In an era when comedians are denigrating each other, rappers are beefing (when aren't they), and podcasters are striving for pettiness, there's at least one ray of sunshine peeking through the dark clouds of entertainment in 2024: Tabitha Brown.
The actress, author, and media personality continues to fill her Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube accounts with not only messages of positivity but also an unassuming guide to maintaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
When she kicked off Women's History Month with an Instagram post encouraging "every woman to move your body for at least 30 minutes a day" for 30 days, the 45-year-old mother of two included a photo showing her belly, provoking an outpouring of positive and supportive comments.
With Victoria Monét's "On My Mama" as Brown's chosen music in the post, more than 4,000 people, nearly all women, commented on how "real" the picture was and how women's bodies change after childbirth. They thanked Brown for sharing such a vulnerable and unedited picture, and there was equally a warm response to the call to move more.
“Auntie Tab bringing “real bodies” back. I love to see it,” one user remarked.
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“I’m in! Teared up seeing a real “I had some kids” stomach like mine. Your intentional transparency is a blessing,” said another commenter.
“You just gave me the biggest boost because I’m learning to love my stomach the way it looks.”
Brown's photo showed her post-birth belly complete with the extra fat, loose skin, and "rolls." Post-birth bellies often don't return to their pre-birth state of being flat and smooth, making many women insecure about this part of their body. Brown has been married for over twenty years with a 22-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son.
As inspiring as the photo is in Brown's IG post, which included the hashtags #spreadlove and #bekindtoyourself, her encouragement for women to exercise more is equally important.
According to researchers, many women don't get enough daily exercise. And this negatively affects their heart health and other aspects of well-being such as mood and weight management.
Despite knowing the health benefits, women may find it hard to make time for exercise along with their daily routines. There have also been safety concerns, for women who exercise in public places unaccompanied.
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises all adults to engage in vigorous activity for 75 minutes (such as running or jogging) or moderate activity (su
