Body image is a never ending struggle for us ladies. I don't care who you are, how much you weight, or how much money you spend on clothes. We all have "fat days". You can tell me different, but I won't believe you. It's just a fact of life. Umm, PMS days??? Yes, PMS days a.k.a. "fat days". I can honestly say I have worked long and hard to become confident in who I am and what I look like. And yet there are still days I want to throw on sweats and crawl back into bed. Or pull my hair out and flat-iron my face. And on those days it is a struggle to restrain myself from running out and spending big bucks on better clothes to make myself feel better.
I am not old by any means, but in my time I have learned that no matter how good I feel when wearing my Isabel Marant jacket, I feel my best when I am taking care of me. That means eating well so I don't get stomach aches, spending time in the bath tub relaxing, making time to read a book, and most importantly spending time sweating. Yes, sweating.
Personally I have gone to the gym for a year now and haven't lost a pound or a pant size. In fact, I've gain 4lbs. But, when I am exercising I am sweating which is releasing toxins from my body. I am also allowing my mind to take a break from all the worries and work-related issues of the day. And in turn, I know I am physically and mentally taking care of myself and that makes me walk taller and feel better.
I recently read an interview with Paris-based designer Rick Owens. One of Rick Owens Rules of Style nailed it on the head for me. Owens said, "No outfit is going to make you look or feel as good as having a fit body. Buy less clothing and go to the gym instead."
Needless to say, I couldn't agree more. If you are taking care of your body, you could wear $11,410 Balmain jacket or a $90 pair of Topshop jeans and still look great.
18 comments:
Very true. I guess most people find it easier to spend money rather than spend time.
this is a really great post. hearts.
"flat-iron my face", sweet.
You gained 4 lbs. because muscle weighs more than fat, bravo!
I should exercise more, but I do lunges in front of the time clock at work when I'm waiting to clock in. Hopefully, that counts for something. xo
I like this post! Everything you said is so true!
Fabulous post. And it's so refreshing that you don't seem to care at all that you haven't lost weight. Most ladies I know who go to the gym do so to lose weight first, get fit later.
So true. Thanks for sharing
x
yes yes yes! love this post, it is all so true. while the exercise may not make you rail thin like you may THINK is attactive (is not!), it will do you so much good in so many ways. and that 4lbs you have gained in muscle sister! love it!
i really enjoyed reading this! i do not go to the gym myself..i spend all my energy walking everywhere cos I have no access to a car! walking feels great though - i am a mean powerwalker!
xxx LM
totally agree! great post:)
thank you for this post.
I've been struggling with my body for the past 7 years,
and I'm trying...and sometimes failing to be okay with it at last.
I completely agree. On days when I don't exercise I feel worse and more stressed. My problem is more being disciplined with food - I'm so easily tempted by my sweet tooth!
I have even more respect for Rick Owens now. I too have been going to the gym, gaining weight somehow, yet I love the feeling I get afterwards and the whole aura you have when you are in shape.
My boyfriend wisely said to me: You can look the way you are and not work out. OR look the way you are and work out. If you choose the latter, people are going to see you in a better light. You will have a glow and a confidence that you wouldn't otherwise.
PS totally loled at that iron my face comment. So true. What a dead-on post.
*lusty*
this is so true, and good advice. exercising also promotes positivity through endorphins and all that.
here,here dearie!
I have a completely different mental state when I work out regularly. A year and a half ago I wasn't able to work out for the first time ever in my life, it was the worst 6 months of my life...
Lately I have been swimming, which is a great workout, but does a number on my hair and skin, despite that physical turn for the worse, I feel way better! Weird how that is!
Rick is right, U can hide something with clothes but sometimes they don´t work...Kinda knowing that everyone has those fat-days makes me happy, lol, but I think it´s kinda nice to know that there is a time that even the prettiest girl feels ugly sometimes.
Truer words were never spoken, Rick Owens!
I've been going to the gym about 5 days a week for the last few months. I haven't weighed myself because for me it's not about slimming down to a certain size; rather, it's more about being heart-healthy and feeling strong. And the confidence I feel as a result of taking care of myself is a bonus.
The matchless answer ;)
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