For the past 6 months, I’ve been struggling with body image. When I first started CrossFit, I lost a lot of weight and fell to 11% body fat. Consciously, I decided to try to gain weight, which I have. However, I have also packed on the muscle. A LOT of muscle. Some of this has been my abdominals.
Seeing pictures of all the professional CrossFit women, they all have intense protruding abs due to the insane amount of midline work CrossFit demands. Well, I’m beginning to have that as well. I’ve been hung up on this because in the media we are bombarded with images of thin women with a flat stomach. How society thinks we should look.
I spent the night in a hotel room the other night, and there was a full length mirror. I was able to see my body clearly for the first time in a long time. And I’m beautiful! I’m the fittest and healthiest I’ve ever been. In all aspects. I’m still curvy just in a muscular way.
I know it’s easier said than done–to accept your body. But I’m getting there. Small steps climb high mountains.
We’re only given one body. We shouldn’t let others shame us over it. Take care of it, and it will take care of you.
My Journey to the CrossFit Games 