CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WITH BPI’S ELITE FEMALE ATHLETES

March 8 is International Women’s Day, a time to celebrate and honor the achievements women have made throughout world history. The 2018 International Women’s Day campaign (#IWD2018) is #PressforProgress. Citing the World Economic Forum’s 2017 Global Gender Gap Report findings, which reveals that gender equality is 200 years away, the 2018 campaign calls for action.

We asked our female athletes and ambassadors what International Women’s Day means to them. We also invited them to share a Tip of the Day for women to stay motivated. Here’s what these strong women had to say.

WHAT DOES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY MEAN TO YOU?

India Paulino
It fills my heart to see how much things have changed for women since the first International Women’s Day was born over a century ago. 1911 was the start of many countries around the world adopting and honoring a day where women from all walks of life come together to stand up for women’s rights.

Alex Fischer
The International Women’s Day (IWD) campaign theme #PressforProgress will continue all year long. It is crucial to post, tweet and participate to influence everyone to fight for EQUAL rights.

Sarah Evans
Celebrating the success of strong, determined ladies gives me the motivation to succeed in my own dreams. That’s why looking back over decades to see what women have accomplished and the everyday success of women is what International Women’s Day means to me.

Chanel DeLisser
On International Women’s Day, I honor and celebrate all of the women in history and my personal life, who laid the groundwork for myself and other women to succeed and flourish in today’s society. For me, this day signifies empowerment, fearlessness, confidence, and love.

Danielle Warnock
International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change, and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women.

Amanda Lai
International Women’s Day represents a movement that is for every woman and girl out there. It’s a celebration of all women coming together, celebrating being women. Most importantly, it’s a day to remember to take action to create meaningful and sustainable changes for women and girls all around the world.

Kristina Moser
The past few years have been really interesting when it comes to this question. I’ve found more women in the fitness industry are actually VERY supportive of each other, and stand up for one another. It’s created a beautiful support group with women from around the world.

Kiana Alexis
For me, International Women’s Day really hits home not just for the simple fact that I am a woman, but every day is women’s day in my eyes! This era is trying to come together as one and help fight for each other. Women, we are the future! We are just as important as men! We are strong! We are loved!

Geri Berger
International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate all that women have to offer and no matter where you are on this earth, we all share the same desire to nurture, provide and be strong for those around us.

Narmin Assria
International Women’s Day symbolizes justice, equality, challenging of stereotypes, bias, and of course, it is a time to celebrate women’s achievements. Women have so much power and have such a strong voice.

Julie Hansen
International Women’s Day means respect, gender equality, appreciation, and love towards women. It’s a celebration for women’s economic, political, and social achievements.

Jamie De La Rosa
This day symbolizes that even though one person is NOT able to do it all, women come pretty dang close! No matter how small we are, we have broad shoulders and can carry a lot more than others! We really can do anything we set our minds to.

Jayne Gomez
International Women’s Day is a worldwide commemoration that celebrates women’s achievements – from the political to the social – while calling for gender equality.

TIP OF THE DAY

What tip do you have for women out there working hard to be their best?

Sarah Evans
Remember to celebrate your own success as you are a part of this special day. No matter how little or big an accomplishment may be, celebrate it! I know for me sometimes just getting the kids to school with their lunches is a big accomplishment for myself!

Danielle Warnock
Find what inspires you, motivates you. Keep your focus on the things that matter most in your world. Life is too short to sit back and watch others do things you know you can do. So ask yourself if what you’re doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow.

India Paulino 
In the fitness industry, many women will take jobs where they are not being compensated in any way for their hard work. Value yourselves and demand to be respected and treated equally. Let’s continue to push for positive change. If you don’t stand up for YOU, who else will? Know your worth. Together we can continue to succeed.

Chanel DeLisser
Through practicing self-love in my personal life, I have empowered other women to love themselves, flaws and all. I now understand that the greatest love of all lies inside of you!

Amanda Lai
Have confidence! If not, build your confidence! Confidence is a key determinant for success in just about anything, like your business or love life. Self-confidence attracts whatever it is you desire to achieve.

Kristina Moser
Don’t be afraid to be strong, when you were never made to be fragile.

Kiana Alexis
Women, ALWAYS remember, just as much as you need someone else, someone else also needs you. You have worth and are strong enough to handle any obstacle that comes your way!

Geri Berger
With all that we women have to juggle, it’s important to maintain balance in all aspects of life, including your health and fitness.

Julie Hansen
It is very important to be able to be happy with ourselves no matter what shape we are and don’t listen to what other people have to say about us. My advice is to stay as healthy as possible, find a happy balance between exercise and nutrition and rest!

Narmin Assria
You as a woman should take charge of your life, because at the end of the day, you have to be happy walking in your own shoes, and in your own lane. Always remember a woman who knows what she brings to the table is not afraid to eat alone.

Alex Fischer
If I could give a tip on being a woman in the fitness industry, I would say make sure you develop your character and what you want to be known for. You can’t please everyone, so just be you!

Jamie De La Rosa
Don’t be taking care of others so hard that you forget about yourself! Making time for yourself is not selfish – it actually is invigorating and makes taking care of others easier!

Jayne Gomez
As far as the fitness industry goes, women who are fitness professionals are often stereotyped as eye candy. It is our job to show the world that not only do we have the beauty, we have the brains and we are capable of achieving greatness.