Ex plus-size model and her ballerina sister reveal their battle with body shamers

They’re the sisters proving health and beauty comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. 

But former plus-size model, Jess Rost, and her ballerina sister Alyna, haven’t always been so confident in their bodies.

Speaking to FEMAIL, the Sydney-based siblings shared their battle with their body image – and revealed why they teamed up to form Healthy Size You, a platform dedicated to showing that you can have a healthy lifestyle whatever your body type.

The girls also revealed their go-to workouts, their favourite activewear and swimwear for their different body shapes, and their daily diets.

The sisters (pictured) have both had a journey towards growing to love themselves, and they now showcase what the same activewear can look like on two different body types

According to the sisters, they have both had a ‘journey’ towards loving themselves today.

‘Growing up, I was never the “skinny” girl. I always had a butt and thighs and curves, and I never had anything around me to say that this was normal and beautiful too,’ Jess told Daily Mail Australia.

‘I love the beach and the water, but growing up I would be so worried my friends would see me in a bikini that I never wanted to get in. It wasn’t until I started plus-size modelling that I started to embrace my curves.’

‘Growing up, I was never the “skinny” girl. I always had a but and thighs and curves,’ Jess (left) said – while Alyna (right) added: ‘Standing in front of a mirror in pink tights and a leotard is always confronting and it took me a long time to gain a better and positive body image’

The girls (pictured) came together and talked about their former careers, speaking about why they wanted to instill better body positivity among young women

Meanwhile, ballerina Alyna also struggled with self-esteem:

‘The ballet industry is an industry where weight and size are always at the forefront of people’s minds,’ she said. 

‘Standing in front of a mirror in pink tights and a leotard is always confronting and it took me a long time to gain a better and positive body image.

‘It wasn’t until I stopped dancing that I realised I was in a world where there is definitely a lot of unhealthy body images,’ she added.

‘Now, and especially after having a child, I feel a lot more positive about my body. I am strong and capable of so much.’ 

These days, the girls have a strong online following of more than 10,000 people on Instagram, where they share how good swimwear and activewear can flatter all sorts of bodies (pictured)

‘Our goal is to show people that there isn’t one size and you need to love yourself,’ said Jess (pictured with Alyna)

According to Alyna, 34, the idea to team up and work together came about when she and Jess, 28, found themselves talking about their previous jobs.

‘We were part of such different worlds and had very different experiences when we were modelling and dancing that shaped our views of our bodies,’ Alyna said.

‘We spoke about how we both had stereotypes and negative comments pushed on us about our size and “health”.’

After their discussion, the girls realised that they were in fact ‘both healthy and beautiful’.

‘It was our differences that we were really passionate about putting forward,’ Jess added. ‘We wanted to show that health and beauty comes in all different shapes and sizes and we all need to embrace our own beauty.’

Both sisters train six days a week, and follow a healthy balanced lifestyle that still allows for treats, which often take the form of chocolate

These days, the girls have a strong online following of more than 10,000 people on Instagram.

There, they share their body positive message alongside photographs of themselves in the same activewear and swimwear, but wearing different sizes.

‘Our goal is to show people that there isn’t one size and you need to love yourself,’ Jess said.

‘We can all be so critical of ourselves – comparing ourselves to others instead of shifting our focus to the things we love. Just because you don’t have a certain body type that you see on TV and social media, it doesn’t mean you’re not beautiful.’

When it comes to their daily diets and workout routines, both siblings are balanced in their approach, while allowing a little room for their favourite things.

Ex ballerina Alyna said she starts her day with a fruit or vegetable juice. This is followed by a salad filled with lots of greens for lunch and then chicken or fish with roasted vegetables for dinner.

‘I also have a couple of snacks a day, and always have chocolate after dinner with a cup of tea or glass of wine,’ she said.

Meanwhile, former plus size model Jess said she will start her day with yoghurt and fresh fruit.

‘Lunches usually consist of lots of vegetables with a protein, and dinner is usually a bigger meal again – with protein, vegetables and carbs.’

She also loves a bit of chocolate.

Both sisters train six days a week, incorporating a mix of boxing, running, weights, Pilates and resistance-based work.

When it comes to buying good activewear and swimwear, the sisters said invest in brands you trust, opt for high-waisted tights where possible and don’t be afraid of print

Lastly, the sisters shared their tips for activewear and swimwear shopping.

For swimwear, Jess said it’s important to ‘look for something that you feel confident in and that fits you.

‘If, like me, you have a bigger bust, then look for good support. I always look out for the brands that make a swimsuit beyond a Size 12 – this way I know they are catering to my size and shape.’

Alyna said she will always stick with tried and tested labels:

‘Once you’ve found a brand and cut that you feel confident in, stick with it – get it in every colour!’.

For activewear, both said they favour a high waist.

‘Don’t be afraid of print too – I feel most confident in print,’ Jess said, with Alyna adding: ‘I always used to steer clear of colours and prints – but now I love them’.

Jess and Alyna share their body positive message on their Healthy Size You Instagram profile.