International Women’s Day 2024: Mission Possible; Proudly Me
Mission Possible; Proudly Me 🫶
Friday 8th March
3pm GMT / 4pm CET / 10am EST
International Women’s Day 2024
This International Women’s Day, we're on a mission to empower young women battling body dysmorphia or mental health challenges, encouraging them to challenge societal norms.
If you're a brand veteran, you know our unwavering commitment to empowering our female community. Join us in rewriting the narrative, empowering young women to set their own standards and define success on their terms.
Together, let's reshape the narrative and empower individuals to authentically shine and proudly be themselves.
Free* Limited-Edition Tees
Free? You read that right! As part of our mission, we’ve compiled a collection of three limited-edition t-shirts in the colours: Sand, Green and Off White/Slate. Crafted from a soft, lightweight cotton blend, each t-shirt features our bespoke ‘Proudly Me’ and motivational motif on the centre back.
Wondering how you can get your hands on one? Here’s everything you need to know.
Our International Women’s Day Limited-Edition T-Shirts will launch on Friday 8th March at 3pm GMT / 4pm CET / 10am EST.
They’re FREE to purchase, all we ask is that you kindly make a donation of either £2 to £20 and cover the cost of shipping. All proceeds will be donated directly to Girls Out Loud, a charity that was created to empower and inspire teenage girls. The charity provides programmes and support that help build confidence, self-belief, emotional resilience and a positive self-image.
You’ll have to be quick because once they’re gone, they’re gone - and last year, they sold out in less than an hour!
The Athletes
Our mission thrives on the strength of our community and the incredible stories of women who are ready to inspire and uplift us all.
This year, we've teamed up with three remarkable athletes who've raised the bar in actively and openly inspiring women dealing with mental health, body dysmorphia, and wellness challenges.
Meet:
Pam van Avendonk
@pamindegym
“I hope by sharing my story I can help someone get out of those bad moments when they are struggling with body dysmorphia and help them realise that first off, you're not alone. I want the community and individuals to realise they are not the only ones struggling with this.
I think I do still struggle with body dysmorphia and stuff right now, but I think my way of handling it has just evolved. So, instead of really feeling bad about myself and staying in that mindset and feeling bad, I try to distract myself. You can go to the gym, listen to music, do something fun, so you can really distract yourself from the thoughts that are trying to keep you down.”
Maci Parry
“When I was growing up, fitness was never a big part of my childhood. But I was definitely always a fit, healthy young girl. A lot of things in my life changed all at once and I think that spiralled into a lot of events that led me to being in an unhealthy and unhappy situation. I started going to therapy and I was speaking to my therapist a little bit about not recognizing myself. And it's spiralled into I'm not just not happy. I was kind of actually really depressed and really anxious and I don't want to get out of bed to do anything at all.
With body dysmorphia, I think it's something that a lot of people deal with.. I think the gym in particular is somewhere where body dysmorphia is really common because the second you step foot into that gym is the day that you're suddenly analysing every single element of your body. To me, it's about wanting every single girl, every single woman to appreciate the fact that you deserve to find that sparkle. There's no one on this earth that doesn't deserve to have the confidence and doesn't deserve to feel good in their body and their mind.”
Nia Fraser
@nia.fitt
“Self-care is essential for my well being as it gives me time for myself. I feel like if I don't have time for myself, then I don't have the energy to do anything else. My advice to anyone who's trying to prioritise their wellbeing would be to take baby steps, and kind of start off bit by bit. Choose whether you're going to focus on your workouts, for example, moving your body, or you're going to start with food, and just build it up bit by bit. If you overthink and you try to do everything at once, you'll never be able to do it.”
By sharing their personal journeys and missions, these women stand as exceptional inspiration, guiding the path for young women and our community. They embody the resilience to overcome any challenge. We hope that our community resonates with their challenges and journeys, empowering themselves to overcome any obstacles they may face.
Share your mission as we unveil our limited-edition tees on March 8th at 3pm GMT. Don't miss out!
MOST POPULAR
Beginners guide to starting a running routine this year
Whether you're looking for a new fitness challenge, gearing up for a 10k run, or simply aiming to get in shape - your running journey starts here!
Running is one of the most accessible ways to get fit, relieve stress, and boost mental health but it can also be intimidating if you’re just starting out. We’ve put together a simple guide to help you get moving safely and confidently this year.
1. Set Realistic Goals
Starting with a goal can make all the difference. Begin with something achievable, like running a specific distance or time, or simply going for three short runs a week. Avoid setting high expectations right away; this will help you stay motivated without the pressure.
2. Start Slowly
A common mistake beginners make is diving in too fast. Start with a mix of walking and running, such as the “run-walk” method. Try alternating a few minutes of running with a minute of walking, gradually increasing the running intervals each week.
3. Invest in Essential Gear
A quality pair of running shoes that matches your foot type and supports your stride can greatly reduce injury risk and enhance comfort. Moisture-wicking clothing will keep you dry, especially if you're running in various weather conditions. Adding a reliable set of headphones for music and a running vest can boost motivation and keep essentials within reach on your runs.
4. Warm Up and Cool Down
Warming up prepares your muscles for the workout and can improve your performance. Start with a 5-minute brisk walk or dynamic stretches. After running, spend a few minutes cooling down with gentle stretching to help prevent stiffness and soreness.
5. Track Your Progress
Using a journal, app, or smartwatch to track your runs helps you see progress over time and keeps you motivated. Start with a baseline run, and gradually push your limits by small increments each week. Seeing improvements, no matter how small, can give you a huge confidence boost.
6. Listen to Your Body
It’s normal to feel some discomfort as you start running, but pain is a red flag. If you feel sharp or persistent pain, take a rest day and allow yourself to recover. Proper rest is crucial for building endurance and strength over time.
7. Stay Consistent
Consistency is key in building a running routine. Aim for small, steady improvements each week rather than big jumps. Finding a running buddy, joining a local park run, or having an upbeat playlist can help you stay motivated on those days when getting out the door feels tough.
8. Celebrate Milestones
Whether it’s your first mile or first week without skipping a session, take time to celebrate! Acknowledging your achievements, no matter how small, can help keep you excited about your progress.
Starting a running routine can be a life-changing decision that builds not just physical fitness but also mental resilience. So, lace up, stay positive, and enjoy the journey—your goals are just a run away!
Shop AYBL for the latest activewear to keep you motivated in achieving your fitness goals this year!
Top Activewear pieces to achieve your goals this year
It’s the new year and you’re ready to crush your gym goals and reach new PB’s, which means it’s time to invest in some new activewear pieces and you're in luck! We've got an endless supply of activewear pieces to make you look good and feel good when crushing the gym. This is the year you to be the best version of yourself so let's get it!
Adapt
Our newest collection has just launched and is ready and waiting for you to crush your goals! Adapt will have you looking fierce, feeling unstoppable in the gym. Made from a lightweight, seamless, silky-soft fabric, Adapt moves with you, offering the perfect stretch to sculpt, flatter, and adapt to your shape, boosting your confidence in every workout. Built to withstand your toughest routines, this premium fabric combines durability with luxurious comfort.
The best part about this collection is that it offers versatility with the Sports Bra which can be worn in 4 different ways so you can style it however you wish!
Launched in 6 colours: Black, Slate, Green, Brown, Pink and Iris Blue and available in the below styles:
- Seamless Sports bra (worn 4 ways)
- Seamless Zip Jacket
- Seamless Crop top
- Seamless Shorts
- Seamless Leggings
So flex your style, adapt to your strength, and crush your goals with our latest Adapt collection. Shop here.
Empower
The Empower Seamless Collection is a best-seller, known for its ultra-soft fabrics and intricate contouring, boosting confidence during workouts. With the broadest colour range, it's the go-to for sculpting support during weight and strength training.
Available in many styles such as Leggings, Shorts, Sports Bra, Crop top, Long Sleeve crop top and available in 26 colours you’ll be spoilt for choice!
So push your limits and look your best in our Empower Collection. Shop here.
Balance V3
Balance V3 is another one of our bestsellers and not to mention - a workout wardrobe essential! It supports you from daily workouts to PB achievements. With contour detailing, flattering v neckline shaping, and bold colours, it's a collection worth exploring.
Available in Shorts, Leggings, Sports Bra, Strappy Sports Bra, Zip Jacket & Crop Top and in 26 different colours - this collection is perfected for your performance to help smash your goals. Shop Balance V3 here.
Essential Bras
These are a must-have for any workout wardrobe, and we've got a range of flattering styles and colours to suit any leggings or shorts. Whether you prefer a classic racerback or something with a little more support, our essential bras are perfect for an effortless range of movements.
Shop Essential Bras here
So there you have it, outfits with your name on - ready for you to crush your goals this year! Remember, the right activewear not only enhances your performance but also motivates you to show up and give your best every day. If you're looking for even more collections or accessories to style with, head over to our website.
AYBL Now Available in JD Sports
WE’VE GOT BIG NEWS! 👀
We’re thrilled to announce that AYBL is now available in JD Sports stores across the UK, Scotland & Ireland!
You can now shop AYBL in real life at selected JD stores across the UK, Scotland, and Ireland. Discover our latest releases alongside your favourite best-sellers, all designed to fit your active lifestyle. Here’s everything you need to know about our in-store collections:
What are some of the store locations?
What items can you shop in-store?
Empower Collection
The Empower Seamless Collection is a best-seller, known for its ultra-soft fabrics and intricate contouring, boosting confidence during workouts. With the broadest colour range, it's the go-to for sculpting support during weight and strength training.
Available in selected styles:
- Sports bra
- Full Zip Jacket
- Leggings
- Shorts
Adapt Collection
Get your hands on our newest collection launched this month! Adapt will have you looking fierce, feeling unstoppable, and help you smash your gym goals. Made from a lightweight, seamless, silky-soft fabric, Adapt moves with you, offering the perfect stretch to sculpt, flatter, and adapt to your shape, boosting your confidence in every workout. Built to withstand your toughest routines, this premium fabric combines durability with luxurious comfort.
Available in selected styles:
- Sports Bra
- Zip Jacket
- Leggings
Varsity Collection
Varsity, our trendiest loungewear collection yet. With a cool and playful edge, each piece is designed for comfort and effortless style. Varsity is the ultimate upgrade to your off-duty essentials. Made to wear as a pump cover or as a lounging set, it's everyone's go-to fit.
Available in selected styles:
- Hoodie
- Joggers
- T-Shirt
Not only have we launched in-store, but you can also shop AYBL online at JD Sports! Whether you prefer the ease of browsing from home or a fun shopping trip with the girls, JD is here to enhance your shopping experience with us like never before!
One collection that deserves your attention is the Sports Club Collection. Made for ultimate comfort, it features soft fleece-lined sweat fabric and an oversized fit, making it perfect to layer over your activewear for the gym or wear as a cozy lounging set. It’s the go-to fit everyone’s loving!
Available in selected styles:
- Hoodie
- Joggers
- T-Shirt
This is just the beginning—we can’t wait to see you shop AYBL IRL! Visit your nearest JD store to explore our AYBL fits’, and don’t forget to share your experience on socials by tagging us. See you there! Shop the full range of AYBL online at JD or visit us in-store to discover your favourites today!