Madalin Frodsham on body image and healthy living

 

It was this exact photo that Madalin Frodsham posted after being featured in our Body Issue that broke the internet – here we share her feature interview featured in the magazine.

 

ON INSTAGRAM

Growing up, I was always the sporty one in the family, playing basketball and climbing trees. This stopped when I left school, and I didn’t actually start actively working out until January 2016 when I downloaded the Sweat With Kayla app. There’s a mix of factors that contributed to my social media following: a few of my posts went viral on online news publications, my transformation photos garner a lot of followers each week, and (hopefully!) I motivate and inspire people to work out. 

ON KEEPING IT REAL

I constantly felt put down when scrolling through my Instagram feed. Seeing image after image of perfection, I wondered if people felt the same way going through their feeds, and whether my photos contributed. So I decided to share more pictures that were honest and relatable. I receive a lot of comments from people saying it’s their goal to have my body, and I want people to know I have flaws just like everyone. We’re so used to seeing perfect pictures of women in our feeds that it’s nice to see a bit of real life sometimes.

ON BODY IMAGE

I think because people view social media influencers as being more ‘real life’ than the touched up celebrities in magazines, social media is very influential when it comes to body image. However, Instagram is now just the same because it’s easy to smooth out your cellulite or reshape your body. I think the problem is even worse as we compare ourselves more to these unattainable images of perfection. And instead of a magazine, which you have to physically go to the shop and buy, you have these images in your pocket and accessible at all times. 

ON KEEPING FIT AND HEALTHY

I find it easier to stick to a routine, so I make sure I go to the gym first thing in the morning, no matter how I’m feeling or how busy I am. I make healthy food choices when I buy food from the supermarket (if it’s not in my cupboard, I don’t eat it!), but I also make sure I don’t restrict myself too heavily so I don’t blow out on the weekend. 

ON FEELING COMFORTABLE IN YOUR OWN SKIN

Always remember that the images you see are carefully selected, filtered, angled and lit to display people in the best possible light. Don’t let somebody’s perfect selfie dictate your confidence – most people don’t actually look how they do on Instagram. If someone is making you feel bad about your body, unfollow them. Follow women that make you feel confident, who are open about their bodies and don’t follow the conventional standards of beauty. 

 

My day on a plate

Pre-workout: protein shake

Post-workout: warm oats, berries and apple porridge 

Snack: toast with peanut butter or Philadelphia cheese

Lunch: paprika chicken with green vegies and yoghurt 

Snack: carrots and avocado dip 

Dinner: vegetable patty and lentil curry

Dessert: chocolate chip cookies

 

 

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