Wonder Woman Doesn't Worry About Body Perfection, So Why Should I?

Monday 21 November 2016






Flashback to a few weeks ago:

I was have a great morning listening to new Little Mix songs, reading inspiring blog posts from my long-distance gym buddy Lucy, and generally feeling the self-love. These mornings are bliss. 

I took a brave risk and decided to wear my Nike Pro shorts to the gym, despite feeling insecure about my chubby thighs. A few bicep curls later and I was back to feeling awesome. 

I had a thought come to me when I was about to hop in the shower after I'd finished working out and it was along the lines of: 

"I don't need my body to be perfect. I'm so proud of what it can do and how strong it is. That's all I need to focus on, the rest will come later."  

And it's true! I've been working hard at the gym for over a year now and even though I'm still a fair distance away from my dream bod, how my body's abilities have changed, still amazes me. It's so easy to get caught up in our flaws that we don't stop to appreciate how kick-ass our bodies are. No, I don't have a flat stomach or perfectly toned arms. But can I do a few pull-ups and lift insane weights with just my hips and legs? Hell yeah I can! And it feels amazing. 

Does Wonder Woman punish herself for not having skinny legs? Not at all, she needs them to be strong so she can kick some butt and save the world. If that's good enough for her, that's good enough for me too.





A few weeks have passed since I began this new way of thinking and it's made me a lot happier. Sometimes we rob ourselves of the chance to be proud of ourselves because of the perfect image in our heads. I've found that the best way to be, is to love ourselves they way be are right now. We should be enjoying every step of the journey to a fitter, healthier version of ourselves. My chubby thighs have carried me through miles and miles of running these past few years, and they make squatting heavier weights a lot easier. They make me feel strong, so how could I possibly hate them?

From now on, I will look at my training as a way of making my body stronger, faster, and my mind along with it. If I treat my body right, it will reward me in time. I will get that killer booty and biceps to intimidate boys, but only through years of hard work. And I know it will be worth the wait.

Putting unrealistic pressure on ourselves to be perfect in a short few months won't work. I don't want my training to be about body image any more, that never brought me any joy. Now I'll train for those moments I can lift heavier, go for longer, and keep up with the best. That's my favorite reward for being persistent and never giving up.




Focus on loving your body for it's strength, it's endurance, and it's ability to improve in ways that make you feel unstoppable. Loving your body doesn't just have to be about it's appearance in the mirror. Love it for what it can do and the rest will come. I may only be in my third year of my fitness journey, but so far I've ran two half-marathons, actually managed to do pull-ups, and with my boxing I could produce a knock-out in the ring. And this is just the beginning. Hardly relevant, but you never know when the Avengers need a new member on the team (call me, Cap!) 


I would love to know your thoughts on body perfection and what it means to your fitness. I'd also love to know what exercises make you feel your strongest (for me, it's dead lifts all the way!)

Steph x.


Don't forget to keep up with me on Bloglovin'!

 

6 comments :

  1. Loved this post Steph, I agree with your sentiments exactly! Sometimes we get so caught up in how we look and forget to admire how amazing it is that our body is strong and functioning perfectly! These photos are gorgeous too xx

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    1. Aw thanks Katie! I'm so glad you feel the same. There really does need to be more focus on our physical achievements, rather than image.
      Steph x.

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  2. Going to the gym because I enjoy it has been a HUGE thing for me over the last 2 and a half months. I agree with you 100%! It is so much nicer being there because I want to do some squats or see if my body can squat more rather than because I feel like I need to change this, that and the other about myself, when you go to the gym for that reason, it's so so easy to get down and frustrated when you can't see a difference straight away. My body has surprised me in such a short period of time, I feel stronger and a little more toned because I've not been paranoid and overthinking. Without the stress I've allowed my body to naturally progress! It's made me much happier and a lot more motivated to go! :) Loved this post Steph and your pictures are gorgeous! :)
    Kelly x |~ SweetIsAlwaysInStyle || Lifestyle Blog ~

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    1. I can't tell you how happy I am that you're enjoying the gym! It's a great feeling, right? I totally agree with you, I would always get annoyed that I wasn't looking as toned or slim as I wanted. But focusing on that doesn't get you far. You're doing so awesome! It really doesn't take long for strength to come. Keep me posted with what you're loving and we can chat about it :) Aw thanks! I had to do a little photoshoot by myself, but I think I did well haha x.

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  3. Oh, I am IN LOVE with this!! I have been on a fitness journey for a long time. There has been success and failure, but that's what makes a journey, right? I've been very critical of myself these past couple months but I'm going to start looking at myself this way from here on out.

    Also, I LOVE boxing! I used to go to a boxing gym and it was my absolute favorite way of training. I felt like such a badass. I remember the feeling after the first class I went to when I couldn't lift my arms above my shoulders for a good week! It got to be a little expensive so I had to leave, but I bought myself a heavy bag that I have been trying to find a place for in my house. It's SO much fun! And such great stress relief.

    Thanks for following me on Bloglovin' so I could find you!

    Katie | www.overthemoony.com

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    1. That's exactly right, every fitness journey is up and down. I've definitely had my moments! I really hope this post helps.
      That's so cool you love boxing too!! It's so much fun. You really do feel bad-ass. I used to do it at my gym and some of the guys would look at me like "okay, don't mess with her!" It's the best.
      Steph x.

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