If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
For me, the best part about getting fit is my improved self-confidence. As I lose weight, perform amazing feats of speed and strength, and generally improve my fitness, I become much more comfortable with my body image.
And really, that’s what a lot of this is about — not just for me, but for everyone. We don’t like the way we look, and that drives us to change. It’s very true in my case, although I would never have admitted it when I was at 207 pounds.
Now, not even halfway through my journey, I marvel at the muscles in my arms and legs. I’m positively vain. At mediocrity! But I think that’s a good thing as long as I continue to improve and as long as I don’t begin judging others.
Losing weight? That’s great. Developing healthy habits? That’s nice, too. Being able to run a marathon? Nice achievement. But what really matters to me? Finally being happy with the way I look.
Mac
9 responses so far ↓
1 BD // Jul 17, 2008 at 7:36 am
While I applaud your new self-confidence, be very careful about falling into the body-image trap. It can become a roller coaster ride very quickly when you start scrutinizing yourself every morning - let alone if you skip a workout or eat a bit more than normal. Indeed, you probably do look “better” to strangers now than before you were exercising, but be careful not to define success this way. Continue on your journey for the way it makes you feel and the healthful environment you have created for yourself and your family, not because you are moving closer to some vaguely-defined and thus never attainable ideal body image.
2 Gooniette // Jul 17, 2008 at 7:58 am
Good thing you’re not a woman. Otherwise, that would never happen.
All kidding aside, I don’t mean to be harsh on my sex. Some women are happy with their bodies. I just don’t persoanlly know any.
There is a huge body image problem among women in this country. We constantly strive for perfection, but never feel that we achieve it.
3 J.D. // Jul 17, 2008 at 9:13 am
AWESOME comment. I’ll do my best. I really will.
4 Jenn // Jul 17, 2008 at 9:27 am
Amen to that. Like BD said, now it’s time to take that confidence and love yourself unconditionally.
5 Andrew is getting fit // Jul 17, 2008 at 11:14 am
One thing I’ve found is that my self-confidence in other areas of my life has soared as well.
I’m just much more at peace with myself and the world.
And I’m pretty much where you started! I’ll be insufferable by the time I get down to where you are.
6 Beth // Jul 17, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Yes, I agree also with BD. I struggle with comparing myself to others by they way they look on the outside versus the way I feel on the inside. And I try to equate my self-esteem to self forgiveness and internal satisfaction. And if I get thinner along the way, so much the better. Thank you all for sharing!
7 Nick // Jul 18, 2008 at 8:48 am
I totally agree. It is my own image of myself I am trying to change by working out. Being healthy has lots of benefits, from not spending money on medecine, to not eating whole large pizzas when I’ve had a good day. But when I look at the long term goals I’ve set for myself. The most important ones to me are being able to wear XL clothes instead of XXL, and getting a racing tee-shirt. It’s vain, yes, but it’s what is motivating me.
Good luck on your journey.
8 WeightLadder // Jul 18, 2008 at 8:39 pm
I have NEVER been happy with my self image… I think at least 1/2 the reason I got as big as I did is that I didn’t think I was ever thin… even at D1 basketball shape…
Now having lived and grown into my body… I know I looked good before and I can’t wait to get back there again.
Good work JD… FMU aka Isreal… you can do it.
9 Targeting Problem Areas | Health, Fitness, Exercise, and Weight Loss (68 pounds in 20 weeks) // Oct 22, 2008 at 11:22 am
[...] no matter how bad your problem area may be, you can’t let that physical real estate keep you from living your life. Focus on your good points and work towards getting fit. The rest will naturally fall into place if [...]
Leave a Comment