Skin Sells

This post is about a pet peeve of mine from pinterest. Nine out of ten workout sites advertise with practically naked women. Seriously? I am so tired of seeing a woman with her skimpy tank held up nearly uncovering her breasts and her g-string below her pube line.

**NEW FLASH**
If you really think you are EVER going to look like that you are setting yourself up for FAILURE. Those women are models. Yes, if you had no life, no children, no job, other than working out ALL day and then let people take pictures of you, sure you could have that body... that is if you also had the genetic predisposition and the right metabolism.

At 160 lbs (many, MANY years ago) my ribs stuck out and I was still defined as OVERWEIGHT. If I were to ever achieve the 130 lbs that is supposedly my "ideal" weight, I'd look like death. Now days they have changed it to a range of proper weight unlike the one solid number it used to be, but the highest end of "acceptable" for my height is 154 lbs which I probably haven't seen since middle school.

Are you tired of failing every time you start a new workout regimen and diet? Are you disgusted when you look at the scale and don't see change? Or looking in the mirror and not seeing a difference? What happens when you get depressed about the lack of change? Well, for most people they either slack off believing it's not working or they eat.

Here's a hint, quit focusing on size and weight! If you want to feel good about the work you do on a regular basis change your perspective. Focus instead on ability goals. Make the goal becoming fit instead of a size.

Focusing on size - "I've been working out for a month and I've ONLY lost 4 pounds!"
Focusing on fit - "I've been working out for a month and I went from a 14 minute mile to 10 minutes!"

Focusing on size - "I lost a lot of weight in the beginning, but I've hit a plateau."
Focusing on fit - "I can lift 20 more pounds than I could two weeks ago!"

The number on a scale is such a superficial thing. Forget it. It doesn't matter. You could line up lots of women who weigh the same as me and none of us would look the same. Quit thinking that there is a magic number. Instead be proud of your accomplishments, the things you can do.

I ran half marathons at 180 lbs. I passed people a LOT skinnier than me who looked healthier and more fit than me, but looks are deceiving. Actions speak. What matters is fitness.

I am nearly three months post birth. Pregnancy is not kind to me. I spent most of those 9 months on  the couch. In 2011 I ran half marathons and did an olympic length triathlon. Now, I can't even walk across my property without feeling winded and I'm having trouble lifting the 5 gallon waterer for the chickens (5 gallons is about 40 pounds). Time to get serious about fitness again! I think it's time to dust off my previous blog. Maybe I'll finally reach my goal of a full marathon this year.

Anyone else have a fitness goal they hope to accomplish this year?