True Self
Elle India|September 2017

Body positive icon and musician beth ditto talks about her unlikely relationship with exercise and how she never let the gym intimidate her

Billie Bhatia
True Self

I didn’t entertain the idea of sport as a child: not because I hated sport, but because I hated the heat. I’m an indoor person; always have been. You want to know why? Because that’s where the air conditioning is—indoors. I hate the heat more than I hate tornados, and I’m deathly afraid of those—growing up in Tornado Alley in Arkansas, USA, was less than ideal. If there was ever a hint of dark cloud in a blue sky, I would freak out and refuse to leave the house. But the heat—that’s another level of hate.

My first and only series of exercise classes took place when I was four years old. In the ’80s, my mum and aunt Janey used to go to the local leisure centre for aerobics classes, and I would tag along in my burgundy and pink hand-me-down leotard. I would go for it, harder than anyone else in the class. I would try to follow what the adults were doing, but I had ADD (attention deficit disorder) and I was four, so I actually had no idea what was going on—I would just dance like crazy in front of the mirror. I didn’t like being given instructions on how to do things; I still don’t. I like to do things my own way.

The culture around sports at school was jock-like, aggressive and sexist. My family did not have the money to indulge in team sports, but even if we had, I was told I wouldn’t be good at it—not by anyone in particular, but by the culture: fat kids aren’t meant to be good at sport, right?

This story is from the September 2017 edition of Elle India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2017 edition of Elle India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ELLE INDIAView All
THE MANE ATTRACTION
Elle India

THE MANE ATTRACTION

When it comes to hair care, compromise simply isn't an option. With iluvia's expertly curated systems, you can cleanse, revive, and protect your hair without missing a beat. Let your locks thrive, from root to tip, with science-backed, innovative haircare ranges crafted for lasting shine, strength, and elegance.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
ELLE Beauty Hall of Fame
Elle India

ELLE Beauty Hall of Fame

Celebrating standout beauty products in every category, all earning ELLE's seal of approval through expert, editorial and public votes

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
FULL THROTTLE
Elle India

FULL THROTTLE

F2 rising star Kush Maini on his racing journey & challenges in motorsport. Ekta Sinha hitches a ride

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
VIJAY VARMA MAN OF THE MOMENT
Elle India

VIJAY VARMA MAN OF THE MOMENT

Amidst the barrage of releases, Vijay Varma's dignified reticence is enveloped in thoughtful consideration, reports Ipsita Kaul

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
ROHIT SARAF THE GEN Z STAR
Elle India

ROHIT SARAF THE GEN Z STAR

The new generation heartthrob talks about his love for romcoms, music, and future endeavours with Ekta Sinha

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
Roaring RAJASTHAN
Elle India

Roaring RAJASTHAN

From Jawai's dramatic landscape and Jaisalmer's rich heritage to Ranthambore's enthralling wilderness-Isha Mayer explores SUJÁN's luxurious, eco-conscious hospitality offerings in the beautiful state

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
Ectoin: The Skin's New Defence
Elle India

Ectoin: The Skin's New Defence

Krishika Bhatia explores a revolutionary skincare breakthrough that merges nature and science, featuring insights from industry experts

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Nigella's WORLD
Elle India

Nigella's WORLD

The British celebrity chef shares the secret recipe to her effortless charm in the kitchen with Isha Mayer

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
ADRIATIC DRIFT
Elle India

ADRIATIC DRIFT

Stari Grad is Croatia's hidden gem waiting to be explored, finds Isha Mayer

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
Unapologetically MOSTLY SANE
Elle India

Unapologetically MOSTLY SANE

The multi-hyphenate artist fills Maahi Shah in on the fun things she's working on, what meeting Michelle Obama was like, & how she stays grounded

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024