In this day and age, it seems like a positive body image is a rarity. Whether you fit today’s skinny standards or wish you did, most women have issues with their bodies. Some may argue that bickering with one’s body is as old as time. We frequently hear friends and family lament about their thick thighs or pudgy middle. Personally, whether I’m with family or friends, an hour doesn’t go by without someone saying that they shouldn’t be eating that much, must skip dessert, need to lose weight or can’t fit into a shirt that was recently roomy.

Here’s a list of indicators that your image may be suffering more than usual (and ways to fix it below that):

1. You notice only negative things in the mirror, car windows, storefront windows, etc. Instead of seeing your positive physical traits, you’re more likely to be found bashing your body, and nitpicking at every nook and cranny.
2. You have a tough time taking compliments. It isn’t that you’re too polite to take a compliment; it’s that you truly believe you don’t deserve them.
3. You rarely think you look good. Even wearing a favorite outfit doesn’t help you to feel good in your skin. You rarely feel beautiful or even pretty.
4. You compare yourself to everyone. For many of us, comparisons are as natural as breathing. But, while you’re comparing your appearance to everyone else’s, you rarely have anything good to say about yourself. It’s always, “her thighs are so much slimmer than mine.” “Her waist is much smaller.” “I wish I had her body.”
5. It takes you forever to pick out an outfit — more often than not. Do you have a moment — more like many moments — where you’ve been cooped up in your room, trying on tons of clothes? You can’t see your floor, partially because it’s overflowing with clothing and mainly because your face is filled with tears. There’s nothing wrong with your clothes–it’s just that everything is wrong with your body.
6. You skip events because you don’t think you look good enough. How often have you declined an invite to a dinner date, party or other engagement because you felt too fat to leave the house?
7. You criticize your body regularly. “My stomach is gross.” “My thighs are enormous!” Do these phrases resemble your daily mantras?

5 Solutions to Your Bruised Body Image

1. Think of the awesome things you can do thanks to your body, whether it’s lifting weights, walking several miles, playing with your child, playing an instrument, riding a bike, helping mom carry groceries, dancing with your significant other, achieving a tough yoga pose or simply wrapping your arms around a loved one.

2. What do you like about yourself, beyond your body? Create a list of your positive qualities and achievements, and if you need extra reminding, put the list on a note card and stash it in your purse.

3. Hang out with positive people, who appreciate and support you, who see beyond appearances to who you really are.

4. View exercise as fulfilling, not punishing. Instead of working out to eliminate calories or fit into some bikini (all things that, unfortunately, many magazines and some so-called experts recommend), choose ways to stay active that you enjoy and that make you feel strong and good about your body. There are tons of options for leading an active lifestyle: walking, hiking, biking, workout DVDs, gym membership, yoga, Pilates, dancing, tennis. There’s nothing wrong with you if you don’t like the latest workout craze. Pick something that resonates with you.

5. Worrying about your weight and body is exhausting and strips you of valuable time. Consider all the good things you miss out on because you’re too busy criticizing yourself. You overlook other opportunities, whether it’s the opportunity to self-reflect (instead of nit-picking at your thighs or waist, focus on being kinder to yourself and others), spend time with loved ones or read a good book.

How do you think your body image has been bruised? What things do you do to improve your body image?

http://blogs.psychcentral.com/weightless/2009/11/7-signs-your-body-image-is-bruised-and-5-sol
utions/

*AHEM* I have to let everyone know that I am a University of Phoenix graduate!  I must confess that I am not happy like I thought I would be. I guess it’s the anti-climatic nature in me. Now, that I have graduated I am looking to move into a different career. Since, I live in the real world I know I need a steady income to continue my fitness dreams. So, in order to do this I need to pursue certifications in my current field. Now, I got that out of the way. Let’s talk about my current fitness status.

Since November of 2007 I have been losing weight or "cutting". I never liked that term to much… Anyway, it’s over for now. I need to change things up. While I do believe my body has adapted, I think it’s time to put muscle on. I think most people don’t realize that you need a base to build a house. In other words, you need muscle in order to be defined. While it’s possible to build muscle during a "cutting" cycle, it’s damn hard.

From November 1st up until January 1st, 2010 I will be performing a bulk. It’s going to be nothing serious, because it will my first attempt. I do expect some mishaps along the way. I will admit that I am excited and scared. Oh, well. We shall see and I will keep you all posted.

Walking drunks.   Now, I don’t drink anymore and I don’t have problems with people drinking. However, I do have problems with people stumbling on the streets, on the bus and plane drunk. That’s right, I said on to the PLANE drunk.

Snobby Europeans.   You’re a visitor in this great country. If you don’t like the people, then get back on your plane and leave. I heard one lady say "Stupid Americans". I looked at her, she looked at me. Her Ivan Drago looking man, grabbed her and they walked a way quickly.

Women wearing things they shouldn’t wear.  This actually applies to both men and women. Here is a little secret. Where clothes that are flattering to your body. Granted I had a few shirts that were too tight when I was larger, however for the most part I dressed for my size and I LOOKED smaller.

Now, I got all these things off my chest? Well I go back?  Yeah for the Olympia. In my opinion it’s not worth all the hype. I found the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam much more enjoyable. Yep, I am weird like that. Oh, I did make it rain at the crap tables.

The point is that I am now being looked up to. I was feeling down, not happy with the way I looked, etc.  All of a sudden I get friends request from people who look up to me. People saying the same stuff that I said to “JoshBme” and others. It’s funny, ironic, humbling, and just great. I can inspire someone else, that’s just amazing.  As always I am here to provide any help I can. All my information is free of charge. I want you all to succeed.

As one newly added member said, “Antonio, you show the real results are produced by real people.” I couldn’t agree more. While I may get frustrated, I know I am in this for the long run. There is no rush to perfection. Rome wasn’t built in one day, Jordan wasn’t a instant hit, and you know the rest….

I am here to help. I am not here to score some modeling contract or push supplements and or charge for meal plans.  Would a modeling contract be nice? Of course it would. However, receiving emails from people who say they find inspiration in me is better than any contract. I mean that 100%  Regarding this inspiration thing. Someone had the nerve to message me stating "that I should add them to my inspiration list, because he inspires me." I nearly fell out of my chair. Even if that was the case, you sir have lost all respect.  Once again, idiots looking to gain personally and by looking at the top 6. He is doing quite well. Once I found out how to remove people permanently, this clown is gone.

Oh well. It had to be said. Have a nice day.

Well, here is a little secret. I had convinced myself that I had gyno. I looked up surgery options and everything. Basically, I was stupid. So, I just told myself to work through it. Keep working on losing weight and hitting the chest hard. Now, I guess I am "man boob" free.

There is not such thing a spot reduction. Continue to lose the body fat and your chest will shape up nicely.

Training:

There is an old saying, "It’s not the machine, but the man." I believe, the saying originated from World War II. This saying can applied to the gym. It’s not how much weight you lift, it’s how you lift it. I was reading a profile of someone I have come to admire. This person has been able to change their life around through the use of fitness. However, now do to one mistake.  They may be out for a long time or even permanently.  The injury is not important, how this person got injured is.

I personally believe that EGO is the #1 factor in gym injuries. I see it everyday, males come in and immediately  proceed to squat 300 or bench 300. They wonder why they don’t progress or get injured. I tell males time after time, that you must leave the ego at the door. It’s not about out benching the guy across the gym. It’s about coming and using your time effectively. I spoke with a friend yesterday, regarding getting my deadlift up. I explained to him that I believe I am being held back due to a minor injury in the past. He stated, "Stop being a pussy. I (insert injury here), (Insert heroic recovery), ( Insert massive increase in strength)." All, the while I was thinking. Yeah, ok. I stop being a "pussy" and injure myself. Where will I be at?

In am in this for a long run and I be damned, if I let a self caused injury set me back. Here are some keys to success:

• Don’t lift drunk or tipsy - Yeah, that was a smart move that put me out for a month.
• Don’t try to impress girls by lifting heavy - 9 times out of 10, they don’t even care. Plus, they’re probably laughing at your foolish ass.
  
• EGO is a killer - Leave that **** at the door.
  
• Read the profiles of others - I think this is one of the most important. You should always read and learn what not to do from others.
  

That’s it, now let’s get it in!

The moral of the story is, that actions speak louder than words, and people are watching those actions. You can inspire or disgust somoene without even saying anything. It’s not about lifting heavy weight. It’s about keeping your ego at the door and following good form. Working out is process that takes years and I am in it for the long haul.

There are plenty of pro and cons with working out. We all get sold on looking good and feeling better. However, there is a darker side to working out. I have noticed that people think they’re are better than others just because they work out. I have caught myself acting like this from time to time and it disgusts me. I often wonder, what I am injured to the point of not being able to lift a weight again. What would I do? How would I feel?

That’s when I came to realise that confidence is not something that you can build in the gym. Confidence… *ahem* swag is something that you’re born with. Jay-Z, was qouted as saying "you are, what you are, before you even got here." For the most part I believe that. So, the next time you start thinking about how you’re better than (insert person here). Look in the mirror and ask yourself, what would happen if?