Power Poses

I have a dear friend (we'll call her Sun Spark in honor of the superhero theme) who introduced me to the idea of "power poses" when you are in need a bit of confidence. If you've ever watched a superhero movie or read a comic (and you know you have), then you will immediately recognize these poses. The power pose is open, strong, powerful. It can be legs spread and hands on hips (a la Superman) or a looming pose strategizing over a battlefield map.

Even the cocky villain leaning back in his or her chair with their hands behind their heads and their boots on the table is engaged in a power pose.

So is Storm's iconic stance, arms raised, often feet apart, calling down lighting and asskickery. 

And even the Joker's manspreading (thanks to the NY subway system for giving us that delightful term) is a power pose. 

What do all of these poses have in common? They take up space, lots of it, shamelessly and without apology. This is a concept that's hard to embrace, especially if you are a bigger person and already feel like you take up more space than your allotted share. I assure you though, it's worth getting over your need to be smaller and try it. Take a few moments to feel like a superhero or a villain before you go into ask for that raise from the boss or talk to a girl you like. You don't even have to take  my word for it. Psychology Today will tell you all about the science behind why this works.

This blog, The Superhero Within, isn't about shrinking or becoming smaller, it's about confidence. Confidence to wear your spandex proudly, to walk across a convention floor in a costume you've poured sweat, tears, love, and sometimes blood into with your shoulders back and your head high. We'll talk about weight loss and exercise, but we'll also explore self-love (not the dirty kind ;) ) and self-esteem. We will strive to remind you and ourselves that we aren't alone in our journey.

On that note, I'll end with a power pose of my own (in spandex no less).

Higher, Further, Faster, More...

Mara