Every generation, every decade, has an ideal body type. Whether we like it or not, each new decade brings a new type of body that is considered that generation’s coveted body shape and determines fashion, dining lifestyles and even social media habits. In the 1920’s the ideal was that of a flapper dancer; flat chested, straight/no curves and petite. The ’50’s were all about big curves and tiny waists; the hourglass figure. In the ’80’s, with the creation of formfitting spandex , the ideal figure was exaggerated long legs, to show it all off.
The new millennium brought two new body types to the scene; the “buff” body and the “booty babe” body. The picture of a muscular, athletic body and large backside, on females, was popularized and idealized amongst millennials, baby boomers and even teens. So what has this done to our idea of fitness and health? How have our Social Media accounts changed in response to this ideal picture of both men and women’s bodies today?
Any given day on Instagram, Facebook or other forms of media, we see images of this new “ideal” body type portrayed. With this, the creation of the fitness blogger has become wildly popular.
The fitness blogger is found on their own websites but also usually have large followings on Instagram and Facebook. Their blogs focus on fitness workouts, moves and exercises that get you this sensationalized body, this ideal “bubble butt” or “bikini body” in just a short amount of time. Some also post recipes or articles on foods to stay away from or ingredients to swap out for healthier options. What many of these blogs have in common is their focus on the chiseled bodies of the people that run the accounts and create the programs.
While it is certainly motivational to see the body of the person instructing you looking fantastic, it has also been argued that this creates a system of comparison and obsession, especially amongst younger generations. In a world of obsessive attention to media, it can become extremely unhealthy to constantly compare.
This is where Ali Reti comes in. Ali’s program RetiFit, an affordable 90 day fitness program, is different from every other fitness program out there because it emphasizes “Progress Over Perfection“. This is a revolutionary way of looking at fitness. Now, instead of comparing before and after pictures of yourself, comparing your body to those posted to social media accounts or comparing your body to that of the fitness instructor leading you, Ali emphasizes the importance of just being the best you you can be.
Take, for example, the Instagram accounts of popular fitness bloggers and instructors today. Though a caption may be centered around being healthy and feeling your best, the picture to go along with it is, more often than not, chiseled abs or the thigh gap between the teeny tiny legs of the program instructor. This drives home the point that Ali is making; bodies come in all shapes and sizes and it is more important to actually feel your best, to improve on your own individual fitness strength, than to conform to that “ideal” body.
Here are some of the things Ali had to say about her unbelievable new program:
Tell me about the creation of your program:
“Progress Over Perfection” was carefully curated through our beta-test and the weight loss camp we worked at this summer with obese adults. My husband and I both experience(d) the perfectionist tendencies in our industry as professionals, but more so we realized how much that was inflicted on the general public who simply want to live a healthy life. We truly believe that if people could remove the “all or nothing” mentality when it comes to fitness and nutrition, they’d be much more successful. We encourage all of our clients to realize that this is a LIFESTYLE, keyword “life”. That means interruptions and setbacks are absolutely going to happen for the rest of our lives. It’s how we allow those to scenarios to derail us mentally and emotionally that counts. I’m a huge proponent for there is no “good or bad” foods, there are simply foods that nourish our bodies in a way that give us more energy and make us feel better in turn. I’m on a mission to stop the #cheatmeal #eatclean #iifym approach. Food is food, and what people don’t realize is that by following these dangerous approaches, we risk our mental and emotional wellbeing. I know because I was there a few years ago and I feel it’s a miracle I was able to turn my life around.
How do you feel about programs that focus on transformation photos? Some see them as encouraging but tons of others see them as a means of comparison:
Progress photos are something we’ve spent countless hours discussing here at our headquarters. Let me start by saying I understand why transformation photos exist. It brings “validity” to programs so-to-speak. Interested parties want to see real people they can relate to getting results with a program. I get that. But now I want to forge a new path, and here’s why…
I use to struggle (and still do at times) with the infinite amount of progress photos plastered all over social media. There was a dark time in my life 4 years ago where my entire IG and FB newsfeed was filled with “ab” progress photos. When I took a step back and asked myself why I was suddenly feeling more “unworthy” than ever, I realized I was comparing myself to everyone else and attempting to achieve the “perfect” look. The ironic part? I was the “fittest” I’d ever been at that time. Let the record show that having a six pack does not equate to happiness.
At RetiFit, we know there’s another way. While we absolutely want women to feel confident in their bodies and showcase their hard work and dedication, we also don’t want others to be discouraged and find themselves in the “comparison” trap. Our ultimate goal is to show before and afters of “lifestyle” photos.
A mom who couldn’t run a single mile (before picture) with the after photo being of said mom running across the finish line of her first race. Shifting the focus to what their bodies can do with our programs rather than only how they will make them look. It’s so important to remember that what you do is for a greater purpose.
What kinds of recipes/diets do you suggest people follow as they do your program? Anything in particular or is feeling healthy about eating what appeals to YOU?
When people who join RetiFit ask me for nutritional advice, I usually do two things: First, I try to chat with them on the phone for a few minutes to get a better idea of where they are coming from and where they want to go. Nutrition is so individual, and I truly want the RetiFit community to find what works for them. In addition, and when I can’t talk to them individually, I encourage them to eat more real, whole foods. The “all or nothing” mentality is an epidemic in our industry. I hope to instill more grace in others and help them to understand that making “progress over perfection” really is the path to freedom. Because after working with thousands of individuals over the past 10 years, freedom seems to be the resounding desire. A way of eating and exercising that becomes a natural part of what they do, not something that demands their attention 24/7 and makes them feel defeated, ashamed and not enough.
Are you focusing on the Reti Fit program exclusively or are you searching for other opportunities to expand your brand as well (private trainers, classes, fitness blogs, recipe guides etc)?
RetiFit is always evolving. Even as I write this, I’ve got new programs in the incubator. One of the coolest things about having an amazing community is they often help guide you on what comes next. Through feedback (which we take very seriously) we have begun to understand what phase 2 is going to look like! We’re always looking for great ways to collaborate to spread our message. I know it takes a village, and the more of us that can come together to create societal change, the more lives we can change.
How does your husband fit into your program? Where you both always an active couple, did one of you inspire the other or did this lifestyle develop together?
A love for activity is definitely something that brought us together. Our first date was hiking at Chautauqua talking about how we wanted to change the world and the way it views fitness. RetiFit was born not long after that.
A lot of people don’t have the money to afford a gym membership or to eat fresh, healthy foods; what kinds of advice do you have for those people to stay active and healthy?
Find ways that you love to move. A gym membership is not required in order to live a healthy lifestyle and to achieve great results. It’s one of the biggest inspirations for the RetiFit programs. We wanted people to have a very affordable resource that not only provided them with a guide on exactly what to do, but could also be done from the comfort of their own home with minimal to no equipment. We also include a supportive community of like-minded individuals. No matter what you decide to do, having a community that is rooting for you is paramount. I don’t believe we were meant to do these kinds of things on our own.
As for eating fresh, healthy foods, do the best you can. Remember, “Progress Over Perfection.” If you cant afford all organic, eating a non-organic vegetable is still more nourishing than eating something out of a box. There are plenty of free resources that can provide you with ideas on how to eat on a budget, etc. Don’t get overwhelmed, start with one small change at a time until it sticks and becomes part of your daily life. Then move on to the next thing. Baby steps 
How can people that do not know how to do some of the moves in your program learn to do them right, with the right form? It seems that some workout programs have moves that are overused or simplified and some use moves that are too complicated; can your program find a balance between those options?
All of the programs include photos next to every exercise. In addition, we added a “coached” version of our programs that comes with a video for every single workout. That’s right, I guide you through each workout by demonstrating all the exercises on video while also showing modifications. This takes all of the guess work out of it for you. You no longer have to wonder if you’re “doing it right.” These videos have been a phenomenal resource for our community, especially those who just need a quick demonstration and then their off!
Ali and her husband Ben created something different that works because there is no emphasis on perfection and comparison to Ali herself. Feeling healthy and adopting a lifestyle that works for each individual person, both mentally, physically and in eating habits, is what RetiFit is all about.
I have been doing RetiFit for over a month now. My takeaways were that each workout was quick to complete, and easy to incorporate into even the busiest schedules. The moves were challenging without being impossible and I was certainly aching the first few days of the program, a sign of progress for sure. There is a good variety of moves, keeping it interesting and also targeting new muscles each new move. I have also completed other workout programs in the past and particularly liked Ali’s, in comparison, for a number of reasons. First, there are three different levels of the program, allowing you to personalize your workout for yourself. Second, I never found myself pulling up my shirt at the end of one of Ali’s workouts to view the progress to my abs. As Ali said above, the emphasis here is far less on ab progress and more on how I felt during and after each workout. Lastly, I particularly liked Ali’s program because of the videos that go along with each move; I had no idea what Skater Lunges or Bear Crawl Pushups were but her YouTube videos made it easy to learn. Plus she is so adorable, it is awesome to hear her encouraging voice leading me through the moves!
Another thing I really enjoyed about the program is the readability and organization of the program’s PDF. Every move was purposeful and little was repetitive. It has become really personal, for me and can be for anyone and everyone. You can adjust your workout depending on your energy level day-to-day and complete just the program or do it alongside another cardio session. On days I don’t have as much energy, I might skip burpees and instead plank for twice as long or add in another move from another day. That is the beauty of RetiFit.
Ali and her husband are currently working on making RetiFit even better, taking feedback to heart. She is also available as a personal trainer here in Boulder for those that want that more personal touch and, come on, who wouldn’t want to workout with her?! She was also recently published to Huffington Post, in an article in which she discussed exactly why the term “Bikini Body” shouldn’t be used. She even has a YouTube series with her husband “Food with your Dude” in which she makes yummy, healthy stuff with Ben like this one:
There is no stopping this chick and I don’t think anyone is trying!
If you’re looking for a more individual, unique way to feel healthier and more confident, look no further. You won’t find a program as awesome as RetiFit.
Get Reti to sweat, get Reti to feel great and get Reti to look great, with Ali Reti.
The post Reti, Sweat, Go! appeared first on Verge Campus.