I was surprised to see this (below) posted as part of Zuzka's Killer Legs workout today - but it got me to thinking about self body image, and how many women just don't think of themselves in a positive light.
I was born with short legs, long torso and small boobs – thanks dad. It’s not the best combination for a girl who tents to store all of her fat in the hips and thighs. When I was 17 years old, my boyfriend at the time used to call me a bowling pin. Flattering, isn’t it? It’s one thing to be insulted by a complete stranger on social media – who cares, you don’t even know these people. It’s different when it comes from your supposedly loved ones. Every woman goes through times when she has to deal with her insecurities. One way or the other, it belongs to life, and you just can’t avoid it. The best thing you can do is to accept the imperfections about yourself and embrace them. Long gone are those day when I wished I had a pair of long skinny legs. Not that I don’t think it looks good on other women, I can’t take my eyes off Heidi Klum when she’s on TV. It’s just that it doesn’t bother me anymore that I don’t have a figure like a supermodel. I put an effort into making my body look good and that’s what matters to me. Anyone else have a similar story to share? We’re here to support each other and I hope that you’ll find some comfort into knowing that you’re not alone. No matter how different we are, we all go through very similar things in life.
Zuzka has over 30 comments on her web-site with people that can relate. First of all, I wasn't sure how to take this. She is genetically blessed with her physique and her physical capabilities. Yes, I know she works hard, but there are not many of us who can eat as little as she does and retain as much muscle mass as she does. Most women need more food to get through the day even if they do not workout (Have you seen her food diary lately? She eats MAYBE 1200 calories a day). And most women need to lift heavy weights to have half the muscle she does. She also has had help with breast augmentation. She also picks up exercises VERY quickly. I sure don't!
Z also brings up a good point about embracing your imperfections and embrace them. But then again, why are these things imperfections? What's wrong with small boobs, short legs, long legs, etc, etc. We are so critical of ourselves!
Other than the small boobs, I am opposite of Zuzka with my super short torso and super long legs. I actually really like my long legs, and well, HATE my small boobs. But my boobs breast fed 2 kids, and I can do whatever physical activity I want without having to worry about my breasts getting in the way. I can wear shirts without worrying about showing too much cleavage. I can sleep on my stomach! LOL.
I don't like the fake look of breast implants, nor do I want to spend the money or endure 12 weeks little to no working out for recovery. But that's me. To other women it is far more important.
Longer legs and short torso are harder for many exercises, but look great in a pair of skinny jeans! :)
I accept my body for what it is. I work hard at it, and enjoy working at it. I like trying to build muscle. I don't have as much as I would like, and it is a work in progress. I'll admit, it is hard getting older. I have more control over my body than my face. sigh..... but either you die young or grow old. Take your pick!
Working out makes me feel good about myself and my body and what my body CAN do. I try not to concentrate on what I can't do. It can do things in my 40's I couldn't in my 20's! I love that - and I keep at it. I find it motivating and addicting. I like feeling strong. It helps me in other aspects of my life.
I know I too have been genetically blessed in several ways and I try and focus on THAT and not what I don't have. I only weigh 5 more pounds than I did when I graduated high school! Not many women can say that. I've maintained my weight for over 2 decades. It is what it is, and I'll TAKE it!
So how many of you have a positive self body image? Do you accept your body for what it is? Do you know how you are genetically blessed? Do you focus on the positive?
I almost cried while watching her latest vlog. That was awful to hear.
ReplyDeleteI'm 5 ft 2, so I have short legs, but I'm not as bothered about it since I like my lower body. I hate having stretch marks from puberty and weight loss, as well as having a bra bulge! I always thought that I would never get arm definition, but I'm at the best shape of my life while juggling 18 hours and studying for the MCAT, but back fat makes me look like I have a bigger upper body and I feel like the Hulk. Focusing on the positives really helps me out. I actually forgot about the bra bulge until now lol.
I think it's great to always have fitness goals! Most people I see use their age as an excuse to never exercise and complain about not losing weight. But being focused about changing one part of yourself that's genetically difficult is something that most women fall into. Ever since I stopped focusing on a specific body part in my exercises, I've been dropping weight and it's been paramount to managing stress. It's more of a lifestyle, rather than just a quick fix.
I started running long-distance at 12 and wonder whether that has shaped my physique during the growth years into something it wouldn't have become otherwise. My sister has a great hourglass figure, but I have very little waist. I've got a totally boyish figure, but I'm happy with it. My biggest insecurity are my arms...I will never have naturally lean, toned arms. I work my butt off just to feel confident enough to wear a tshirt (don't get me started on sleeveless....I haven't worn a single piece of sleeveless clothing since I was maybe 17). What I am immensely grateful to Zuzka for is starting me on this fitness journey in 2011 (when she was still with BR) and taking me to a place where at 31, I feel and look better than I ever did in my 20s (especially my arms).
ReplyDeleteIt's all relative. There are people who see my body and see something more desirable/appealing than I do. Whenever I say I'd like to lose 10 lbs, people ask "from where?". I don't see what they see, although sometimes I can see more upper body definition, improvement on my legs (less jiggle, more definition) and a less bloated tummy, I still see the things that I hate, although I am working towards bettering them. I guess I've realized that even when (or if) I have my idea of "the perfect body", I will probably not have good self image then. So at the very least I should be happy with a body that can function and is healthy over my desired aesthetic (which honestly is about 20 lbs lower than a "healthy weight"). Certain things don't bother me anymore because I realize my body is unique and it's mine, no one else's, but to say that I love myself, love my body, is still a bit of a stretch. But hopefully someday. I don't completely hate myself/my body anymore.
ReplyDeleteI'm 5 ft 2, so I have short legs, yet I'm not as made a big deal about it since I like my lower body. I despise having stretch imprints from adolescence and weight reduction, and additionally having a bra swell! I generally imagined that I could never get arm definition, yet I'm at the best state of my life while juggling 18 hours and examining for the MCAT, however back fat makes me seem as though I have a greater abdominal area and I feel like the Hulk. Lifetime Fitness
ReplyDeleteThanks ladies for your input! It's hard to have a good body image. Especially with all the media images EVERYWHERE.
ReplyDeleteWhat's that expression? Comparison is the thief of joy?
I had 2 people tell me this week that I was too skinny. Sigh.... I don't go tell people they are too pudgy! I work hard to maintain the little muscle mass I have so it is offensive to me to hear that sometimes. I work HARD at it! GRRRRRRRR.
Both Zuzka and Lisa make MONEY off of people assuming they will look like them (or a version of them) if they workout like them. And they've both have had plastic surgery. So lets remember they both have not had the best body images themselves either.
I don't buy magazines EVER. They only make me feel poor and ugly.
Besides NO model can live up to her own picture.
I'd rather surround myself with things that make me feel good about myself. Like barbells. LOL.