My name’s Tara Mahadevan, and I recently became involved with O2 Max Fitness. I only just found out about O2, but I think the message behind O2’s Prom Fitness program is very inspiring, and wish it were something that existed when I was in high school. Though the program is tailored for a very specific time of the year for high school girls, I think the program’s key point—to have a sound body and mind—can be carried through to every day life.

When I was in high school, I had my fair share of low self-esteem and weight issues. I didn’t concern myself with either until I was in college; looking back, however, I wish I had dealt with them earlier. Being a girl is hard enough—we are harsh towards each other and ourselves. Girls see ‘perfect’ images of women in the media, and think that is how they should look. But one thing I’ve learned is that you should build your self-esteem around who you are, not who you want to be. The Prom Fitness program does just that: it shows you to love yourself. 

Making good decisions about your physical body positively affects your mental body. Exercise is a great first step to physical and mental well-being.