By: Amanda

Amanda — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:46:38 +0000

Christine,
This is a problem most women face at one point or another. I think it is great that you realize that it really is about how you feel and not about how you look. Strength comes from within, as does true beauty. If you want to tone your abs I suggest the basic plank. The plank will tone your core much better than crunches and will strengthen your entire body, not just your abs.

By: Dave

Dave — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 02:10:11 +0000

I’m a little late to the party here but stumbled upon your article and found it interesting.
I’ve come from a 90 pound weight loss nearly 10 years ago to be as fit and healthy as I’ve ever been in my life, I’ve run a dozen marathons, love being outdoors and exercising, but I’ve also come to realize that that perfect body is something that while is attainable, would be nearly impossible to maintain. at 8% body fat, I can see part of my abs, but unless I starve myself there’s no way I’m going to see a six-pack.
I think it’s unfortunate that so much is marketed at both men and women always showing the perfect stomach, butt, etc.
As much as I figure most women might not care to see a guy wearing speedos, to me that’s sort of the ideal for myself, that I could wear a pair and have 100% confidence in how I look to myself.
And to be honest, I’ve grown more comfortable with myself, I don’t have anything hanging over, but there is always that nagging little bit in the stomach area that puts me off a little bit.
At the same time I’ve had so many compliments on how great of shape I’m in. And I can also look at a woman in a bikini that doesn’t have the perfect body, but I see in her expressions, the way that she carries herself that brings out a beauty that isn’t all about the body alone.
I think it’s the mindset that a group of people or someone always judging us negatively when perhaps they really aren’t.
As I’ve felt more and more confident in my own body, I wear less and less when I’m running, biking or swimming. It’s not an effort to show off, it’s more showing that I’m simply confident enough in myself to let myself be all out there, regardless of what others might think.
I do think a combo of many different forms of exercises helps a lot, but then I’m exercising at least 10 hours a week and that little bit of stomach just isn’t going anywhere, so I’ve claimed it as mine and I’ll live with it.
I’ll wear the speedos, the lycra short shorts, the tight shirts and I feel better about myself. I’m not trying to hide anything, don’t care what others might have to say, and life keeps getting a little better in that area.
I’m 40, still act and feel like I’m 20, will leave the 6-pack abs to the people that want to live their lives on some restricted diet, and keep having fun.
As a guy, I find the most attractive women are the ones with a smile, a sense that they are confident with themselves, and the few extra pounds that you’re focusing on so much, well, I don’t see that at all.
Obese is one thing, that says that you just don’t care enough about yourself.
I’ve come to realize that the perfect model body, if and when you see it, likely comes with a personality that’s as exciting as a bowl of bran cereal.

Comments on: Running From Body Image Issues

By: Amanda

By: Dave