It's hard out here for a tall girl -- especially when you're just trying to get in some cardio.
Everyone has her own difficulties when settling into a workout routine, and as a (self-proclaimed) giant navigating the land of fitness, I've dealt with my own fair share. From having to modify just about every exercise to awkward encounters in classes, below are just a few struggles tall girls may experience when trying to work out.
Photo Credit: Johner Images via Getty Images
1. The expectation that you're really good at basketball or volleyball.
Sure, my height could give me a great advantage when it comes to blocks, serves, rebounds and layups. However, there's this thing called "hand-eye coordination" that's a tad more vital when it comes to these sports -- and I have none.
2. Needing a "tall person" seat in a cycling class.
There's nothing worse than my knees hitting the handle bars as I'm trying to pedal. It's the workout equivalent of trying to sit on an airplane.
Most studios like SoulCycle have ways to adjust their machines based on individual needs, and some even have seat replacements if you need a little extra room. Ask your instructor for help with modification. It's a good tool to keep in mind, since a correct setup is crucial when it comes to getting a workout on a bike. If you don't have the proper space, you could risk injury, Popsugar Fitness reported.
3. Just running in general.
Lately I've been on a journey to become as good an athlete as some of my marathon-running friends. However, it seems as though physics isn't totally on my side. As a 2007 report in the New York Times points out, some bodies are just built for different sports:
Tall people naturally have longer strides, but stride length, it turns out, does not determine speed. Running requires that you lift your body off the ground with each step, propelling yourself forward. The more you weigh, the harder you have to work to lift your body and the slower you will be. The best runners are small and light, with slim legs.
(Note: This doesn't mean I cannot be a runner, or you cannot be a runner or anyone cannot be a runner. If you love the sport, don't let the Internet tell you what to do.)
4. Feeling just a little bit awkward in yoga.
Move your mats, everyone. Here comes my Warrior II pose. As someone with longer limbs, my stretches just naturally take up a little more room. Not only that, I'm constantly sticking out in my sun salutations or forward folds.
While many people struggle with flexibility, especially when they first take up yoga -- tall people are just a smidge more conspicuous. If you're having some issues, try one of these yoga moves for flexibility.
5. Struggling to not kick the person in front of you.
As in yoga, kickboxing classes prove to be quite a challenge when it comes to finding ample space. To the girl in front of me in class, I'm so sorry. That roundhouse kick wasn't meant for you, I promise.
6. Never being able to find long-sleeve workout tops.
That's okay, I don't need to protect the bottom part of my arms from the cold weather. It only fuels my motivation to run faster.
7. Two words: Barre. Class.
Barre fitness takes some core ballet principles and combines them with total body moves. Most classes utilize a ballet barre like the one seen in studios. It's great for fulfilling your 5-year-old fantasy of becoming a ballerina (No? Just me?) and getting some exercise in the process. But for some tall girls, the experience can fall a little... short.
Most barre heights vary depending on the studio. Pure Barre, one of the more popular barre fitness classes, uses 36-inch barres for their workouts, spokeswoman Molly Cashman told The Huffington Post in an email. That sometimes makes for a very low placement for those whose waists don't quite hit at that level. However, instructors will offer modified exercises in order to optimize your workout and make the class work for your height, Cashman said.
8. Not quite fitting on gym equipment.
My height gives a whole new meaning to the term "leg day." When you're tall, your legs most likely don't fit the mold of most gym equipment. They're often too long for benches, stability balls and lower-body machines, resulting in flopped limbs or constant readjustment. However, finding that right size is important for an optimal workout. Does constantly adjusting the leg press count as part of that workout? It really should.
Related
Before You Go
