Pictures of the “Old You” - Do They Bother You?
I started working out properly in July 2007. I finished celebrating the Fourth of July and walked into a gym and made big changes in my life. The other day I was flipping through my pictures and came across shots of that last vacation I took before I started working out properly. I was fourteen pounds lighter back then. You would think that I would be able to look at those shots and be happy that I could use them to gauge the progress I’ve made. I pretty much had the opposite reaction. It was physically painful looking at them. I could barely stand it. All I could think was, “Holy @$%@, I look TERRIBLE!” I don’t have any problems with being motivated to go to the gym (except for leg day), but if I ever do I’m going to put those old pictures of myself in my head. I’m never going back to looking like that.
Anyone else have the same feelings?
April 11, 2008 at 7:35 pm
NOW you make me hesitant to even post any of my old pictures. I already cringe at the way I used to look…and I’m only halfway there!
April 11, 2008 at 7:37 pm
I don’t like looking at my ‘before’ pics either, but they remind me that I’m never going back there, so I guess they serve a purpose.
April 11, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Defiantly keep those pictures around. There was a lady I used to work with who showed me her before pictures and I couldn’t believe it. People change..some good and some bad. In her case for the better. She used to be very over weight. She told me the reason she kept those around is because she still has issues with temptation and food. It keeps her in check and reminds her of her goals. I know I will keep my old progress photos not only to keep myself in check but to give motivation for others. Ha ha ha I do have a few that do bother me though.
April 12, 2008 at 12:12 am
I usually just laugh at myself when I look at my old pictures. Funny thing though, The 12 year old me could probably kick my a** right now! LOL
April 12, 2008 at 4:00 pm
I hate my old pics and especially thinking that at one point like that I was "happy" with who I was. I have such a better life now… Motivates me every day to stick with my routine and embrace the new lifestyle. If I’m this much happier now it can only get better from here.
April 12, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Yup - not too fond of the old pics either… I look at them and wonder, was I really happy? and did I think I looked good??? really though, those pics are just showing the shell, the true person is inside (thankfully when you change the shell, you also impact the core (and I am not referring to abs….)
(though your abs truly have been impacted! LOL!!)
April 15, 2008 at 5:17 am
I also feel odd when I look at older pictures of myself! For me, there is a bit of body dysmorphia going on! I often think I still look the way I did 5 years ago, and it really messes with me sometimes.
I think the key for me is to remember if I didn’t get to where I was then, I wouldn’t be where I am now. All those things that took me to that point helped me get to where I am standing, and for that, I need to remind myself to be thankful. 
I hope you are kind to yourself today. 
April 21, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Okay….I posted the old pictures….and the not so old pictures. I sure hope a few months from now I can look back and cringe at them all….:)