For an extended period, traditional fitness environments have perpetuated a limited and often unrealistic portrayal of what constitutes an “athletic body.” This narrow definition fails to acknowledge the rich diversity of individuals who actively participate in fitness activities every day. Despite brands advocating for inclusivity, their marketing strategies and instructor selections frequently overlook the essential representation of plus size fitness enthusiasts. This gap highlights the urgent need for broader visibility and acceptance of all body types in the fitness community.
Enter Dr. Rachel Millner, a trailblazer determined to transform this landscape.
Dr. Rachel Millner, a passionate psychologist and dedicated Peloton rider, is not simply participating in fitness; she is making a significant statement about inclusivity. As the visionary behind “Revolutionize Your Ride,” her mission is to advocate for greater representation of plus size individuals within the Peloton community and beyond.
Her aim is to become Peloton’s first plus size cycling instructor, thereby challenging and dismantling the stigma surrounding fitness and body image. Unfortunately, like many mainstream fitness brands, Peloton has yet to fully embrace a diverse representation of plus size instructors, which only underscores the importance of Dr. Rachel’s mission.
Understanding the Importance of Plus Size Fitness Representation Through Revolutionize Your Ride
The typical narrative within the fitness industry often portrays exercise primarily as a means for weight loss, neglecting the essential aspects of self-care and empowerment. This viewpoint has actively marginalized and discouraged plus size individuals from seeing themselves as integral parts of the fitness movement. It’s time to shift this outdated perspective.
Lauryn: Can you summarize the essence of Revolutionize Your Ride for those unfamiliar with it?
Dr. Rachel: “Revolutionize Your Ride focuses on challenging the stereotypes surrounding fitness, reminding everyone that fitness comes in myriad shapes and sizes, and you cannot determine someone’s fitness level based solely on their appearance. We aim to foster a more inclusive and diverse fitness environment, particularly within the Peloton community.”
Lauryn: What inspired you to choose Peloton as the focal point of your mission?
Dr. Rachel: “My journey with Peloton began when I received a bike at the start of the pandemic. Although it was a new experience, I quickly grew to love it. However, I encountered frustration due to the absence of instructors who represent larger bodies. While there is an excellent rowing instructor in a plus size body, the cycling classes lack similar representation, which made my riding experience less fulfilling. This realization motivated me to pursue my mission with Peloton specifically.”
Addressing this issue extends beyond fitness; it encompasses who is recognized as an expert and authority within the industry, highlighting the need for diverse representation.
Transforming Passion into a Movement for Inclusive Fitness
Becoming a Peloton instructor is not a straightforward process; the company conducts talent recruitment through exclusive, invite-only auditions. Dr. Rachel has had to navigate an unconventional path to capture their attention amidst the competitive landscape.
Lauryn: How did you begin advocating for the inclusion of plus size instructors at Peloton?
Dr. Rachel: “Upon discovering my passion for Peloton and feeling frustrated with the lack of representation, I began researching how to become a Peloton instructor. I wanted to find a pathway to break into this space and demonstrate to Peloton that there is a genuine demand for plus size riders.”
Her initiative transcends merely seeking employment; it represents a larger statement about visibility and inclusion.
Future Endeavors: Expanding Beyond Peloton to Advocate for Body Positivity
Dr. Rachel’s ambitions extend far beyond her pursuits with Peloton. She has recently been appointed as an official Body Confidence Coach by renowned brands Nike and Dove, marking a significant milestone in her endeavor to push for genuine inclusivity within the fitness industry. Furthermore, she is actively engaging in discussions to participate in The Plus Strut, a curvy 5K event taking place in Atlanta.
Lauryn: What is the most important message you want to convey to plus size individuals regarding fitness?
Dr. Rachel: “Be gentle with yourselves. Navigating life in a plus size body can be challenging, especially in today’s world. It’s essential to practice self-compassion. Take things slowly and engage in activities that feel right for you. There is no need for self-punishment or harsh criticism. Prioritize kindness towards yourself.”
Emma echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one’s unique contributions: “Understand your distinct value. What unique offerings do you bring to the table? The industry is rapidly evolving, and simply identifying as a plus size designer is no longer sufficient.”
This is the message Dr. Rachel is eager to share with Peloton. Regardless of whether they heed her call, one truth remains clear: plus size individuals deserve more than mere tokenism; they are entitled to leadership positions, visibility, and respect.
Dr. Rachel is not waiting for anyone’s approval to make this change.
Harnessing the Power of Public Relations to Elevate Plus Size Fitness Initiatives
To further amplify her mission, Dr. Rachel has partnered with Emma Medeiros, who leads Medeiros Fashion PR, the first public relations firm in the U.S. dedicated to plus size fashion and representation.
Lauryn: Emma, what inspired you to establish a PR firm focused on plus size clients?
Emma Medeiros: “I initially assumed that with the explosive growth of the plus size industry over the past decade, especially in major cities like New York and Boston, I would have numerous options for PR firms specializing in this area. However, after an exhaustive two-and-a-half to three-month search through various databases and resources, I realized that not a single PR firm was dedicated to representing plus size clients.”
Her mission in public relations is crystal clear:
“My role is to showcase the fabulousness of my clients to the world. Their role is to embody that fabulousness—just like Dr. Rachel.”
This dynamic duo is committed to building their brand while contributing to the expanding roster of plus size influencers who are driving change in the #bodypositive movement.
Lizzo: Navigating the Complexities of Plus Size Influence in Media
The discourse surrounding plus size visibility has always been multifaceted, and Lizzo’s recent rebranding efforts have reignited important discussions within this space.
Lauryn: What are your thoughts on Lizzo’s recent campaign where she spray-painted over an old image of herself with the phrase “BYE, BITCH”?
Dr. Rachel: “That’s an excellent question and one that could spark a lengthy discussion. It’s quite complex to summarize. I have a range of feelings and opinions about it. While I cannot fully comprehend the experiences of a fat Black woman in the public eye like Lizzo, I refrain from passing judgment on how any individual chooses to represent their body, especially someone as influential as Lizzo.”
She reflected before adding, “However, I believe that showcasing a transition from a larger body to a smaller body inevitably promotes the idea that smaller is preferable.”
Lizzo’s personal journey is hers to navigate; however, her campaign underscores the significant role of visuals and messaging in mainstream media. The portrayal of bodies—whether in fitness advertisements, music videos, or athletic branding—greatly influences public perceptions.
This is precisely why Dr. Rachel is committed to ensuring that the narrative surrounding plus size fitness and bodies is both clear and positive. Through “Revolutionize Your Ride,” she is crafting the inclusive fitness imagery that has long been lacking—one that unequivocally states that plus size bodies not only have a place in fitness spaces but also deserve to occupy leadership roles within them.
Get Involved: Connect with Dr. Rachel and Emma to Support Plus Size Fitness
Stay updated on the impactful journey of “Revolutionize Your Ride” and engage with Dr. Rachel on Instagram:
• @plussizepelotonride
• @drrachelmillner
For inquiries related to Plus Size PR or to explore the work of Emma Medeiros, visit:
• Medeiros Fashion PR • @medeirosfashionpr
What has been your experience with plus size fitness? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below!
