When I was a fitness competitor years ago, I did feel pressure to look a certain way and compared myself to other fitness women. I struggled with my body not responding the same way as another competitor. It was an unrealistic way of thinking that caused so much stress and unhappiness in my life.
Fast forward to breaking free from comparison, body image issues, and insecurity to healthy, realistic thinking. I can honestly say, I have come full circle with knowledge, age, and wisdom surrounding health and fitness.
Positive Body Image
I embrace who I am and what I look like. I strive to be my best me and not anyone else. It would be such a stressful life to constantly compare myself to all the beautiful women out there. Life is too short to remain unrealistic and unhappy.Did you know magazine images and most online images are photoshopped? The pictures are smoothed, cropped, and colored for marketing appeal. The purpose is to create images for flawed society norms and their warped ideals of body perfection. Many of these models may be in great shape with a normal healthy body. What's missing are natural lines, wrinkles, cellulite, blemishes, and rolls revised with a few strokes of a computer. I'm not anti-photoshop but want you to understand most of what you see - is not real.
I prefer taking self-portraits without filters and in the middle of working out. I display those daily along with food intake on my Instagram. I represent the real me, over 55, no makeup and unscripted. This is a true fitness lifestyle exemplified as it should be. I'm a 'messy hair don't care' trainer where sweat and a smile are my best accessories.
Body Goals
Our body goals should not be to look like someone else. Toss all that garbage...The focus should be loving yourself now and working towards becoming a better version of yourself each day. As long as you do your best regardless of age, fitness level, or circumstance to reach your health and fitness goals is all that matters.
I embrace my wrinkles, cellulite, and anything about my body that represents me. I also believe aging is a privilege and an honor. Although there is no such thing as the fountain of youth, I feel fitness is darn close. It is possible to keep your body and mind young with a healthy lifestyle.
Consistent exercise, healthy foods, plenty of rest, and life balance are essential components to maintain youthfulness and reduce your risk of disease and illness.
I want to do my best to live a long quality life not based on body comparison. When it comes down to me and the mirror, there is acceptance. How about you?
Consistent exercise, healthy foods, plenty of rest, and life balance are essential components to maintain youthfulness and reduce your risk of disease and illness.
I want to do my best to live a long quality life not based on body comparison. When it comes down to me and the mirror, there is acceptance. How about you?
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