"You don't have to be fit to feel good about yourself. But for me, I found body positivity through fitness. Ironically, I gained 12kg when I started to workout nearly everyday and compete in obstacle races (Spartan, Tough Mudder, etc). It was due to increased appetite and muscle gain, and that was the heaviest I had ever been in my life. But I also felt great. Knowing what my body is capable of feels liberating and empowering. I felt strong. I thought people might find me less attractive with the weight gain, but I ended up meeting people who were especially attracted to my quiet confidence. Not just romantically — I was attracting like-minded friends, people who are independent and comfortable in their own skin thanks to knowing just how much weight we can pull, literally. The health benefits of working out also benefits your psyche, making you feel better overall (energy levels, endorphins, etc).
Everyone begins their fitness or health journey at different stages. Frankly, unless you're a professional athlete in this space, you're not better than anyone else, and they're not better than you. We're all on our own roads, and the moment you start getting elitist or worried about who's better, you're on the only road that's going nowhere. One of a few ways to develop positive body self image, is to be positive towards everyone else around you."