What's the Ideal Body?

 

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I have been struggling with my body image lately.  I have gained some weight since our move and lack of healthy eating, but I am working to get that under control.  But even when I lose the extra pounds, I know that my body will not be the same as it was when I first started writing this blog. 

 

When I was training for my triathlon, I noticed changes in my body.  My shounders became more pronounced which I liked but my thights and quads also became more pronounced which I hated.  I know that my shoulders became stronger with each swim in the pool and my legs became stronger with each ride on the bike.  Even though my body was getting stronger, I continued to focus on the bad.  I focused on my legs getting bigger.  I have always had bigger thighs and that disappointed me.  I was probably in the best shape of my life when training for the triathlon but I couldn't get over the fact that my thighs were big!  I hated it and I hated myself for it. 

 

Even though I have lost the weight I still have compare myself to actresses that are fit and much smaller than me for my height.  I know this isn't healthy, but we all do it. 

 

Then I saw the above photo in this article.  The article got me thinking about what is the ideal body?  The article showed examined athletes.  When you think of an athlete, what do you think of?  I think of someone that is fit and in great shape.  But as the article showed an athlete's body is completely different.  An Olympic marathoner needs a lean body with strong legs, an Olympic swimmer needs strong arms, legs, and a lean body, an Olympic weight lifter needs big strong muscles and are not as lean, and an Olympic Shot Putter needs to be strong all over.  Each athlete's body is different but their differences allows each person's success in the sport to which they compete. 

 

Although the article focuses on athletes, the same can be true for each person.  You cannot (I cannot) compare myself to an actress or someone famous.  Our bodies are not the same.  Yes, I may need to lose a few pounds, but I cannot focus on the things I do not like about myself.  None of us have an ideal body type.  Just like athletes are bodies are made to help us do what we were made to do. 

 

Yes, I do not like my thighs.  But my thighs have helped me to finish a sprint triathlon, run multiple races, and finish my half marathon. 

 

If there is something you do not like about your body, think about it because I have a feeling it is there to help you accomplish something.

 

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