shows, movies, singers, Hollywood stars, supermodels and find themselves inhabiting a huge desire to want to look like them. Then, there are those who look at their schoolmates who are pretty and popular and they want to be like them.
• Bullying / Fat shaming – Be it at work or in school, people get teased at for being fat and the humiliation they are being put through makes them want to do drastic things to their weight.
• Bad relationships/breakups – This is especially so if the guy had cheated on them with someone prettier or left them for someone hotter. Some of them even had the guys telling them that they will love them more if they are thinner. To hell with those kind of guys man!

3. Any stereotypes with regards to body image issues’ victims that you want to debunk?

People think that those with body image issues are vain and just want to be skinny.

4. We see that fit is the new sexy now. *Applause* What do you think of such a trend now? 

I am definitely the loudest cheerleader for this trend. Actually, I don’t like to think of it as a trend because trends do change. I would like to see this as a change of mindset. I hope people will start to embrace curves and be happy with themselves. There are a lot of more important things in life that require our attention instead of us obsessing over how much we weigh.

5. How do you find the time to upkeep a healthy lifestyle, given the daily stresses of work and other commitments?

There will always be no time – we all are busy with our work and family, but it’s how much you want to lead a healthy lifestyle. I’m not asking everyone to be like me and exercise 5-6 times a week, but just try to exercise for 30-60 minutes three times a week. Alternatively, just start by eating better and cut down on alcohol, fried foods and oily foods.

6. What are the common misconceptions regarding body positivity? Detractors tend to dismiss it as superficial or even narcissistic.

Body positivity is about having the confidence about yourself, but not having TOO much confidence and being super arrogant about your body. I think people need to realise that there is a difference between being confident about yourself and being arrogant.

7. What are some of the useful advices or tips you would give to victims of body image issues out there? 

1) Stop comparing yourself to others. We are all different and what work for others may not work for you.

2) Don’t be motivated by weight loss. Instead, focus on wanting to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

3) Throw out the scale and forget the numbers. Focus on how you feel instead of how much you should be weighing.

4) Stop starving yourself. Our bodies need food to function like how cars need fuel. Eat well for your body requirements and don’t go on low-calorie diets that will kill your metabolism.

5) Sustainable results take time. Results are not immediate – if they are, they won’t last.

8. Congratulations on the official launch of Rock The Naked Truth on  9th Jan 2016! What’s in store for participants and what do you hope to achieve by the end of the event?

This is the very first event and I’m super excited! I hope everyone will leave [the event] feeling more inspired and also, realise that they are not alone in this. It’s gonna be full of positive, happy vibes and I hope this marks the beginning of their self-love journey.

9. Any deets for future events? What can we look forward to?

There are many events coming up, from CrossFit to spinning and more. The ROCKrunners running club will start on 30th Jan 2016.

Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? You can join and support them for their first event on 9th Jan at Bugis Junction by registering at www.rockthenakedtruth.com/share ! Can’t make it on that day? Fear not! Follow them on Instagram or Facebook to be notified of future events!

All images courtesy of Rock The Naked Truth.