Let’s talk body image. Why do you want to get into shape?
Have you actually thought why before?
Even though I didn’t like to admit to myself, for years my drive to have a ‘good’ body was due to external factors - cover models with ripped bodies, the respect you got from being in great shape, the societal & cultural pressures of looking good topless or filling out a Tshirt in the right places to appear more attractive - especially in the gay community.
Basically it was ego and vanity driven, but fuelled by the feeling of not being good enough and needing to appear ‘better’ to others.
This seemed so normal to me and I never questioned how damaging it could be mentally. As a result I got into incredible shape, but for all the wrong reasons which took their own toll.
Over the last couple of years I’ve shifted how I approach my fitness journey. I do me now. No comparing to others. No feeling shit because I don’t look a certain way. No over analysing everything & living highly strung.
Now it’s about balance. Sustainable living. Enjoying myself but challenging myself, my mindset & my body. Accepting myself for who I am and being comfortable in my own skin. Most importantly, health & vitality are the main thing.
It’s me against me & I feel great for it.
No pressure, no self judgement, just a fun journey to see what I can do & what limits I can push.
So, why are you looking to get into shape?
If it’s because you feel like you NEED to based on other people’s perception of you, I can guarantee you it will be a painful journey.
Instead, put your physical & mental health first and grow. Do the inner work. Ask yourself why you feel the way you do & what’s causing it? Is it the people you hang out with? Magazines you read? Make changes in your life that count and cut out the toxicity.
If you want to be lean and have abs, there’s nothing wrong with that. If you want to grow to be hulk sized, there’s nothing wrong with that. If you want to have curves, there’s nothing wrong with that. You do you, as long as YOU’RE happy & healthy.
As for me right now, I’m going on a cut for 12 weeks to see how much I can lean down after having a relaxed few months of training! Time to push myself and see what I’m capable of.
YOU are awesome ❤️ remember that!
