Fat Girl Summer Coming to an End
Yesterday, the sun shone bright, sitting high in the sky, sending out a final warning that fat girl summer, aka fall/winter, is coming to an end. The one magical time of year when the leaves turn rusted, the air crisps up, and our beloved oversized sweaters emerge from storage.
If you’re fat like me, this is the season where confidence feels effortless, layered pieces, cozy tights, and stylish boots masking what summer demands we reveal.
But with each passing chilly breeze comes the reminder that warm weather waits just around the corner. Fat girl summer isn’t just a season, it’s a mindset that carries us through every season, but spring is the perfect time to lay the groundwork for a summer where we feel free in our skin.
With summer not too far away, this is our moment to start making small, intentional choices,
ones that make us feel stronger, more energized, and confident in our bodies.
Spring is that beautiful middle ground, where the air is fresh, the days get longer, and hope creeps back in like an old friend. Instead of dreading the heat creeping in, let’s take advantage of the time we’ve got.
It’s not about crash diets or fitting into some unrealistic standard, it’s about treating our bodies like they deserve to be treated.
Moving, stretching, getting stronger,so when summer hits, we’re not just peeling off layers, we’re stepping into the sun feeling good as hell. So, let’s take it one day at a time, one small habit at a time, until we look in the mirror and say, "Yeah, I did that."
Just remember, friend, before that scorching heat of summer begins, there’s still time to make changes. Whether it’s shedding a few pounds or just building better habits, every small step counts.
Let’s explore simple ways to move our bodies, build strength, and feel confident enough to trade some of those layers for summer-ready outfits.
Moving Your Body: Simple Calisthenics & Printable Routine
This is what I’m going to be doing to get back in the habit of moving. I’ve tried in the past to go full charge at the gym, but I always burn out before any real results can be seen. So this time, I’m keeping it simple, a routine I can actually stick to. No fancy equipment, no complicated workouts, just small, intentional movements to keep my body active. Here’s my game plan:
Get My Steps In – Every day, I’m making it a point to move more. My goal is 7,000–10,000 steps a day, whether that means taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking a little farther from the entrance, or just pacing around my home while I’m on the phone. No excuses—just small, steady movement to keep my body in motion.
Squats – This is going to be a staple in my routine because, let’s be real, strong legs make everything easier. I’m starting with bodyweight squats, aiming for 10-15 reps per set. As I get stronger, I’ll increase the reps and maybe even add some weights. Slow and steady, but consistent!
Planks – This is one of those exercises I love to hate, but I know it works. I’m starting with 20-30 second holds, focusing on engaging my core, shoulders, and back. The goal is to build up to a full minute over time. If I’m feeling ambitious, I’ll throw in some side planks or leg lifts to really challenge myself.
Arm Circles – I’m keeping this one in my routine because it’s an easy way to loosen up my shoulders and get my arms moving. I’ll be doing forward and backward circles for 30 seconds each, feeling the burn and waking up those muscles. Simple but effective!
Seated Leg Lifts – Since I’m easing my way back into movement, I’m adding seated leg lifts to activate my core and legs without overdoing it. I’ll start with three rounds of 10 reps, focusing on controlled movements. As I build strength, I’ll gradually increase the reps and hold each lift for a few seconds to really feel the burn.
I’m not trying to go all-in and burn myself out like I have before. This time, I’m focusing on consistency, small, daily movements that keep me active and build momentum over time. The goal is to feel stronger, move with ease, and actually enjoy the process.
Before I know it, I’ll be more energized and confident when summer hits. To keep myself on track, I put together a simple weekly workout schedule that I can follow at home. If you’re on this journey too, feel free to print it out and follow along!
Weekly Bodyweight Workout Plan
Monday:
10-minute brisk walk or marching in place
3 rounds of 10 squats
2 rounds of 30-second planks
30 seconds of arm circles
Tuesday:
7,000–10,000 steps throughout the day
3 rounds of 15 seated leg lifts
3 rounds of 10 squats
20-second plank hold
Wednesday:
Full-body strength day—focusing on bodyweight exercises that build endurance and power.
3 rounds of 10 push-ups (modified or full)
3 rounds of 15 squats
2 rounds of 30-second planks
3 rounds of 10 lunges per leg
30 seconds of arm circles forward and backward
Thursday:
5-minute walk + 3 rounds of 10 squats
2 rounds of 30-second planks
3 rounds of 30-second arm circles
Friday:
7,000–10,000 steps throughout the day
3 rounds of 12 seated leg lifts
3 rounds of 15 squats
25-second plank hold
Saturday:
Dance party or fun activity for 20 minutes
3 rounds of 10 squats
3 rounds of 30-second planks
3 rounds of 30-second arm circles
Sunday:
Rest, stretch, or light yoga
What’s Been Grounding Me Lately
Tiny things that make the day feel a little softer and help me stay consistent while I rebuild. These aren’t sponsored, just real favorites that fit into my rhythm.
🌿 Liquid Iron Blood Builder : my steady go-to for energy and focus when anemia tries to steal my shine.
🌸 Rose Water & Aloe : a soft refresh for my face and braids, especially after a walk or long day.
🍵 Herbal Teas for Energy & Calm: I rotate between peppermint, ginger, chamomile, and hibiscus depending on my mood.
🕯️ Candlelight: adding a beautiful atmosphere while I create or decompress.
🍠 Air Fryer Must-Haves: quick meals that make clean eating actually doable and save me from “hangry” moments.
💧 Spring Water (in Glass Bottles): still working my way up to all glass, but hydration is non-negotiable.
🪶 These are affiliate links ; meaning if you love them too, you’re supporting my blog at no extra cost. Thank you for being part of this journey. 💕