Working in the fitness field for the past 12 years, I've heard it all. I hate my thighs; is there something you can do about my cellulite? I want to have arms like so and so on TV; I'm never going to go the beach/class reunion/ family reunion/ wedding looking like this!
Most of us have areas on our bodies that we are less happy with, but these comments frustrate me. As women - and men - we tend to obsess about some small aspect of our body, that no one else even notices and we let it rule our lives. We need to let go of the negativity and look at all of good things and wondrous things our bodies do and we take for granted. The last thing that any of us should do is let something like cellulite stop us from doing what we love or want to do. We have to be in charge of our life and not the bumpy skin on our thighs or the flabby skin on our upper arms.
First thing is to realize that there are very few perfect bodies out there. If we were all perfect - and again perfect is in the eye of the beholder - would we look at some flaw as attractive? How boring it would be if we were all exactly alike. We need to take the time and celebrate the good things about us that make us unique and special. We also need to stop obsessing about the extra layer of fat around the middle and have a good time at the beach or class reunion. Chances are there are going to be many other people with the same poochy gut. Allow yourself to get out there and have fun and enjoy the time without thinking of how other people are seeing you. In all honesty, most people aren't even going to notice some small bulge that you may think is huge.
The second thing that we need to do is to realize how incredibly fantastic our bodies are. When you take a minute to realize that your heart is beating, you are breathing, the liver is handling cholesterol and toxins and other functions, the blood is flowing bringing precious oxygen to all small points of the body. Our bodies are incredible and they complete tasks and deeds every second that deserve our respect and awe. Those bumpy thighs? Well, they just got you through a grueling aerobics class. So while they might not be the longest, most beautifully formed legs they function and do what you want and need them to do. Don't let a bit of extra dimpling limit what you want to do. Cellulite shouldn't have that kind of power over your life.
Take stock of your body. Know what you can change and what your can't. You might not like your hips. You might consider them too big and wish they were slimmer. Know your body. Are your hips big because of bone structure (are you built just like Aunt Susie) or is it because of extra fat there? If it is bone structure there is absolutely nothing that you can do about the size of those hips. You need to look at your family - if big hips are in the DNA you need to accept the fact and get on with life. Most likely they aren't as bad as you think they are and fit your body structure just perfectly. If those hips are big because there is a bit of extra padding, then spend some time with an exercise specialist and nutritionist and start to work on them. Just don't give up your life in the process. Know what you can change and what you can't, and work on those things you can. Take control of who you are and not let some body fat control you.
Know yourself. Remember that we are all more than what we look like on the outside. While those bat wings on your upper arms might drive you batty, they do not define who you are. Find the good things that you do and those sparkling areas that you shine in. If you have confidence in who you are and your abilities no one is going to notice that bit extra on your upper arms. Also, if you are uncomfortable with that area of your body, don't wear sleeveless dresses and blouses. It will only make you more self-conscious and may ruin a great time. Dress and present yourself in the best manner possible and it can make a huge difference.
By celebrating who you are you give yourself permission to enjoy life and to get out there do what you want to with confidence and sparkle. Those positive aspects of you will come to the forefront and that will be what people remember. Know that your body is special and does fantastic things every minute/ second of the day. We need to treat it as such.
Does all of this mean that you don't need to take care of yourself - don't need to exercise or want to make changes? No, your body is something special. If you really don't like to parts of your body and it is something that you can change then take that control and do something about it. Go to websites, read up on health and fitness, talk to a fitness/exercise/nutrition specialist. Remember that those people are here to help you.
Don't get the notion that I don't have the perfect body, I can't go to the gym. Only perfect bodies go there. Most people go to the gym to become healthy, work on their bodies and they know the importance of exercise. Most of them will be there to help you. Where you are is just a beginning point. Get started in making yourself a fitter healthier you. Have fun, enjoy the process and celebrate the fantastic things that your body is doing.
Take responsibility for your life. Don't let something like being 2, 3 or 20 dress/suit sizes bigger than you were in high school stop you from enjoying that class reunion. Your life shouldn't stop because you don't have a perfect body. Stop saying 'if I lose weight I'll go to Paris', think instead 'I am going to go to Paris in June and I'm going to lose 15 pounds because I'll feel better'. Make the most of your life.
Celebrate who you are and those things that make you special and unique. Play up those aspects of your life. Take the time to celebrate you. Treat yourself. Many times finding acceptance in you, your body and your life, you can start to make fantastic changes. When you think that you can't do something or you are down on your body, take the time to think of the positives. Your body is fantastic - celebrate what it does! Remember you are wonderful. If there are parts of your body that you want to change and know that they can be changed get started now. Play up your assets, know your positives and remember that celebrating you is a journey. Make that journey as fun, enjoyable and exciting as possible. Don't let something like cellulite stop your life.
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