So it was the first time I had to complete an 8 mile run on a 100 degree day in August last year. I tried to think of all the possible ways I could deal with the heat, finally dumping the option of running nude (Which might be rad, but not currently accepted in Western Civilization). So I put on my shorts, running shoes, removed my shirt and stood staring into the bathroom mirror trying to psych myself up for the run that lay ahead. Instead of getting pumped up and feeling like an Olympian getting ready for a race, I mentally cued the cartoon sound effect "wah wah waaaah" as I tried to figure out who the wuss with the concave chest, ribs sticking out, and sporting a little pocket full of jelly where his belly button should have been. Despite a sudden, unexplainable craving for a muffin top, I stared at my farmer's tan and taken aback by the blinding light of my opaque weakling body. I looked like a frickin' marshmallow... no, no... not the toasty delicious one in a S'more, the creamy white one that is starting to melt into mush in your hot chocolate. (See ladies, you aren't the only ones who think about this kind of stuff. Where do you think body builders get their motivation?)
At that very moment, I decided something that changed my life and the way I feel about myself and others. WHO CARES. We all get so worried about our bodies that we hold ourselves back from being active. This is a common problem in the exercise world and a reason why people sometimes shy away from the gym or the roads. Well, I am here today to let you in on a major discovery that I have yet to publish and make millions off of. No one really cares whatcha look like! When someone sees you working out, walking, jogging, hitting or throwing a ball, they see you as someone who is TRYING to get into better shape, to live longer, to improve the quality of their life. This may be the most difficult thing in the world for the vain side of us to understand, but saying, "I have to start somewhere", is the most liberating thing that a person can do! The way I see it, there are only so many different body types in the world, and we all fall into one of them. So don't feel like you have to be self-concious about how you look. We all look about the same and once you take that first step, you are working towards better health, fitness and self assurance. How can you not respect anyone who goes down that road?
So let's take a look at how really alike, we all are...
Female:
- Naturally thin: Now when I say naturally thin I ain't talking any extreme diets or mental disorders that lead to this. I am referring to a women who is naturally on the thin side, sometimes even to the point where they wish they had more curves.
My take: You are a newly purchased blank easel just waiting to be worked on. You are the perfect candidate to start working on tone and muscle definition. Strong is the new thin! Don't worry about your lack of this or lack of that. Instead, realize that every single persons natural physical state is a beautiful thing and your perseverance on the gym floor, on the trails, and on the streets is more attractive than anything!
- Plus Size
My take: Congratulations! All of those curves you complain about non-stop are the very thing that make you a gorgeous women! Women have curves, and let me tell you from a male perspective, it's a wonderful, wonderful thing. Too many girls think thin is what guys want, but this is really not the case. Now, what we can do is work on it a little bit to get the curves in all of the right places, but that ain't gonna happen unless you get out, get moving, and eat right! Don't worry about what we look like when we work out, just do it. Anyone putting an effort into it looks pretty badass in my own opinion.
Male:
- Naturally thin
My take: I know, I know. You are scared to go on the floor at the gym because you don't want to look like a pre-injection Captain America amongst all of the post-injection Captain Americas. I hear you. But you know what? We all got to start somewhere and just like the ladies, you are a blank easel just hurting for some fresh paint. Start toning! You have no fat layers to hide it!
- Plus Size
My Take: The epitome of the stereotyped masculinity is size. You got that already! Lets just convert some of that to muscle mass and you'll be set to destroy small insignificant guys like me!
Okay, now I know there are tons of body types and this is over generalizing, but most of us have felt like one of these. Regardless of what may be stopping you, remember... it is only a perception. Don't be ashamed to hit the gym or the roads. Nothing is more attractive than a hard working person, and any of us can accomplish that. The media has hammered into our heads what we all need to be, but really all any of us need to be is our best. Eat right, work out hard, and the body will take care of itself. Sooooo don't be scared. I let the world see my marshmallow torso last year, and I'm pretty sure most people driving their fancy cars, talking on their bluetooth's, thinking about dinner, didn't give a rats ass about me. And I'm cool with that.
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