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My sport was soccer: where we got physical and dirty; wore over-sized uniform shirts and shorts; and wore shin-guards, covered to our knees with sock. Besides emphasizing needing strength and power in our bodies, nothing was ever discussed as far as body weight or shape–at least in my experiences. In fact, it was a style in my day to wear larger clothes to compete in. I used to stare at other athletes in various sports who needed to wear and compete in either a leotard, spandex, or even a swimsuit, and wondered how they felt comfortable competing in front of such a large crowd withRead More →

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It was the first time in years that I was actually skinny and proportional. My once strong, muscular quad muscles dwindled down to skin and bones. I felt toned and cut, especially my abdomen, as it appeared I even had a six-pack. I loved trying on clothes, and seeing that even extra smalls were too big on me. But, mostly, I loved wearing a bathing suit. As illogical and completely unhealthy as these thoughts may be, even thirteen years after having an eating disorder, I still sometimes think about how I miss some aspects of that time period. I am completely aware that, though, IRead More →

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Last year for Mother’s Day, my mom was only dying for a Fitbit. So, as considerate children, we all chipped in, and got her what she desired. Last year my husband came home and so excitedly told me that he read all about this new Fitbit Surge; and that it happened to be a watch, as well. So, when his birthday came around, I went out and bought him one, too. Both my mother and husband are obsessed. They absolutely love it. They compare daily “steps,” and keep track of each other’s medals and milestones. Since the Fitbit has come out on the market, myRead More →

Pregnant and Told Not to Exercise

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Let me preface this piece with a story that I will never forget. In fact, it’s the reason I struggle to write about pregnancy, knowing the issues many encounter throughout the entire experience. I was only dying to conceive; to test positive when taking a pregnancy test; to have a third child. And, though it’s an extremely personal part of our lives, it finally happened. And, then, it failed. I miscarried. To try to take my mind off of it for even a minute, I scheduled a manicure for the following day. As I sat in the chair struggling to catch my breath from sadness,Read More →

Cross Fit Trainer Pregnant

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My friend shared an article with me the other night from Fox News. Just from the title of the article that was published in Self, I felt fired up, empathetic, and extremely emotional. “CrossFit trainer receiving backlash for lifting more than 90 pounds while pregnant.” The article reads, “Though Breeze has assured her followers that she’s been listening to her doctor’s advice as far as fitness is concerned, many have said they’re worried she’s jeopardizing the health of her pregnancy by maintaining such an active life in the gym.” I have two kids, which means I have experienced the lengthy, physically and emotionally challenging moments of pregnancy…twice. And,Read More →

Athlete's Anxieties When Eligibility Expires

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I spent countless hours in the weight room as a college athlete. Each session, I entered through the double doors, opened the drawer, and routinely pulled out the sheet of paper with my name at the top. There it listed each exercise, and the goal for the amount of repetitions I perform on each one. I embraced the challenges, and felt satisfaction from the pain I endured throughout each lift. I pushed with all my might as my arms trembled from the bench press, and watched through the mirror as my legs shook uncontrollably; true signs of strength, muscle gain, and resilience. The feelings were bothRead More →

Erin Konheim Mandras - Kick the Scale

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After battling and overcoming an eating disorder of my own, I am now comfortable, content, and confident with my exercise regime and body image – though, still at times, I do have self-doubt, but need to bring myself back to reality. After experiencing an excessive exercise issue, as well, which typically goes hand-in-hand with an eating disorder, I am now conscious of these ever-so prevalent issues, and how they may affect others. I had just finished my workout. As I walked down the steps to arrive in the health club lobby, I collided with a group of women who had seemed to just finish aRead More →

A Mother's Mindset

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As I have delved into the details of eating disorders, I have read multiple articles stating how mothers significantly influence a daughter’s body image. It all begins at a very young age. According to a report from Common Sense Media, one in 4 children engages in some type of dieting behavior by age 7. There are many contributing factors to this statistic, but mothers definitely play a powerful role. My mother is my best friend. She is my role model and hero — who possesses characteristics that make her the most admirable person I know. When talking of her to friends, or even strangers, I lightRead More →

The 21-day Unfix

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I was once anorexic. My eating disorder was prompted by various situations I encountered as a collegiate student-athlete. First, my peers around me gained weight from college life, and then became determined to lose the excess fat. After observing my teammates exercise excessively, I, with a competitive nature, followed their lead. When my friend began eliminating meals from her daily diet, I joined in. Following practice, I noticed a teammate studying her body in the mirror; so I looked at mine.  At that time, the popular diet fad was to only consume fat free foods. I had never been exposed to diets, weight loss pills, or even scales.Read More →

Fit Mommy

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I was always in great shape as a college athlete. I passed all my fitness tests, finished speed exercises in the top echelon, and excelled in the weight room. However, I have never been as fit as I am right now. Yes. You read it. I am 31 years old, with two children, an almost 4-year-old boy and a 2-year-old boy, and I am the fittest today than I have ever been in my entire life. I just completed a half marathon, which is 13.1 miles, in 1 hour, 30 minutes, and 4 seconds. That means my average mile time was 6 minutes and 52Read More →