[quote]dianab wrote:
Don’t go to the gym to look better, start focusing on performing better at the gym. Lift heavy and get strong, focus on that as a goal. The body will follow.
There is always going to be someone better looking than you, richer than you, happier than you etc. Give yourself a kick in the ass and get moving, you are wasting your time being depressed over vanities, while you could be spending it achieving a higher level of performance.
Don’t want to sound mean, but reality is what it is.[/quote]
What SHE said.
I’m on my way to size 12 jeans, which may not sound impressive, but I was 224-lbs. about two years ago. When I go to the gym I am SURROUNDED by women with better bodies but the effect on me is the opposite. I think ‘Got to step it up.’ Allow depression to take hold, forcing you to quit and you’ll be in even worse shape in a few years.
While I may be surrounded by perfect bodies at the gym I am also surrounded by flirty men and very supportive women at work. Last week, a female co-worker complimented me and I immediately launched into my I-hate-my-legs rant. She looked me up and down and said “Girlfriend, you look AWESOME. I can’t believe what’s coming out of your mouth. You need to realize how far you’ve come because you’re like an entirely different person…” Hmmm.
I had been so annoyed with the slow progress in my lower body, especially my thick calves. Really. I’ve just agonized over it. So I decided to work in more short (20 minute) steady state runs and tighten up my diet more. I swear, since my conversation with the co-worker, I can SEE the difference all the vegetables and runs are making. It’s slight but it’s there, and it’s inspired me to dig in and keep plugging.
I know there’s no way in Hell I’ll ever be fat again (I re-gained 5 lbs. of flab and my co-workers called me on it. They notice EVERYTHING, God bless them) but, though it’s sometimes tough, you have to teach yourself to glory in the small accomplishments that, together, add up to something much bigger. And when it comes to changing your body, it takes time. Be patient and keep plugging :). You won’t get there faster by giving up and giving in, that’s for sure.