Popsugar Health & Fitness Roller Skating Watch This Plus-Size Roller Skater Nail Her Routines This Roller Skater Radiates Joy With Her Bright Routines and Empowering Message 30 September 2020 by Maggie Ryan View this post on Instagram A post shared by sheer(uh) (@shirahskates) on Aug 29, 2020 at 8:01am PDT When Shirah Wepman was dealing with a depressive episode last year, a friend recommended she start roller skating. "My physical health was declining as well, due to not getting off the couch and sleeping all day," the roller skater told POPSUGAR. Roller skating was a fun activity that would be easy on her joints, a way to get moving and try something new. Wepman decided to share her experience on Instagram, she said, "because I haven't seen too many skaters like me. I want to show everyone that anyone can skate if they put the time and effort in." Opening up on social media hasn't always been easy; she said she's gotten backlash, and it's taken its toll. "I just try to remind myself that I have so much love and support behind me, that it's making all the hate worth it." Being vocal about her support for other plus-size skaters is crucial, Wepman added. "I know what it's like to feel 'too big' for a sport that is dominantly fit, beautiful people," she explained. "We need to bring awareness to the fact that anybody can skate, no matter what shape they are." To other plus-size people thinking about pulling on a pair of skates, Wepman's message is to go for it. "It's absolutely terrifying, but I have done it and seen many others as well," she said. "Be kind to yourself, and don't beat yourself up." Check out some of Wepman's hypnotizing and empowering clips ahead! Related: "Healthy Is Not a Body Type": This Body-Positive Artist Is Breaking Down Stereotypes "When I'm Skating, I Remember Why I'm Still Here" View this post on Instagram A post shared by sheer(uh) (@shirahskates) on Sep 28, 2020 at 11:32am PDT 1 / 14 Beachside Skating With the Beatles View this post on Instagram A post shared by sheer(uh) (@shirahskates) on Sep 26, 2020 at 5:23pm PDT 2 / 14 Sunshine in Black and White View this post on Instagram A post shared by sheer(uh) (@shirahskates) on Sep 24, 2020 at 2:42pm PDT 3 / 14 Vibing to "One Love" View this post on Instagram A post shared by sheer(uh) (@shirahskates) on Sep 21, 2020 at 12:32pm PDT 4 / 14 The Boom Box! The Fanny Pack! View this post on Instagram A post shared by sheer(uh) (@shirahskates) on Sep 20, 2020 at 3:29pm PDT 5 / 14 The One-Legged Hold Is Amazing View this post on Instagram A post shared by sheer(uh) (@shirahskates) on Sep 18, 2020 at 8:12pm PDT 6 / 14 "Skating as a Plus-Size Woman Makes Me Proud" View this post on Instagram A post shared by sheer(uh) (@shirahskates) on Jun 18, 2020 at 11:25am PDT 7 / 14 Nailing This Routine to Aretha Franklin View this post on Instagram A post shared by sheer(uh) (@shirahskates) on Sep 12, 2020 at 4:57pm PDT 8 / 14 Dazzling With a Light Stick View this post on Instagram A post shared by sheer(uh) (@shirahskates) on Sep 8, 2020 at 2:16pm PDT 9 / 14 This "Superstition" Vibe Is On Point View this post on Instagram A post shared by sheer(uh) (@shirahskates) on Sep 6, 2020 at 11:52pm PDT 10 / 14 The Cheetah Girls Would Love This Face Shield View this post on Instagram A post shared by sheer(uh) (@shirahskates) on Sep 5, 2020 at 12:45pm PDT 11 / 14 "I Am Still Improving With My Skating Even Though I Mess Up and Fall" View this post on Instagram A post shared by sheer(uh) (@shirahskates) on Sep 4, 2020 at 7:21pm PDT 12 / 14 Embracing the Retro Feel With a Smooth Routine View this post on Instagram A post shared by sheer(uh) (@shirahskates) on Aug 26, 2020 at 8:08pm PDT 13 / 14 Simply Glowing View this post on Instagram A post shared by sheer(uh) (@shirahskates) on Aug 29, 2020 at 8:01am PDT 14 / 14 Roller SkatingHealthy LivingBody ImageMental Health