Something Very Important

Have you heard of Cross Fit? If you haven't you should check it out. I'll get back to that later because it is not the most important part of this post.

The important part of this post is when I tell you that you should love your body. So often I hear women talk about their bodies in a negative way. At the risk of being totally unrelatable, I don't really struggle with that. Before you start to hate me, let me tell you my story.

A long time ago (in 5th grade) I remember being very concerned about my body and as a result I struggled with anorexia for about a year. It all started when a girl at school called me "Porky" because I ate everyone's leftovers at lunch (and probably also because I was a little pudgy). After that, I found one of my mom's workout tapes and began doing it multiple times a day while only eating canned vegetables.

I think this issue could have lasted a lot longer but something happened. The ONLY thing that I wanted to do since the 3rd grade was to play Division 1 basketball and it just so happened that when I attended a Lady Razorback basketball game that winter, they had an article in the program that basically said "You can't have the "perfect" body and still be the best basketball player." Your body has to have fuel/food to be at it's best. My mindset instantly changed and I was "healed." Yes, I loved basketball that much.

I haven't struggled with body image issues since that point. And believe me, I know that I don't have the "perfect" body or a very womanly body, but I do love my body. I love it because I push it. My body can do things most bodies can't. My thighs are big, but they are big because they are strong. When I buy jeans, the waist will be 2 inches too big, while my thighs are fighting to breathe. :) I have no boobs, but I've got abs. I've got a very muscular body, which I know some women would never want, but I'm proud of it. I am proud because it shows all of the hard work I put in every day. I am proud because I am not just a skinny girl, I am an able girl. I love my husband and I need Him in many ways, but by golly if the pickle jar lid is stuck, I can get it off myself! :) I am capable and independent! That is why I love my body.

You should love your body too! I truly believe that working out gives you an incredible confidence (you see it on Biggest Loser all the time) that you don't get from just being skinny. For that reason I totally recommend starting a workout regimen. But, even if you don't go join a gym right away, you have to learn to love your body. That C-section scar, those curves, your freckles- they are beautiful- so own them!

Well, now that the most important part is over I am totally going to plug Cross Fit. Cross Fit is a way of working out that totally rocks! Tim and I joined our local Cross Fit in September and we have absolutely loved it. You go to a class and work out with a group while trainers oversee things. The workout is different everyday and scalable for people of all fitness levels. You do everything from weight lifting, body weight exercises, gymnastic type exercises, running, and more. If you haven't gathered it yet, I am super competitive and I love Cross Fit because it provides an avenue for me to compete. I am always trying to be first in the workouts. The other thing I love is that because you work out with others, you start to develop a very team-like atmosphere (which I miss so much from my basketball days). If you're not competitive, don't worry- it's all about challenging yourself. Anyway, there are Cross Fits all over the country and you should look into joining one! They are a little more expensive than some gyms, but Tim and I find that it means we don't miss workouts! We want to make sure to get our money's worth! :) (Tim and I go to Cross Fit Tulsa by the way.)

Tim didn't want me to put any photos of him, but I am sneaking this one in. :) Shhhh! Don't tell!

PS- I still eat everyone's leftovers. . . at breakfast, lunch, and dinner! :)

PSS- If you think posting these pictures is weird or distasteful- I'm sorry. My goal is to help other woman find confidence by displaying and talking about my own. In fact I think you should all write a blog post (or at least leave a comment) about what you love about your amazing bodies! You are beautiful!